# Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

**Camomilla**

**Known today as.** *Matricaria chamomilla*.

Kind: Plant

## What did Canale use it for?

In the bath for cold and moist complexions (ch. 7).

## What does modern science say?

There is modest early evidence that it eases anxiety. Its flavonoid apigenin binds the same receptors as the benzodiazepines, weakly; a controlled trial at the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 found a standardised extract modestly eased generalised anxiety, and it is approved in Germany for mild inflammations of the mouth and skin. People allergic to ragweed may react to it.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **apigenin**: 
- **bisabolol**: anti-inflammatory
- **chamazulene**: the blue of the oil

**Mechanism.** Apigenin binds the benzodiazepine site weakly; bisabolol and chamazulene calm inflammation.

**Dose.** No toxicity; allergy in those sensitive to the daisy family.

**Standing.** Approved in Europe for mild inflammation and digestive complaints.

## What lore surrounds it?

Ancient Egyptian tradition dedicated chamomile to the sun god Ra for its golden-centered, sun-like flower, and credited it on that account with power over agues and fevers.

Roman chamomile, *Chamaemelum nobile*, was planted in lawns and seats in Tudor gardens, since it grows the better for being walked on, and Falstaff is told that chamomile, “the more it is trodden on, the faster it grows.” Peter Rabbit’s mother put him to bed with a cup of it.

## What did the older authorities say?

**Dioscorides.** Gives *anthemis* for fevers, the womb, and the stone, in baths and drinks, and the Greek physicians after him held it among the gentlest of the warming herbs.

**Its names.** The Greek *chamaimēlon*, “earth-apple,” is for the apple scent of the crushed flower; the Latin *Matricaria* for its use in the complaints of the womb.

**Culpeper.** Says the Egyptians dedicated it to the sun, and that a decoction of the flowers, bathed in, “taketh away weariness, easeth pains.”

## Sources

- Shakespeare, *Henry IV, Part 1* II.iv.
- Amsterdam, J. D., et al. (2009). “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral *Matricaria recutita* extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.” *Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology* 29.
- Amsterdam, J. D., et al. (2009). *Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology* 29.

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*Chamomile.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-01. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/chamomile

Historical description, not medical advice.