Descriptions of Plants: Chamomile

THE SOIL (AND SKIN) DOCTOR

Family: Asteraceae

INCI: Matricaria recutita / Matricaria chamomilla / Chamomilla recutita

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Life Cycle: Annual

Our Uses: Hydrosols, essential oil, extracts, teas.

Aroma: Middle-to-base, complex, bittersweet, warm, earthy, apple-y.

Good For: Soothing (nervine), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, decongestant.

High in: Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic & antioxidants compounds (sesquiterpenes) like alpha-bisabolol, matricin and its derivative chamazulene.

A universally loved plant, chamomile has been a part of herbal medicine for millennia. In fact, there is even evidence that the plant was consumed by the Neanderthals, where it’s been found in their dental calculi, over 50,000 years ago. Widely prepared in teas and infusions to induce peaceful and deep sleep, it is also an excellent herb to ease the nerves and soothe digestion, it’s like getting a warm hug from a loved one. It can help to unwind after a stressful day, relieve aching muscles and anxiety, and reduce general inflammation. What is remarkable about chamomile is that the effects it has internally on the body are mirrored externally on the skin, being the go-to plant to relieve all types of inflamed skin issues like rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, and sunburn.

Like lemon balm, which we profiled some weeks ago, chamomile was treasured by many ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The ancient Egyptians dedicated the plant to the sun god Ra, and loved the herb, using it profusely in teas and infused in oils for all-over skin treatments. Known for its distinct earthy-fruity scent, the Greeks named it kamai (ground) melon (apple), and in Spanish it is still called manzanilla, or “little apple”.

It's important to note that there are two main types of chamomile: German, or blue, chamomile and Roman chamomile. While very similar in both the way they look and their effects on the body, there are slight differences. Roman chamomile is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than German chamomile. We will focus primarily on German chamomile for its superior properties when it comes to relieving inflammation, especially when concerning the skin.

German chamomile is one of the most important herbs in Biodynamic agriculture, therefore making it a favorite of ours! Along with dandelion, the pair is known as the “soil doctors” because they remediate and condition the soil with their robust and intricate root systems, allowing for aerated soil and better nutrient absorption. At the same time, chamomile is one of the six essential Biodynamic compost preparations, stimulating the natural cycle of growth, decomposition, and new growth to occur in an efficient and regenerative manner. Its effects allow the substances inside the compost heap to break down correctly and ensure a stable nitrogen content (one of the 3 crucial components of healthy soil alongside potassium and phosphorus). The Biodynamic gardener knows the distinction between German and Roman chamomile, as the German variety is the one that provides these forces, while the Roman lacks some of the same vitality. In our garden we have both, the German chamomile being cultivated in our beds, and Roman chamomile growing free and wild around the property.

As chamomile tea is soothing for humans, it has the same effects on stressed-out plants. The infusion can be sprayed on the soil or directly on plants putting its mineral content to work: sulfur acts against fungal diseases, while calcium stimulates the healing process, and potassium stimulates fruit and flower development––for maximum effect, spray both before and after the plant begins to flower.

On the skin, the same consistency in chamomile’s restorative, vulnerary and soothing properties is observed. This is particularly true for german chamomile’s hydrosol and essential oil. The essential oil of chamomile is most potent in the plant early in the morning, just before the dew has dried from the plant. Picked at this time, even when dried thereafter, it produces a wonderfully inky blue essential oil during distillation.

In skincare products, the essential oil is valued for its volatile oils like chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol ––two compounds known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and antioxidant properties. As we’ve mentioned before, the distillation process for each requires different techniques, most visible in the fact that for hydrosols you use freshly-picked chamomile, whereas for essential oil, you allow the herb to dry for a few days in order to pack more plant material into the still.

The hydrosol is a classic product to promote overall skin health: of value for all skin issues and skin-types, it is a major anti-inflammatory and decongestant agent, effective on acne, rashes, itching, eczema, rosacea, and puffy eyes. As it holds antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it works great as a cleansing water for people with sensitive, fragile skin, and it can even aid in the regenerating process of minor wounds and scars. Mist after a long day or a stressful situation and feel yourself relax almost immediately. It can also brighten the hair naturally if you’re looking for highlights, and it can be used as a cooling, after-sun body spray.

If not already clear, it’s a Maison/Made favorite! This year is turning out to be our best year for our cultivated chamomile, much more springing out of the earth than we expected. And there is a reason why it is so ubiquitous out in the world: it works! One thing I love about working with classic plants like Chamomile is that there is a real feeling of connection with the past. Tuning into ancient medicine, learning how it was used for centuries, and pondering how to incorporate what we know now is what stimulates our passion for plants like chamomile.

xo,

– Carolina

Sources:

Rose, J. (1999) - 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Berkeley, CA. North Atlantic Books.

Schnaubelt, K. (2011) - The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils. The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy. Rochester, VA. Healing Arts Press.

De la Foret, R. (2017) - Alchemy of Herbs. Carlsbad, CA. Hay’s House.

Fisher, C. (2018) - Materia Medica of Western Herbs. London, GB. Aeon Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003) - Medical Herbalism. The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VA. Healing Arts Press.