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{{This|German Chamomile|Chamomile}}
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = German Chamomile
| image = Koeh-091.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = German Chamomile (from [[Köhler's Medicinal Plants]], 1887)
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Matricaria]]''
| species = '''''M. recutita'''''
| binomial = ''Matricaria recutita''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''German Chamomile''' (''Matricaria recutita''), also spelled '''Camomile''', is an [[annual plant]] of the sunflower family [[Asteraceae]]. Synonyms are: ''Chamomilla chamomilla'', ''Chamomilla recutita'' (accepted name according to the [[Flora Europaea]]), ''Matricaria chamomilla'', and ''Matricaria suaveolens''.

It usually grows near populated areas all over [[Europe]] and temperate Asia. It is widely introduced in temperate [[North America]] and [[Australia]]. As the [[seed]]s need open [[soil]] to survive, it often grows near roads, around [[landfill]]s and in cultivated fields as a [[weed]].

Other names include '''Wild Chamomile''', '''Hungarian Chamomile''', and '''Scented Mayweed'''.

The branched [[Plant stem|stem]] is erect and smooth and grows to a height of 15-60 cm. The long and narrow [[Leaf|leaves]] are bipinnate or tripinnate.

The [[flower]]s are borne in [[panicle|paniculate]] [[capitulum|capitula]]. The white ray florets are furnished with a [[ligule]], while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow [[receptacle]] is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguished German Chamomile from [[Corn Chamomile]] (''Anthemis arvensis''), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers have a strong, aromatic smell, and bloom in June and July.

==Uses==

===Herbalism===
German Chamomile is used [[medicine|medicinally]] against sore [[stomach]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]], and as a gentle sleep aid. It can be taken as an [[herbal tea]], two teaspoons of dried [[flower]] per cup of tea. For a sore stomach, some recommend taking a cup every morning without food for two to three months. It is also used as a mouthwash against oral [[mucositis]]. It has acaricidal properties against certain [[mite]]s, such as ''Psoroptes cuniculi''. The primary active ingredient of the [[essential oil]] from German Chamomile is [[bisabolol]].

The active ingredients are essential oils, notably [[chamazulene]], [[flavonoid]]s and [[coumarin]].

Chamomile is also used [[Beauty|cosmetic]]ally, primarily to make a rinse for [[blonde hair]].

===Agriculture===
Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially ones that produce [[essential oil]]s. It is thought to increase production of those oils, making certain herbs, like mints (spearmint, sage, oregano) and basil taste stronger in scent and flavor.

Chamomile "tea" is also thought to be useful to suppress fungal growth, for example misting it over seedlings may prevent [[damping off]].

Chamomile is frequently an invasive species in agricultural fields. Farmers often must control chamomile's spread to maintain productivity of their fields.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:Chamomile@original size.jpg
Image:Matricaria recutita.jpg
Image:Cabbage_butterfly.jpg
</gallery>

==External links==
*[http://ibscrohns.about.com/od/alternativeremedies/p/chamomile.htm Chamomile for IBS]
*[http://altmed.creighton.edu/preg/chamomile.htm Herbal Supplements in Pregnancy] - Lists active chemical components of chamomile
*[http://liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/chamomile.html Health Benefits of Chamomile]

{{Commons|Matricaria recutita}}
{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Herbal tea]]

German Chamomile - Revision history

MediaWiki default at 13:36, 4 August 2007