Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn. Anthemis nobilis)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Asteraceae
• Common Names: Roman Chamomile, English Chamomile, Garden Chamomile
• Parts Used: Flowers, essential oil

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Description

Chamaemelum nobile is a low-growing perennial herb native to Western Europe and North Africa. Known for its gentle yet effective medicinal properties, Roman Chamomile is commonly used for digestive health, relaxation, and skin healing. Its sweet, apple-like fragrance makes it a favorite in herbal teas and essential oils.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicine for digestive support and relaxation.
• Traditionally employed in European herbalism to soothe skin irritations and promote restful sleep.
• Applied as an anti-inflammatory remedy for gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders.

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Constituents

• Essential oils (chamazulene, bisabolol)
• Flavonoids
• Coumarins
• Tannins
• Mucilage

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Actions

• Anti-inflammatory
• Carminative (relieves gas)
• Nervine (calms the nervous system)
• Antispasmodic
• Mild sedative
• Digestive tonic

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Support:
Roman Chamomile is traditionally used to relieve bloating, indigestion, nausea, and colic.

2. Nervous System Relaxation:
A well-known herbal remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

3. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief:
Applied topically or taken internally to reduce muscle cramps, headaches, and joint pain.

4. Skin Healing and Wound Care:
Chamomile infusions and essential oil are used for burns, eczema, rashes, and minor wounds.

5. Menstrual Health:
Soothes menstrual cramps and supports hormonal balance in women’s health.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1-2 tsp of dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and drink up to 3 times daily.

Tincture:

• 2-5 ml of tincture taken up to 3 times daily.

Poultice or Wash:

• Strong infusion applied externally for skin irritations and wounds.

Essential Oil:

• Diluted and applied topically for skin and muscle relaxation.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally safe, but high doses should be avoided.
• Allergic Reactions: May cause reactions in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
• Blood Thinning Effects: Chamomile may interact with anticoagulants and should be used with caution.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional European Herbalism: Cooling and soothing; used for calming digestion and nerves.
• Ayurveda: Balances Vata and Pitta, but may aggravate Kapha in excess.

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Combinations

• For Sleep and Relaxation: Combine with valerian and passionflower.
• For Digestive Health: Combine with fennel and peppermint.
• For Skin Healing: Combine with calendula and lavender.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Flowers are collected when fully open and fragrant.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried flowers in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Chamaemelum nobile’s anti-inflammatory, sedative, and digestive-supporting effects, reinforcing its traditional medicinal use.

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Roman Chamomile remains a widely used herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestion, relaxation, and skin health.