German Chamomile

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About German Chamomile

  • Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita
  • Common Name: German Chamomile
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Hardiness: Frost tolerant
  • Life Cycle: Annual
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Sunlight: 6 to 12 hours full sun to
  • Heirloom
  • Maturity: 60 to 65 days
  • Non-GMO
  • Plant Food: FoxFarm Big Bloom for Organic Gardening
  • Seed Depth: Surface to 1/4 inch
  • Size: Up to 2 feet tall
  • Spacing: 12 inches
  • Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Companion Plants

Chamomile benefits from being grown close to the following herbs due to their symbiotic relationships, which support each other’s growth and health.30

  • Carrots – Plant carrot seeds or seedlings near chamomile as it is said that this combination deters pests. This may help protect your garden’s main crop from being attacked by insects like aphids and mites, which could potentially affect the taste of your vegetables.
  • Parsley – The aromatic herb parsley has been reported to deter worms when planted near chamomile plants. You can also add it in salads or use as garnish for flavoring and aesthetic appeal.

    • Harvesting Information

    For Chamomile tea, harvest young flowers after they bloom. Spread flowers out on an herb drying rack in a single layer so they are not on top of each other. After flowers are completely dry, store in an air tight glass container in your cupboard, away from light and heat.

    Nutritional Data

    One cup of hot Chamomile Tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and promote relaxation.
    Nutrition Facts
    1 servings per container
    Serving size
    1 cup (240g)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories
    2
    % Daily Value*
    Sodium
    2.4mg
    0%
    Total Carbohydrates
    0.48g
    0%
    Total Sugars
    0g
    0%
    Includes 0g Added Sugars
    0%
    Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
    0.02mg
    2%
    Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
    0.01mg
    1%
    Vitamin B9 (Folate)
    2.4mcg
    1%
    Calcium
    4.8mg
    0%
    Iron
    0.19mg
    1%
    Magnesium
    2.4mg
    1%
    Potassium
    21.6mgmg
    0%
    * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation.
    Data Source:
    USDA Food Data Central
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details//nutrients
    -- Represents data that is not available.

    Recipes With Chamomile

    Selection & Storage

    Keep in an airtight container or sealed glass jar to prevent exposure to oxygen and moisture. This helps maintain the essential oils within the plant material. Store in a cool, dark place like your pantry shelf away from direct sunlight. If you choose to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, ensure that it is placed inside an airtight container for optimum freshness and effectiveness.30

    Usage Tips

    Health Benefits

    Chamomile offers numerous potential health benefits, making it an excellent herb to have on hand.30

  • Mild Sleep Aid – Drinking a cup of warm infused tea can help relax the body and mind, easing anxiety or tension that might prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. This is because chamomile contains apigenin (an antioxidant flavonoid).
  • Soothing for Digestive Issues – Chamomile tea may provide relief during stomach upsets due to its soothing properties. You can also use the herb as a gargle, rinse or mouthwash when you have a sore throat, inflamed tonsils, toothache and oral ulcers.
  • Potential Cancer Fighter – The antioxidant apigenin in chamomile is thought to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by blocking the activities of two enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2 or COX-2 and lipoxygenase) that promote inflammation, which can be a precursor for tumor growth.
  • Promotes Skin Health – Chamomile tea is said to help cleanse your skin from the inside out, leaving it clearer with fewer blemishes due to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. The herb has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes and rosacea.
  • May Help Lower Blood Sugar – Chamomile tea is believed to help control blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which food turns into glucose in your body.

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