German Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
洋甘菊
Pinyin: Yáng Gān Jú
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Part Used
Flower head
Origin
Europe, West Asia; cultivated worldwide
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Chamomile is an annual plant with daisy-like white flowers and a sweet, apple-like scent. It is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in the world and one of the oldest documented medicinal plants. Both German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are used medicinally, with German being more common.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet, aromatic
Meridians (归经)
stomach, liver, heart
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Digestive upset, gas, bloating, indigestion
- Menstrual cramps
- Skin inflammation and irritation (topical)
- Eye inflammation (compress)
- Infant colic (diluted)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Most commonly used as tea, but also available as tincture, capsules, essential oil, cream, and compress. Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas globally. Often combined with other calming herbs for sleep blends.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-3 tsp dried flowers, steeped 5-10 min (covered) 1-4 times daily. Capsules: 300-500mg. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. Essential oil: diluted for topical use or in diffuser.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Early summer, when flowers are fully open. Picked on dry, sunny days and dried at low temperature in shade.
Quality Indicators
Whole flower heads with golden-yellow centers and white ray petals. Sweet, apple-like, hay-like aroma. High essential oil content. Egyptian and German chamomile are considered high quality.
Storage
Store dried flowers in airtight container in cool, dark place. Can be stored for 1-2 years. Essential oil: dark glass bottle, cool place.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Allergy to ragweed, daisies, or other Asteraceae plantsPregnancy (large doses may stimulate uterus - tea in moderation is generally considered safe)BreastfeedingHormone-sensitive cancers (possible estrogenic effects)Children: generally safe in diluted amounts
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe
- Allergic reaction (sneezing, rash, anaphylaxis in severe cases - those with ragweed allergy)
- Mild drowsiness
- Digestive upset (in large amounts)
- Contact dermatitis (topical use - rare)
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines)
- Anticoagulants (warfarin - weak effect)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Hormone therapies (estrogen, progesterone) - weak interaction
- Cyclosporine and other metabolized drugs (CYP450 interactions)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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