Chamomile
Chamomile Detailed Encyclopedia
Chamomile is a commonly used herbal plant with effects of sedating and calming the mind, anti-inflammatory and reducing swelling, relieving spasm and pain. Originating from Europe, now widely cultivated worldwide, it is one of the most important herbal plants in traditional Western herbal medicine and a famous herbal tea ingredient.
Basic Information
Family：Asteraceae
Scientific Name：Matricaria chamomilla
Origin：Europe, now cultivated throughout China
Harvest Period：Summer (May-August)
Growth Years：1 year
Plant Height：30-50 cm
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves：Alternate, 2-3 times pinnately divided, thread-like segments
Flowers：Capitulum inflorescence, white ray florets, yellow disc florets, blooming May-August
Roots：Fibrous root system
Stem：Erect, branched, smooth or slightly hairy
Growth Environment
Soil Requirements：Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0-7.5
Water Requirements：Moderate watering, avoid waterlogging
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, requires full sunlight
Temperature Requirements：15-25°C, cold-tolerant
Humidity Requirements：Relative humidity 50-70%
Classification & Varieties
Main Varieties
Processing Types
💊 Health Benefits
Nature & Taste：Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral
Meridian：Enters Liver, Spleen meridians
Main Efficacies
- •Sedates and calms the mind, improves insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension
- •Anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling, suitable for skin inflammation, eczema, wound sootheing
- •Relieves spasm and pain, alleviates gastrointestinal spasm, dysmenorrhea, headache
- •Soothes nerves, relieves stress and tension
- •Enhances immunity, antioxidant, antibacterial
Active Ingredients
📖 Usage Methods
Dosage
- •Decoction: 3-6g
- •Powder: 1-2g
- •Stew: Add to herbal formulas
- •Tea: 1-2 teaspoons dried flowers steeped in hot water
⚠️ Contraindications
- •Use with caution in allergic individuals
- •Generally safe, use in moderation
- •Pregnant women use under medical supervision
- •Children can use in moderation
🌱 Cultivation Techniques
Cultivation Points
- •Select sunny location with good drainage
- •Deep tillage, apply organic fertilizer
- •Spring or autumn sowing, plant spacing 20-30cm
- •Timely weeding, moderate watering
Common Pests & Diseases
Prevention Measures：Strengthen field management, maintain ventilation
Treatment Methods：Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap at early stage
✂️ Harvest & Processing
Harvest Timing：Summer May-August, harvest when flowers fully open
Harvest Method：Pick flower heads, can harvest multiple times
Processing Methods
- •Fresh flowers: Use directly or make tea
- •Dried flowers: Shade-dry to preserve color and aroma
- •Chamomile oil: Steam distillation to extract essential oil
Storage：Store in cool, dry place, sealed to preserve aroma
🏛️ Cultural Value
History：Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years in European traditional herbal practice
Symbolism：Symbolizes peace and tranquility
Gift Culture：Traditional calming herbal tea
Modern Research：Modern research confirms sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects
Market Value：Important herbal tea ingredient and essential oil source