| Chamomile | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chamaemelum nobile[1] | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Chamaemelum |
| Species: | C. nobile |
| Binomial name | |
| Chamaemelum nobile | |
| Synonyms | |
Anthemis nobilis L. | |
Chamaemelum nobile, commonly known aschamomile (also spelledcamomile), is a lowperennial plant found in dry fields and around gardens and cultivated grounds in Europe, North America, and South America. Its synonym isAnthemis nobilis, with various common names, such asRoman chamomile,English chamomile,garden chamomile,ground apple,low chamomile,mother's daisy orwhig plant.[2]
C. nobile is one source of the herbal product known aschamomile using dried flowers forflavoring teas or as afragrance used inaromatherapy. Chamomile has noestablished medicinal properties.
Chamaemelum nobile has daisy-like white flowers and procumbent stems; theleaves are alternate, bipinnate, finely dissected, and downy to glabrous. The solitary, terminal flowerheads, rising 20–30 cm (8–12 in) above the ground, consist of prominent yellow disk flowers and silver-white ray flowers. The flowering time in theNorthern Hemisphere is June and July, and its fragrance is sweet, crisp, fruity and herbaceous.[3]
Although the plant is often confused with German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), its morphology, properties and chemical composition are markedly different.[4]
The word chamomile and the genus nameChamaemelum derive from theGreek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon), "earth-apple",[5] from χαμαί (chamai), "on the ground" + μήλον (mēlon), "apple", so-called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.
The plant obtained the name "nobile" (Latin "noble"NEU)[6] because of its putative therapeutic properties, which were thought to be better than those of the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).[7][8]
Roman chamomile is native to Western Europe and the northwesternMaghreb, but has been introduced to a variety of areas outside its native range, where it has become naturalised. Its native range includes theUnited Kingdom,Ireland,France,Spain,Portugal,Morocco,Algeria and theAzores.[9] InGreat Britain, it grows wild inSouthern England and portions of Wales – primarily inCornwall,Dartmoor, theNew Forest and the Welsh coastline[10] – with populations found north ofDerbyshire considered to be naturalised.[11]
Chamaemelum nobile is listed as least concern on theRed List but the plant population trend in the UK is decreasing at a significant rate. This decline in theChamaemelum nobile population was caused by the drainage of wet grasslands, decrease in grazing, and the reduction of pasture that was used as arable fields.[12] There is speculation that wild plant collecting may also be a cause of this species population decline.[12]
Although the species population is declining there are a few plants placed in at least one land and water protected area. There is no educational awareness program, international legislation, or international management for this species.[12]
Chamomile is likely unsafe for use during pregnancy, and its topical use for skin disorders may causecontact dermatitis.[13][14] Consuming chamomile tea may adversely affectanticoagulant drugs.[14]
Extracts or dried flowers ofChamaemelum nobile are used inhair care andskincare products.[13][14][15] The plant may be used to flavor foods and inherbal teas, perfumes, and cosmetics.[13][14][3] It is used inaromatherapy in the assumption that it is a calming agent to reducestress and promotesleep.[13][14][15] Chamomileessential oil containssesquiterpenes,terpenelactones (including the blue compoundchamazulene), acetylene derivatives, andpolyphenols, which contribute to the fragrance and may be extracted individually.[14]
Chamomile can be planted as a fragrant chamomile lawn. A chamomile lawn needs light soil, adequate moisture, and sun to thrive. Each square meter contains 83–100 plants. The lawn is only suitable for light foot traffic; stepping-stones can be set into the lawn if more traffic is needed (with at least 10 cm between them to allow the camomile to grow[16]). Because they do not need mowing, they are often used in places where mower access is difficult, though trimming may help make it denser. If a flowering variety is used, it will need to be deadheaded, so non-flowering varieties are lower-maintenance. Dwarf varieties are also commonly used.[17][18][19] Chamomile lawns were popular in England in the reign ofElizabeth I (1558-1603). Chamomile seats, smaller raised areas of fragrant lawn meant to be sat upon, were also popular, and are still used as garden features. There is a chamomile seat in the Queen's Garden atKew Gardens.[20] Herb seats planted with other species, such ascreeping thyme, also exist.[21][22]
Although used infolk medicine, there are nostudies confirming its medicinal efficacy.[13]Alternative medicine practices approved in Germany include use of chamomile as atopical medication or inhalant for mouth andrespiratory tract irritations.[14]
Roman chamomile (C. nobile L.) has a history of use in traditional medicine since theMiddle Ages.[8] The European cultivation of the plant started in England in the 16th century.[7] Its fragrant smell and soft leaves made it popular withElizabethan gardeners, and the plant became a mainstay ofherb gardens across the British Isles.[23]C. nobile was listed first in the pharmacopoeia of Würtenberg as acarminative, painkiller, diuretic and digestive aid.[8] Joachim Camerarius was the first to discover and namechamaemelum nobile in 1598 in Rome.[8] In Egypt,chamaemelum nobile was used as a symbol of dedication to their gods.[24]
The plant has diverse common names, among whichRoman chamomile orsweet chamomile are used during the 21st century.[13]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain. This article incorporatespublic domain material fromDictionary of Cancer Terms.U.S. National Cancer Institute.
