What does it help with
- Stomach inflammation and digestive problems
- Skin inflammation, eczema, wounds
- Relieves cramps and pain
- Inhalation at inflammation respiratory tract
Active compounds
Essential oils with chamazulene, bisabololem a farnesenem, flavone glycosides, apigenin, bitter compounds, mucilage.
Chamazulene (formed during drying and processing) is responsible for the characteristic blue colour of chamomile essential oil and strong anti-inflammatory effects. Apigenin has a calming effect.
How and when to harvest
Harvest period
June – October
Plant parts
Flower flower heads
Length of stems
max 2 cm
Drying
shade, max 40 °C, layer up to 2 cm
Shelf life
1 year (don't age) — Transfer into dark containers, store in a dry place
Harvested by hand with a special comb or by machine. Flower heads must be fully developed — with yellow tubular flowers bloomed at most one third.
Preparation methods
Tea (3× a day)
Bath
Compress
Inhalation
Oil
Ointment
Pro tip: Always cover while steeping — essential oils escape with steam. Five minutes covered does more than ten without.
Recipes
1 Chamomile tea ▾
Pour 1/4 litre boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb and leave under a lid for 5 minutes. Strain.
2 Ingredient for a bath ▾
For a full bath add two handfuls, for face washing only 1 handful of chamomile, scald and steep 5 minutes.
3 Compresses for the eyes ▾
Pour 1/4 litre boiling milk over 1 tablespoon chamomile, steep 5 min, strain and apply as warm compresses.
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6 more recipes in the Herbarium
Chamomile oil · Ointment · Skin compress · Inhalation · Enema · Rheumatism liqueur
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