Chamomile — Matricaria chamomilla (German) & Chamaemelum nobile (Roman)

layout: base.njk title: Chamomile description: Growing Chamomile in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: medicinal

Type: Annual (German) / Perennial (Roman)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardiness: Zones 2-8 (German annual, Roman perennial Zones 4-8)

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

Per plant (German): ¼-½ lb dried flowers per season
Per plant (Roman): ¼-½ lb dried flowers per season (Year 2+)
Per patch (10'x10'): 6-10 lbs dried flowers (60-80 German plants, 40-50 Roman)
Lifespan: German = 1 season (self-seeds); Roman = 5-10+ years

🏺 Heirloom Varieties & Species

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Source: Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek, Mountain Rose Herbs
Notes: Annual. White petals, yellow cone center. Most common medicinal type. Stronger apple fragrance. Higher azulene content (anti-inflammatory).

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Source: Herb nurseries, perennial specialists
Notes: Perennial (Zones 4-8). Low-growing, creeping habit. Used for chamomile lawns. Slightly bitter taste.

'Bodegold' German Chamomile

Source: Richter's Herbs, European collections
Notes: High essential oil content. Compact, productive. German selection.

'Zloty Lan' German Chamomile

Source: Eastern European herb collections
Notes: Polish variety. High chamazulene. Vigorous, heat-tolerant.

'Trenague' Roman Chamomile

Source: Perennial nurseries,草坪 (lawn) specialists
Notes: Sterile (no flowers). Used for chamomile lawns, ground cover. Fragrant foliage.

'English Dwarf' Roman Chamomile

Source: Herb specialists
Notes: Low-growing (3-4 inches). Flowers profusely. Good for edging, containers.

Wild German Chamomile

Source: Self-seeded, naturalized populations
Notes: Often found growing wild. Smaller flowers, variable potency. Still medicinal.

Double-Flowered Roman Chamomile

Source: Ornamental collections
Notes: Double white flowers. Ornamental, less seed production.

'Ceaseless Bloom' Roman Chamomile

Source: Modern selections
Notes: Extended flowering period. Perpetual bloom under ideal conditions.

📜 Cultural History

Domesticated: Ancient Egypt/Mediterranean, 3,000+ years ago

Historical Record: - Ancient Egypt: Dedicated to their gods. Used for fevers, "agues" (malaria-like illnesses). - Ancient Rome: Called "chamaimêlon" (Greek) = "ground apple" (apple-like scent). Used in beverages, medicine. - Anglo-Saxon England: One of nine "sacred herbs." Used for almost every ailment. - Medieval Europe: Popular strewing herb (floors), medicine, brewing. - Victorian era: Chamomile tea became fashionable. "The plant's physician" (folk name). - Native American use: Adopted from European settlers. Used for colic, teething, stomach issues. - Name origin: Greek "chamai" (ground) + "mêlon" (apple) = ground apple

Cultural Significance: - Ancient Egypt: Sacred to Ra (sun god), used in embalming - Medieval Europe: One of most popular medicinal herbs - Victorian language of flowers: Symbol of patience, energy in adversity - Traditional European medicine: Digestive aid, calming nervine, children's remedy - German culture: National herb, part of daily life - Modern use: Most popular herbal tea worldwide, children's calming remedy - Symbol of peace, calm, comfort

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

German Chamomile (Annual)

Seed method: Tiny seeds produced in flower centers. Shake dried flower heads to release.
Isolation: ½ mile (insect-pollinated)
Viability: 3-4 years
Self-seeding: Readily self-seeds. May become "volunteer" plant year after year.
Special notes: Seeds need light to germinate (surface sow). Germination 7-14 days.

Roman Chamomile (Perennial)

Division: Every 3-4 years in spring. Dig clump, separate into sections with roots + shoots.
Cuttings: Softwood cuttings root easily in moist soil.
Runners: Spreads by above-ground runners. Root at nodes.
Seed: Less common (many varieties are sterile). Seeds viable 1-2 years.

💊 Medicinal Preparations

Chamomile Tea (Infusion)

Uses: Insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues, colic, teething, menstrual cramps

Recipe: - 1-2 tsp dried chamomile flowers (or 2-3 tsp fresh) - 1 cup boiling water - Steep 10-15 minutes, covered (traps volatile oils) - Strain, drink 1-3 cups daily

For children: ¼-½ cup, weak strength. Safe for teething, bedtime.

Notes: Best taken 30 minutes before bed for sleep support. Add honey, lemon for taste.

Chamomile Tincture

Uses: Anxiety, chronic digestive issues, long-term calming support

Recipe: - Fill jar ¾ with dried chamomile flowers - Cover with 80-100 proof vodka or brandy (1-2 inches above plant material) - Seal, label, store in dark place 4-6 weeks - Shake daily - Strain through cheesecloth, store in amber dropper bottles - Dosage: 30-60 drops (1-2 mL) 2-3x daily

Shelf life: 3-5 years

Chamomile Salve

Uses: Eczema, diaper rash, chapped skin, minor burns, hemorrhoids

Recipe: - Fill jar ½ with dried chamomile flowers - Cover with olive oil (2 inches above plant material) - Infuse 4-6 weeks in warm dark place, OR 2-3 hours in double boiler (low heat) - Strain through cheesecloth - Combine infused oil with beeswax (1 oz beeswax per 1 cup oil) - Melt beeswax into oil, stir well - Pour into tins/jars, cool completely

Shelf life: 1-2 years

Note: Excellent for sensitive skin, babies.

Chamomile Compress

Uses: Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), skin irritation, wounds

Recipe: - Make strong tea (2 tbsp dried flowers per cup boiling water) - Steep 20 minutes, strain through coffee filter (removes particles) - Cool to body temperature - Soak clean cloth, apply to affected area 10-15 minutes - Repeat 2-4x daily

Notes: Safe for eye use if well-strained. Sterile technique important.

Chamomile Bath Tea

Uses: Skin irritation, colic in infants, calming bedtime ritual

Recipe: - ½-1 cup dried chamomile flowers - 1 quart boiling water - Steep 30 minutes, strain - Add to bathwater - Soak 15-20 minutes

For babies: Use weaker tea, shorter soak (5-10 min). Supervise always.

Chamomile Steam Inhalation

Uses: Sinus congestion, cold/flu, respiratory inflammation

Recipe: - ¼ cup dried chamomile flowers - 1 quart boiling water - Pour into bowl, lean over (towel over head) - Inhale steam 5-10 minutes - Keep eyes closed

Frequency: 1-3x daily while congested

Chamomile Pillow

Uses: Insomnia, restlessness

Recipe: - Fill small muslin bag with dried chamomile flowers - Add lavender, hops for enhanced effect (optional) - Place inside pillowcase or under pillow

Notes: Aromatherapy effect. Replace flowers every 1-2 months.

⚠️ Safety Notes

Contraindications

Pregnancy: Generally considered safe in food/tea amounts. Avoid medicinal doses (may stimulate uterus).
Breastfeeding: Safe. Chamomile tea traditional for nursing mothers.
Children: Safe and widely used. Reduce dose by age/weight. Common colic/teething remedy.

Drug Interactions

Blood thinners (Warfarin): Chamomile contains coumarin (natural blood thinner). May increase bleeding risk with high doses.
Sedatives/benzodiazepines: May enhance sedative effects. Additive calming. Generally safe but use caution.
Cyclosporine: Chamomile may affect metabolism. Monitor if on immunosuppressants.
Diabetes medications: May lower blood sugar. Monitor glucose closely.

Allergic Reactions

Asteraceae family allergy: Those allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums may react to chamomile. Incidence ~1-2%.
Contact dermatitis: Rare. Patch test before topical use on sensitive skin.
Eye irritation: Ensure tea is well-strained before eye use.

Overuse Concerns

Long-term use: Generally regarded as safe for extended use. Some report mild nausea with excessive consumption.
High doses: May cause vomiting, drowsiness. Stick to recommended dosages.

Species Toxicity Confusion

German/Roman chamomile: Safe medicinal herb
Dog chamomile (Anthemis cotula): Different plant, toxic. Ensure correct identification if wild harvesting.
Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea): Related, edible, similar uses. Safe.

Surgical Procedures

Pre-surgery: Discontinue high-dose chamomile 2 weeks before scheduled surgery (theoretical bleeding risk).

🌱 Natural Soil Amendments (WV Zone 6b/7a)

Following The Loop Farmstead Natural Soil Amendments Standard—NO synthetic fertilizers, NO mined minerals.

At Planting (Year 1)

Compost: ½ inch incorporated into planting area
Leaf mold: 1 inch mulch after emergence (retains moisture)
Eggshells: 1 tablespoon crushed per planting area (calcium for cell walls)

Annual Maintenance (German - Annual)

Compost: Light ¼ inch top-dress mid-season if plants seem pale
Creek sand: ½ inch if soil is heavy clay (improves drainage)

Annual Maintenance (Roman - Perennial, Year 2+)

Compost: ½ inch top-dress in early spring
Wood ash: Light sprinkle in spring (potassium for flowering)
Leaf litter: 1 inch mulch in fall (protects crowns over winter)

Cover Cropping (For larger plantings)

Buckwheat: Summer green manure before planting (quick biomass)
Oats: Fall cover crop, winter-kill, easy spring planting

Notes for Chamomile Specifically

Chamomile prefers moderate fertility. Over-amending = lush leaves, few flowers.
Excellent drainage critical. Raised beds ideal if native soil is clay.
Roman chamomile makes excellent living mulch, pathway edging, "chamomile lawn."

🐺 The Loop Farmstead Notes

Why We Grow Chamomile: - Bedtime tea for whole family - Children's calming remedy (safe, gentle) - Digestive aid after heavy meals - Skin soothing (eczema, diaper rash) - Beneficial insect attractor (hoverflies, parasitic wasps) - Roman variety: fragrant lawn alternative - Excellent dried flower storage (retains potency 1-2 years)

Harvest Tips: - Harvest on dry, sunny morning (after dew, before noon) - Pick flowers when petals are horizontal (not drooping downward) - Use "flower comb" or fingers to harvest quickly - Dry immediately (dark, warm, ventilated area) - German: Harvest continuously (flowers every few days) - Roman: Harvest main flush early summer, light fall bloom

Where We Use It: - Bedtime tea (with lemon balm, lavender) - Baby bath tea (gentle calming) - Diaper rash salve (with calendula, plantain) - Digestive tea (with peppermint, fennel) - Eye compress (well-strained, cooled)