Scientific name: Matricaria recutita L.
Common name: common or german chamomile.
English name: german camomile.
Parts used: flowering tops.
Components: essential oil (chamazulene, blue color), bisabolol.
Properties: anti-inflammatory and soothing.
Suggested use: indicated for digestive difficulties, insomnia, skin inflammations, conjunctivitis.
Curiosity: chamomile infusions have been given to children as a soothing drink.
The name chamomile derives from the Greek khamaimelon "dwarf apple tree"; the smell of flowers recalls that of rennet apples, according to Pliny the Elder. Matricaria from the Latin matrix = uterus, for its emmenagogic properties.
Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, but also sedative-nervine, anti-neuralgic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.