Chamomile! In honor of National Hot Tea Month, lets look at a soothing herbal tea you can grow in your yard in the Southwest in the cooler months of winter.
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The herb known to most Americans as chamomile comes from two different species of plants. German chamomile comes from an annual plant (Matricaria rectita), while Roman chamomile comes from perennial plant (Chamaemelum nobile). They both have many of the same plant compounds in them, and work much the same way, the difference is in how you grow them. The French “chamomile” is a related plant (Achillea millefolium) but with different compounds and actions. In English, that particular plant is known as yarrow.
In Spanish, chamomile tea is called manzanilla (man-zah-nee-yah). Manzana is apple, with the -illa indicating smallness. Looked at it a certain way, dried the flowers do look like little apples.
This just in – the German chamomile has been named “Herb of the Year” for 2025 by the International Herb Association (iherb.org)
Using Chamomile
European peoples have used chamomile, in one form or another, to treat just about every sort of affliction, from hemorrhoids to hay fever, sleeplessness to sores, and tummy aches to tooth aches. In almost every case chamomile is used as a tea (infusion) to either drink or bathe tissues. For tooth ache folks used chamomile wrapped in muslin and placed on the afflicted tooth. Peter Rabbit’s mom gave him a cup of chamomile tea after his adventures, to soothe his stomach and calm his nerves.
The Science of Chamomile
With recent scientific investigation, a number of uses have been validated. Chamomile is recommended by Commission E for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract inflammation, gastrointestinal spasm, irritations of the mucous membrane, skin injury or irritation, as a gargle or mouthwash to alleviate oral or pharyngeal inflammation, and to treat anxiety disorders. (Peter Rabbit’s mom was right on track!)
The flavinoid apigenin found in chamomile tea is thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory ability. Apogenin combined with another phytochemical called bisabolol are thought to work in concert to calm gastrointestinal spasms. Apogenin has been proven to bind to the same brain receptor sites that the drug Valium binds to, and are believed to exert a calming influence in much the same manner.
Grow Chamomile
German chamomile can be grown very easily in the cooler months of winter in the lower elevations of the Southwest. The perennial Roman chamomile is best planted in the warmer months. Both types of chamomile need six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Like many herbs, they do best in well-drained soil. Thus if you have caliche soils, consider growing them in pots. A nice cactus potting mix is well draining. The German species will die in the heat, so replant some next year.
Harvest
Harvest chamomile flowers and dry before use. This allows some of the more bitter tasting compounds to evaporate. The active ingredients are predominately in the oils. Drying does not destroy these oil based ingredients.
Forage – Carefully!
There are any number of plants with “chamomile” in the common name. This does not make them safe to consume! For example, once called “false chamomile” bears some compounds that can harm your intestinal lining, or even your skin if you are a sensitive individual. The “western chamomile” is related to German chamomile but has not been tested for human use.
Speaking of humans, please do not use herbal remedies on household pets without checking with a veterinarian first. Some plants safe for humans can “un-alive” household pets. Think of chocolate and dogs.
Be Sustainable!
Grow some of this pretty herb and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the need to import chamomile (generally from Europe).
Growing your own can also help reduce your reliance on manufactured drugs. Headache? Take a cup of chamomile tea and lay down for a half hour rest. Far better for the environment than manufactured aspirin (in a plastic bottle!). Just remember that moderation is key in this and all herbs.
More about using herbs safely as medicine.
How to Use Various Herbs – About 100 NEW copies left!
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Disclaimer
The authors of this website have researched the uses and edibility of the materials we discuss, however, humans vary in their ability to tolerate different foods, drinks, and herbs. Individuals consuming flowers, plants, animals or derivatives mentioned in this blog do so entirely at their own risk. The authors on this site cannot be held responsible for any adverse reaction. In case of doubt please consult your medical practitioner.
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