Chamomile

Chamomile (Huang Chu Ju)

Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile (Roman or English Chamomile), Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)

Chamomile is documented as being one of the most popular teas sold in the U.S. and Europe. It is a gentle but highly effective herb famous as a cure-all but best known for soothing digestion, aiding sleep, and helping to soothe skin rashes and bruises. This herb is often used in magical formulas to help protect the body, mind, and spirit from negative energies and forces. The flowers can be both warming and cooling.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Roman vs. German Chamomile…

Below is an overview of chamomile, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of chamomile.

How to take FULL advantage of Chamomile's healing powers...

Chamomile (Huang Chu Ju)

JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Chamomile (Huang Chu Ju). Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Chamomile, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!

Western

Western Name: Chamomile

Also Known As: Camomile, Roman Chamomile, English Chamomile, Russian Chamomile, Mayweed, True Chamomile, Sweet False Chamomile, Plant Physician, Earth Apple

Organs/Systems: Skin, Lungs, Digestion, Immunity, Nerves

Key Actions: Adaptogen, Alterative, Analgesic, Cardioprotective, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Nervine Tonic, Diuretic, Nutritive Tonic, Thyroid Stimulant, Aphrodisiac, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Anticoagulant, Tonic, Anodyne, Carminative, Sedative, Laxative, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue

Medicinal Uses: Poor appetite, bloating, stomach cramping, intestinal cramping, menstrual cramping, muscle aches and cramping, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, skin rashes, ulcers, wounds, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal gas, hemorrhoids, cold symptoms, regulates blood sugar, reduces inflammation, slows osteoporosis, improves thyroid function, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, relaxes the vessels and arteries.

Eastern

Pin Yin: Huang Chu Ju

Also Known As: N/A

Meridians: Lungs, Heart, Stomach, Liver

Key Actions: Moves Qi, Releases Qi Stagnation, Tonifies the Liver, Stops Inflammation, Soothes Pain, Strengthens the Stomach, Releases to the Exterior, Clears Heat, Stops Cough, Moves Blood, Calms Shen

Medicinal Uses: Emotional upsets, anxiety, headache, nightmares, depression, irregular menses with clotting, PMS, stomach ulcers, poor appetite, hypochondriac pain, swollen abdomen, sore throat, cramps, stomach spasms, wounds, bruises, skin rashes, nausea, colds, flu, fevers, asthma, bronchitis, chills and fevers at the Shao Yang and Shao Yin stages, menstrual cramps, difficult menses, insomnia, palpitations, lowers blood pressure, aids digestion, promotes smooth bowels.

Basic Habitat / Botany:

The term chamomile refers to several species of daisy-like plants, which are all members of the Asteraceae family. Roman chamomile is a perennial plant that grows close to the ground with small flowers. German chamomile is an annual plant with large blossoms that can grow up to three feet tall. Roman chamomile has terminal single heads flowers with white florets and a yellow center. German chamomile has an erect stem with finely divided feathery leaves. The terminal flower heads have white florets and yellow central disc florets. The whole plant is aromatic.

German and Roman Chamomile are native to many countries in Europe and are now cultivated in many countries around the world. German chamomile is said to be native to Spain and was then introduced into the rest of Europe. Chamomile prefers full sun and sandy moist soil. It is often found along roads and needs a fair amount of water and a short cool season. It is most often grown in Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, and Russia.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Flower, Whole Plant​

Flavors/Temps: Roman – Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Aromatic. German – Sweet, Aromatic.

Caution: Considered safe. Some people allergic to flowers in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family may be allergic to chamomile.

Key Constituents: Apigenin (a Flavone), Quercetin, Alpha-bisabolol, Sesquiterpenes, Terpenoids, Flavonoids, Coumarins, Umbelliferone, Phenylpropanois, Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Calcium, Potassium, Volatile oils

History/Folklore: Chamomile has been used since ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In the Middle Ages, it was popular for treating colds, fevers, inflammations, and nausea. The herb can be used internally or externally. It is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind and is used the world over.

The Egyptians offered the flowers to their Sun God Ra, and the Germans referred to the herb as “capable of anything.”

German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamomaeelum nobile) are two different species of plants that have very similar healing properties. Roman chamomile is the plant best known and studied as a medicinal herb. It is often called “true chamomile or Russian or English chamomile,” it is a popular ground cover plant and German chamomile can grow to be 1 to 2 feet tall. It is often best used as an inhalant to treat respiratory infections and as a food and beverage flavoring. In Germany, it is used in cosmetics, soaps, and mouthwashes. Both are used to treat digestive disorders, anxiety, and insomnia.

The name “chamomile” derives from the Greek “chamoemelon” meaning “earth apple” because its fragrance resembles apples. The Latin name “Matricaria” derives from “matrix” meaning “womb” or “mater” meaning “mother”, a reference to the herb’s ability to aid female complaints.

The plant, manzanilla, also called pineapple weed, has similar uses as the German and Roman chamomiles. In Mexican folklore it is used to soothe the stomach, ease digestion and support strong lungs preventing asthma and allergies. The Spanish wine flavored with manzanilla means “little apples”. Its Welsh name is “camri” meaning footsteps or walk, as Roman chamomile grows so close to the ground.

In the Middle Ages chamomile flowers were strewn about the floor and home to sweeten the air.

Culpeper said, “A decoction made of Camomile, and drank, taketh away all pains and stitches in the side…The flowers of Camomile beaten, and made into balls with oil, drive away all sorts of agues.”

The Mayans made tea with chamomile, orange, and lime leaves to lift the spirit.

Before refrigeration, meat was immersed in a chamomile infusion to prevent it from spoiling.

Native American Indians have used the various chamomiles in a variety of ways, often making use of the whole plant. Different tribes had different purposes that included teas for stomach bloating, regulating the bowels, and making perfume from the crushed dry flowers.

Related species, Asterales cotula or Anthemis cotula, commonly called dog fennel, stinking chamomile, or May weed were once widely used in the United States to promote sweating in chronic rheumatism. Often confused with true or Roman chamomile, it is easy to tell the difference by crushing a few leaves and flowers between your fingers. Chamomile has a lovely scent and dog fennel does not!

In China, chrysanthemum would be the flower that is most similar to how we use chamomile in the West. Both herbs calm and soothe and have overlapping functions. However, chrysanthemum is more closely associated with Wind Heat conditions, such as red eyes and sore throats, while Chamomile is more closely associated with soothing digestion. Western chamomile is not a plant traditionally used in Chinese Medicine, and chrysanthemums are commonly used. Today, chamomile has become popular in China for treating anxiety, colds, and digestive disorders.

To extract the oil from the plants most manufacturers use steam distillation. Roman chamomile contains more oils than the German variety. The whole plant can be used but the flowers are the most potent. The flowers are harvested when the plant is in full bloom. Most of the medicinal properties are found in the blue volatile oil contained in the flowers.

Chamomile is known to be an aid to other plants in the garden as well. It is called the “plant’s physician” as it helps cure plants that it is planted near, also keeping them free of insects and pests. Even bees do not like the scent of chamomile and will not go near it. It is also used as a protection plant for people. By sprinkling the oil around doors and windows negative energy is prevented from entering the home. Roman chamomile can be planted instead of grass as it can withstand being walked on and will, in fact, release its fragrance in the process.

Chamomile has been used in hair shampoos for its ability to lighten blonde highlights in hair, and in lotions and creams for its fragrance and skin-soothing abilities.

Chamomile is used as a flavoring in the liqueurs Benedictine and vermouth. The dried flowers can be used as incense to help promote sleep. And studies have shown that the plant may even aid kidney functions.

Chamomile is very safe so it is often used to treat children for restlessness, poor sleep, and upset stomachs. In homeopathy, it is used to treat childhood toothaches, earaches, colic, and headaches.

Chamomile is a symbol for energy in action or adversity. It is an herb of the sun and is therefore associated with regeneration, healing, and protection. The apple, which it is sometimes said to smell like, was a sun plant totem for Ancient Greeks. For these reasons, it was planted on graves as a symbol of rebirth, in the same way, that the sun rises and is reborn each morning.

Chamomile was a sacred herb of the midsummer festivals and was thrown onto the festival fires, put into ritual cups for drinking, and made into garlands used to decorate the ceremonial areas.

Want Chamomile (Huang Chu Ju)?

Here are some options…

Did you know?

Confirmed by Research

Research has confirmed that chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, relaxant, antispasmodic, sedating, and anti-allergenic.
Facts

Chamomile Oil Uses

Chamomile oil is best used for relaxation and to help induce sleep. It is also used to help clean wounds.
Fun fact!

Good Luck

Associated with being able to attract money, gamblers will wash their hands with chamomile to insure good luck.

How to use Chamomile (Huang Chu Ju) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!

Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.

Disclosure: If you purchase from some links on this web page, we may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, we only ever mention products we would recommend whether we were being compensated or not. Thank you so much for your support of White Rabbit Institute of Healing!

ATTENTION: All material provided on this website is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your healthcare professional or physician. Redistribution permitted with attribution. Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be Whole. Be Free.

ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. Esté sano. Sea feliz. Siéntase completo. Sea libre.

Health Break: Detox, Strengthen & Cleanse

Join our next 30-Day “Love Your Liver” Detox Challenge!

A Health Boost and Reset to Balance Body, Mind, & Spirit Using Traditional Chinese Medicine. You'll also recieve our Free Healing Herb Fact Sheets and latest news. Your privacy is guaranteed.

Thank you, you have joined our wait list! We'll let you know when our next 30-Day “Love Your Liver” Detox Challenge is open.

Healing Herb Fact Sheets

Download. Print. Share.

Complete the form below for immediate access to ALL our Herb Fact Sheets.

Thank you for joining us! Please check your email for details on how to access our free Healing Herb Fact Sheets. Be sure to check your spam folder and promotions tab if you have one.

You have Successfully Subscribed!