It looks like a daisy, smells like an apple, and has been accompanying humanity for millennia. Chamomile — this small, discreet flower that grows in meadows and sunny areas — is probably one of the most versatile and well-known medicinal plants in the world. And yet, we often underestimate all that it can do for us.

But first — which chamomile?

Because yes, there are several! And like in any good family, each member has their own personality.

Matricaria chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — also called true chamomile or German chamomile — is the star of this article. Native to southern and eastern Europe as well as western Asia, it now grows in temperate zones around the world. It is the most common variety found in herbalism, and it is the one we are particularly interested in for its benefits for the skin and nervous system.

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is its close cousin — a little shorter, with a slightly more bitter taste. It is particularly known for its calming effects on the nervous system.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is more known for its traditional use in managing headaches and migraines.

In fact, the first two are often used interchangeably for medicinal purposes — and all three share remarkable soothing properties.

💡 In this article, when we refer to "chamomile," we are referring to matricaria chamomile — Matricaria chamomilla.

A little history — the sun plant

Ancient Egyptians dedicated it to the sun because of its effectiveness against fever. Dioscorides and Galen, the great physicians of Greek and Roman antiquity, already prescribed it for many ailments. It crossed centuries and civilizations with an impeccable reputation.

Its botanical name — Matricaria — comes from the Latin mater, meaning "mother." This is no coincidence: chamomile has long been considered a woman's plant, particularly valued for supporting female cycles and relieving menstrual pain.

In Victorian times, its joyful white flowers symbolized patience in the face of adversity. A beautiful life lesson in a small flower.

And a fun fact that will make you smile: beekeepers used to rub their hands with crumpled Matricaria leaves before approaching their hives — the strong scent of the plant kept the bees away!

The benefits of chamomile — an exceptional profile

If chamomile had a business card, it would read: "Anti-inflammatory, soothing, digestive, healing, and much more"

Its secret? Its main active compounds — chamazulene with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and bisabolol with sedative and softening effects — as well as flavonoids and mucilaginous substances that protect mucous membranes and promote healing.

For the skin

Chamomile is the essential ally for sensitive, irritated, and reactive skin. Used externally — compresses, infusions, tonics — it soothes eczema, skin rashes, irritations, and promotes the healing of small wounds. Its infusion can even be used as a gentle eyewash to relieve conjunctivitis and irritated eyes.

And a beauty secret: used as a rinse after shampooing, chamomile brightens the highlights of blonde and light brown hair — giving it natural shine and radiance.

For digestion

Chamomile is a true ally for digestive comfort. It relieves intestinal spasms, calms nausea, facilitates slow digestion, and helps reduce gas. This is why it is often recommended after heavy meals or during periods of stress — when the stomach "speaks" for us.

It is even given to infants from the first weeks of life to relieve colic — making it one of the few plants gentle enough for toddlers.

For stress and sleep

Known for its calming effects on the nervous system, chamomile helps reduce anxiety, nervous tension, and promotes peaceful sleep. A cup in the evening before bed — it's the simplest and most effective way to signal to your body that it's time to let go.

And did you know that it was once reputed to prevent nightmares?

For fever and infections

Febrifuge and sudorific, chamomile helps lower temperature and promotes sweating. This is why it is traditionally recommended during febrile episodes — especially in children. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also make it a valuable support during mild digestive infections.

For women

Chamomile stimulates and regulates menstrual function, relieves period pain, and supports gynecological disorders. A woman's plant, in every sense of the word.

How to use chamomile daily?

As an infusion — the classic method

Dosage: 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per 250 ml of boiling water — steep for 10 minutes, covered. Drink 2 cups a day, sweetened with honey if desired.

As a compress — for the skin

Prepare a concentrated infusion, let it cool, soak a clean cloth, and apply to the irritated area for 10 to 15 minutes. Ideal for tired eyes, skin irritations, and small wounds.

As a hair rinse — for blonde and light brown hair

In 1 liter of cold water, boil 100g of chamomile flowers for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, let steep for 10 minutes, filter. Use as a final rinse after your shampoo — collect the water several times in the sink and let dry naturally. Result: shiny and golden hair!

In a relaxing bath

Add a highly concentrated infusion to your warm bath — guaranteed relaxation after a long day.

Homemade chamomile recipes

Relaxing chamomile bath

Ingredients:

• Dried chamomile flowers

• Dried lavender buds

• Dried lemon verbena leaves

• Epsom salt or sea salt

Preparation: Mix equal parts in a bowl. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. For use, place 3 to 4 tablespoons in a muslin bag and let infuse in your warm bath.

Chamomile sleep pillow

Ingredients:

• Dried chamomile flowers

• Dried lavender flowers

Preparation: Mix 2 parts chamomile with 1 part lavender. Slip the mixture into a small fabric sachet and place it near your pillow. The soft, fruity scent will promote serene sleep.

Digestive chamomile tea

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons chamomile

• 1 teaspoon lemon balm

• ¼ teaspoon ginger

Preparation: Infuse in 250 ml of simmering water for 8 to 10 minutes. Ideal after a heavy meal or during a period of digestive stress.

Precautions for use

Chamomile is one of the best-tolerated plants — but a few precautions are necessary:

• ⚠️ Allergy to Asteraceae — people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, or sunflower may react to chamomile. Always test on a small skin area before external use.

• ⚠️ Pregnant women — Matricaria chamomile has emmenagogue properties — consult your doctor before using in large quantities during pregnancy.

• ⚠️ Anticoagulant medications — chamomile may potentiate their effect. Consult your doctor.

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.

Chamomile at MerveilleNature

You will find matricaria chamomile in our Skin & Eczema Tea, formulated to purify, soothe, and support the skin from within. A key ingredient in our blend, chosen for its gentle anti-inflammatory properties and its soothing action on mucous membranes.

It is also part of our Hello My Radiant Skin Tea, a blend of carefully selected plants to support the skin's natural radiance, protect cells with antioxidants, and promote daily well-being.

👉 Discover our Skin & Eczema Tea →

👉 Discover our Hello My Radiant Skin Tea →

To go further

👉Tea to relieve hay fever →

👉 Chamomile inhalation to soothe the mind →

👉 Skin drainage: how to care for your skin from within →

Sources:

• The Herb Society of America, 2023
• Marie-Antoinette Mulot, Secrets d'une Herboriste, Éditions du Dauphin
• Dr G. Pamplona-Roger, Guide des plantes médicinales, Encyclopédie Vie et Santé
• Johannes Gottfried Mayer et al., Zioła ojców Benedyktynów
• Zbigniew T. Nowak, Zioła dla zdrowia dzieci, Wydawnictwo AA

 

Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or health professional, who are the only ones able to adequately assess your state of health.