Chamamelium nobile

Also called English chamomile, garden chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother’s daisy or whig plant. Not to be confused with German chamomile.

The story…

This species is native to the Atlantic facade of Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Ireland) and of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria): despite of its name, it is not native to Italy. It is also naturalized in Eastern Europe, Australia, New-Zealand and some regions of North America.

Uses

Digestion

Roman chamomile whets the appetite and starts salivary, gastric and liver secretions. It is useful for chronic slow digestion, migraines caused by digestive difficulties, loss of appetite (especially for recently convalescent people). Drink as an infusion or diluted tincture before the meal.

For cramps during the digestion, take an infusion after the meal, or during the following days of nausea is due to food excesses.

Tired or inflamed eyes, conjunctivitis

To decongest tired (particularly due to over-exposition to screens), swollen or irritated (for example because of pollution or an allergic reaction) eyes; or in the case of conjunctivitis. Apply an infusion (carefully filtered) on the closed eyelid, during approximately 10 minutes.

Skin inflammations

Softens inflamed skin and eases itches due to dermatologic disorders (such as skin and lip cracks, scratches, insect bites), as well as rheumatic pain. Apply an oily macerate.

Preparation

Infusion: 5 to 10 flowers per cup. For digestion, combine for example with peppermint to cover the bitter taste.

Precautions

Contraindicated for people allergic to the Asteraceae group. Conjunctivitis is contagious: be cautious with hygiene rules and wash your hands and the utensils after using. In case of persistent symptoms or if you have any doubts, consult a doctor.