Chamomile is the most famous European medicinal plant. The two main chamomile herbs are true chamomile and Roman chamomile. The two varieties of Roman chamomile are unfilled and filled Roman chamomile.
Occurrence and cultivation of Roman chamomile.
Of all the chamomile species, Roman chamomile has some of the highest levels of essential oils and bitter compounds. Motherwort is also called Roman chamomile, but it is a different botanical family. Of all the chamomile species, Roman chamomile has the highest content of essential oils and bitter substances. However, its medicinal properties are almost identical to those of true chamomile. The flower heads of Roman chamomile are used in phytotherapy. Botanically, Roman chamomile belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. In the vernacular, Roman chamomile is also called shirt button, hazel, cathrine flower or cow’s ear. The collection period for the chamomile flowers extends over the months of July, August, September and October. Chamomile was already known to the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant, dedicated to the sun god Ra. In European culture, Roman chamomile has always been popular as an important and highly effective medicinal plant. Written documentation occurred in Europe in London beginning in the 16th century, where chamomile was a common weed. Roman chamomile not only has a good reputation as a medicinal plant in human and veterinary medicine, but also has the potential to cure other diseased plants. This phenomenon can be observed when Roman chamomile is placed directly next to the diseased plants.
Effect and application
In phytotherapy, the valuable essential oil of chamomile is extracted from the flowers by steam distillation. Roman chamomile is also used in homeopathy, for this purpose an alcoholic mother tincture is prepared from the herb of unfilled Roman chamomile and then potentized. Roman chamomile is particularly effective for flatulence, cramps, stomach problems and menstrual disorders. The mode of action is very extensive due to the high content of pharmacological substances. Scientifically documented are in particular the antibacterial, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the medicinal plant. In children, chamomile has a mood-lifting effect and is effective against spasmodic, colicky abdominal pain. Another indication that has been forgotten is the extensive antiparasitic effect of Roman chamomile. In case of intestinal worm infestation, dogs and cats often instinctively eat the flowers of Roman chamomile as a natural way to worm themselves. The main pharmacological constituents are angelic acid esters, antheocotulide, essential oils in high concentration, azulene, bitter compounds, chamazulene, flavone glycosides, resins, isobutyric acid, nobilin, pinocarvone, and polyacetylenes. In particular, the essential oils are responsible for the typical pleasant sweet smell of chamomile flowers. The application of the flowers and sometimes the herb can be in fresh or dried form. Application of the completely non-toxic plant is considered to be strictly low-risk. Nevertheless, continuous use may cause dizziness, nervousness and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Roman chamomile must not be used in cases of proven allergy to composite plants, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. The application possibilities are extremely versatile. The most common use of the flowers is tea infusion. Rinse of skin and mucous membranes, poultices, facial steam baths, rubs, sitz baths, inhalations or aromatherapy are other widely used applications. The fruity scent of true chamomile essential oil has a soothing, balancing and stress-reducing effect. In hair care, a hair tonic can be made from chamomile flowers and used to gently lighten blonde hair.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Due to their ubiquitous healing properties, all species of chamomile, but especially Roman chamomile, to this day have great importance for health and for prevention and treatment. The flowers of the medicinal plant, Chamomillae romanae flos, should be harvested in the early morning hours, because at this time the content of essential oils is the highest. If the harvested flowers are not processed immediately, they can also be dried.This process is best done in the shade at a temperature below 40 degrees Celsius, so that there is no unwanted escape of essential oils. Dried chamomile flowers have a shelf life of about one year when stored in a dry and cool place. After this storage period, the content of essential oils and thus the healing effect decreases significantly. For harvesting, the herb should be cut about 5 centimeters above the ground so that the remaining part of the plant does not dry up. Those who frequently harvest chamomile should wear gloves, as high topical concentrations of active ingredients can cause dermatitis. Chamomile tea can be used for prevention and therapy. For this purpose, 1 to 2 teaspoons of the fresh or dried drug are poured over with about 250 milliliters of boiling water. The water used should be as soft as possible, that is, low in lime. After a brewing time of 10 minutes, up to 3 cups a day can be drunk lukewarm. If used daily, the maximum duration of therapy is 3 weeks. After that, a break should be taken first. Chamomile tea helps especially with digestive problems, insomnia and nervousness. In case of inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth or throat, the tea can also be used as a gargle. Poultices with Roman chamomile flowers promote wound healing, dried parts of the plant should be used for this purpose. Fresh parts of the plant may cause undesirable skin reactions. Roman chamomile is also often contained in creams or ointments, for example, a zinc chamomile cream has proven to be best for skin problems.
