ENGLISH NAME: Wild Chamomile
(German Chamomile)
LATIN NAME: Chamomilla
recutita (syn. Matricaria chamomilla)
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Heřmánek pravý
Turkey: Papatya
Bulgaria: Лайка (Laika)
Georgia: გვირილა (Gvirila)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Widespread in
cultivated areas and natural fields
Elevation: 100–1,300 meters
Terrain: Commonly found
as a field weed, along paths, roadsides, and in disturbed or fallow
agricultural lands
DESCRIPTION:
Wild Chamomile is an annual plant growing 30 to 60 cm tall. It features finely
divided, feathery leaves and small daisy-like flowers with white petals and a
prominent yellow, cone-shaped center. The plant gives off a sweet, apple-like
fragrance and typically blooms from late spring through midsummer.
USABLE PARTS: Flower
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Chamomile is renowned for its calming, sedative effects. It promotes
relaxation, eases anxiety, improves sleep, and soothes digestive complaints. It
also exhibits anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to Asteraceae family plants
(e.g., ragweed, daisies). Rarely, it may interact with blood thinners.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Commonly combined with lemon balm, valerian, or lavender in calming herbal
blends.
PREPARATION:
Dried flower heads are steeped for teas, used in sachets, or infused in oils.
Can also be used in bath blends or compresses.
HARVEST TIME:
Early to mid-summer, shortly after the flowers have fully opened.
HARVEST METHOD:
Handpick flowers on a dry day just after blooming. Avoid collecting flowers
that have started to wilt or go to seed.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry flowers completely in a shaded, airy space. Store in airtight containers
away from moisture and sunlight for best preservation of aroma and potency.