Chamaemelum nobile

Chamaemelum nobile a low perennial plant with bright daisy-like flowers, known for its medicinal and soothing powers, its presence in fragrances and body care products.

The leaves are alternate, finely dissected, and can be slightly downy to completely glabrous (without hairs).

The flowers are white with a yellow center.

It is often confused with German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), both species having been used nearly interchangeably in therapies.

However, Roman Chamomile’s specific epithet (nobile) reflects the belief that it was the more useful of the two

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾:

• • Chamomile can be planted as a fragrant chamomile lawn. Especially in places where the lawnmower cannot reach – it allows for the creation of a scented space that will bloom come summertime.

The Tale:

Its name derives from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon), which means “earth-apple”. Some say that the plant sometimes smells like apple, but I have never really found that to be true.

The European cultivation of the plant started in England in the 16th century. Its fragrant smell and soft leaves made it popular with Elizabethan gardeners, and the plant has since become a must-have for herb gardeners across Europe.

Roman Chamomile was used medicinally as early as the classical period, including in ancient Egypt, and has been listed in medical texts since medieval times. As Gerard’s Herball noted, Chamomile was traditionally useful to relieve heartburn and gas, as a diuretic, as an aid during childbirth, to reduce fevers, and for the relief of various aches and pains (Gerard et al., 1633).

Recent research into Roman Chamomile shows its potential for treatment of inflammation, spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and oral lichen planus is documented in the following articles:

• • The in Vitro Effects of Roman Chamomile on Smooth Muscles

  • Nutrients, phytochemicals and bioactivity of wild Roman chamomile

  • Efficacy of topical chamomile management vs. placebo in patients with oral lichen planus

  • The Mechanism Action of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in the Treatment of Eczema

  • Traditional plants from Asteraceae family as potential candidates for functional food industry

Both chamomile’s have been closely associated with the woman’s body throughout history. In gynecology, chamomile can provoke cycles of menstruation and has been shown to facilitate delivery of intrauterine dead fetuses. It might justify Chamomile’s name in later literature—which also gave its name to the genus—Matricaria. This word comes from the classical Latin word ‘matrix’ which refers to the womb, solidifying the link.

In the health care and beauty industry, it is revered for its richness in apigenin that are found in the petals. This yellow pigment attaches to the scales in the hair shaft without penetrating the hair and can help naturally lighten blond hair.