Chamomile: Roman or German, history, allergies and decorative uses

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Roman chamomile or German chamomile?

Under the name “chamomile”, you will come across two plants from the daisy family, Asteraceae:

Common name	Plant	Features
German chamomile, wild chamomile	Matricaria chamomilla	Annual, flower heads with a hollow centre, the most used for infusions
Roman chamomile, noble chamomile	Chamaemelum nobile	Low-growing perennial, stronger scent, also used for lawns

There are also false chamomiles that are of no use for this purpose, such as dog fennel (Anthemis cotula), which has an unpleasant smell and irritates the skin. When buying in bulk, check the Latin name.

The name comes, through Latin, from the Greek khamaimêlon, literally “ground apple” (an apple that grows along the ground), because the scent of the flowers recalls apples.

A little history

Chamomile is one of the plants most often cited in European herbals: it appears, for example, in the work of Nicholas Culpeper in the 17th century, and it was once used to flavour beer before hops. It is often said that it was dedicated to the sun in ancient Egypt; this claim is widely repeated but hard to verify precisely, and we present it as such. What the sources do show is a steady popular use: evening infusions, flower baths, dried bunches. We do not claim any effect: there is no clinical evidence that chamomile treats any disease.

Decorative and symbolic uses

The small yellow and white flowers keep well once dried. They are used in:

• sachets and potpourri, with an apple and honey scent;
• decorative candles: a few dried flowers set on the surface, kept well away from the wick;
• wreaths and bouquets;
• fumigation: the flower heads burn quickly with a gentle smoke. They are often mixed with lavender or with rose petals.

In folk traditions, chamomile is associated with calm and with the gentleness of the evening. This is an image, not a guaranteed effect.

In the garden

Roman chamomile is easy to grow: full sun, light soil. The non-flowering 'Treneague' variety is used to make small scented lawns that are walked on. German chamomile re-seeds itself, much like a field plant; it attracts bees and other insects. A well-placed chamomile produces enough flower heads, from June to September, to fill several jars. Pick whole flowers, without stems, in the middle of the day once the dew has gone, because damp flowers go mouldy while drying. Always leave some flowers on the plant: they feed pollinators and re-seed for next year.

Allergies and precautions

• Asteraceae family: people allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or marigolds may also react to chamomile (pollen, skin contact, infusion).
• Pregnancy: Roman chamomile may cause uterine contractions; pregnant women are advised to avoid it. Ask your doctor or midwife for advice.
• Medication: combining it with anticoagulants is not recommended; tell your doctor if you are on any treatment.
• Breastfeeding and children: data are limited; if in doubt, ask a health professional.
• Animals: do not let a dog, cat or horse nibble large quantities of dried flowers.

Choosing, drying and storing

Good-quality flower heads are whole, bright yellow with white petals, and smell of apples. Avoid dusty or brown batches. To dry your own, pick them on a dry day, at full flowering, and spread them on a cloth in the shade (see Drying and storing your herbs). Store them in a closed glass jar, away from light. For food use, buy products intended for that purpose, not florist or garden-centre flowers, which may have been treated.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.