Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Asteraceae
Europe and Western Asia
Annual
Aromatic
Feathery
Prolific
The name comes from the Greek khamaimelon – “ground apple” – a nod to the sharp, apple-sweet scent released when the foliage is crushed underfoot.
- Steeped as an infusion across Europe and the Middle East for centuries, typically dried flowerheads in hot water.
- Used in folk practice to settle the stomach and ease a restless evening – historical record, not a clinical claim.
- Rinsed through fair hair to brighten it, and interplanted among vegetables in the belief it improved a neighbour’s health, earning the old nickname “the physician plant.”
- Low-growing annual, rarely past 40cm, with finely divided, feathery foliage.
- Flowerhead carries a raised yellow disc ringed by white ray florets that droop as the bloom matures.
- Releases a distinct apple-sweet scent when bruised or crushed.
- Undemanding in cultivation – tolerates poor, dry soil and self-seeds freely once established.
- Draws pollinators, particularly hoverflies and small bees.
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
Discover More Herbs in the Collection
