Chamomile: The Historical Cure All?

Egyptian sun god, Ra.
Image: www.redreporter.com

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the most well known herbs in the world. The traditional uses of chamomile have been well documented and date back thousands of years to the time of ancient civilizations (Ross, 2008). Ancient Egyptians valued the healing properties of chamomile so much that they dedicated it to the sun god Ra, and used it to treat fevers (Natural Standard Monograph, 2010).  Ancient Greeks later used chamomile to treat headaches as well as disorders of the kidney, bladder and liver (Ross, 2008). Furthermore, Victorians used chamomile to treat hysteria and nervousness in children and adults alike (Ross, 2008). Beatrix Potter even referenced the healing properties of chamomile in her acclaimed story The Tale of Peter Rabbit, published in 1893.

Peter Rabbit being fed chamomile to
soothe his upset stomach.
Image: www.naturalhealthtutoring.com

In all cases, infusions (in the form of tea), liquid extracts and/or essential oils extracted from the plant’s flower heads were the main method of administration for treatment of illness (Natural Standard Monograph, 2010).

 In terms of medicinal treatment, two species of chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), belonging to the Asteraceae family, have been most commonly used (Thorne Research Inc., 2008). In particular, most research has focused on the healing properties of German chamomile for treating health conditions as it is more common in North America and parts of Europe (NCCAM, 2010). Matricaria chamomilla is an annual herb that can be distinguished from other plants by its distinct apple blossom aroma and daisy-like appearance (Ross, 2008). 

German Chamomile. Image: www.eco-planet.com

It originated from Europe and Western Asia with cultivation being particularly successful in Germany and Hungary (McKay D, Blumberg J, 2006).  Although chamomile is used extensively throughout the world, it is especially valued in German culture and is referred to as “alles zustraut” meaning “capable of anything” (Natural Standard Monograph, 2010).