Real chamomile »All information at a glance in the profile

Plant profile:

• Botanical name: Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamomilla
• Other names: Field chamomile, Hermel, Garmille, Mägdeblume, Kummerblume
• Order: Astern-like (Asterales)
• Genus: chamomiles
• Family: Aster family
• Height: 15 - 50 centimeters
• Growth habit: annual clusters, loose, bushy
• Main flowering time: May to July
• Leaf color: juicy green
• Leaf shape: double or triple pinnate
• Flower color: white, yellow
• Flower shape: flower head

origin

Chamomile was originally native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor and is now found all over Europe. The medicinal herb can be found growing in the wild, especially on fallow land as well as on the edges of fields and roads.

Planting and care:

The chamomile prefers a sunny, warm and rather dry place. The substrate should be profound. It is important that the water can run off well, as the plant is sensitive to waterlogging.

You can easily grow the medicinal plant yourself from seeds available from specialist retailers. Sow them in rows from April. Since the chamomile is a light germinator, the seeds are only lightly pressed, but not covered with earth. As soon as the third pair of leaves shows up, separate the plants to 20 centimeters.

Propagation:

Let some flower heads stand and fall off in autumn, including the chamomile itself. In the next spring, new plants appear in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant without any further action.

Harvest chamomile

Pick the flowers, preferably in the morning hours, before they are fully open. At this point, they contain the highest amount of valuable essential oils.

After the harvest, the flowers are dried in an airy place on a spread cloth. Store the medicinal herb in dark, well-sealable containers so that the ingredients are retained.

Diseases and pests:

Despite the fact that chamomile is quite robust, it is susceptible to real and falsehood mildew. In wet years there is also a risk of fungal infestation.

Chamomile is also occasionally infested by the chamomile beetle or the chamomile stem weevil in the home garden. To keep the animals away from the plants you can use the medicinal plant with nets or a Plant fleece cover.

The healing effect

Chamomile is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic and soothing properties. She comes at:

• Gastrointestinal complaints,
• Inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes,
• Colds,
• Sunburn,
• Menstrual cramps

for use.

Usually a brew is prepared. To do this, put about three teaspoons of the flowers in a cup and pour hot water over it. Let it stand for ten minutes and strain.