Medicinal plant
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
A relaxing, digestive evening tea. Also called German Chamomile.
A traditional nervine and mild sedative used for relaxation and sleep, and a carminative/antispasmodic for indigestion, gas, and digestive cramping. Also used topically for some irritated skin conditions. NCCIH notes chamomile is widely promoted for these purposes, but the clinical evidence isn’t strong enough to establish effectiveness for many conditions.
Properties
Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system
Carminative — Helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort
Antispasmodic — Helps relax cramps, spasms, or tight muscles
Energetics
Cooling Drying Relaxing
People with strong allergies to the daisy/ragweed family may react to chamomile.
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Annual.
What to buy
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) seed.
Best way to start
Seed.
Seed starting
Surface sow indoors or direct sow in cool spring weather; light helps germination.