Camomile flowers, whole, organic

Name: Chamomile / German Chamomile (Deutsch: Kamille / Echte Kamille)
Latin Name: Matricaria chamomilla L.
Product Form: Flowers, whole, dried
Ingredients: 100% whole chamomile flowers from certified organic farming

Chamomile flowers are among the best-known and most widely used medicinal plants in Europe and are a cornerstone of naturopathic medicine. The organic chamomile flowers from Herbathek are offered as whole, uncut blossoms, preserving their full aroma and natural constituents as completely as possible. Chamomile tea made from whole flowers is considered particularly aromatic and is a time-honoured household remedy for all ages.

Uses and Effects

As chamomile tea: The whole organic chamomile flowers are ideal for preparing aromatic chamomile tea. Loose chamomile tea from whole flowers develops its full, mild flavour and a pleasant apple-like fragrance when brewed. Whether as a hot cup of organic chamomile tea on cool days or as a soothing evening drink, the possibilities are plentiful. Loose chamomile tea also combines beautifully with other herbs such as peppermint or fennel to create an individual herbal blend. Further instructions on preparation can be found in the "Preparation" tab.

External application: Dried chamomile flowers are also well suited for external use, for example as a chamomile compress or as an addition to a relaxing herbal bath. In cosmetics, chamomile is traditionally used to support the care of sensitive and irritated skin.

In naturopathic medicine: Chamomile is traditionally used to support comfort with digestive complaints, mild inflammation of the mucous membranes and nervous restlessness. As a true all-rounder in herbal medicine, it is versatile in both internal and external applications. Further information on uses can be found in the "Areas of Application" tab.

About the Plant

The annual German chamomile grows up to 50 cm tall and produces upright, cylindrical, often richly branched stems with two- to three-times pinnate, alternately arranged, elongated leaves with pointed tips. The flower heads, measuring 1.5 to 3 cm across, are positioned terminally on the branches. The almost single-rowed, hemispherical involucre consists of 20 to 30 green, oblong, blunt bracts with a narrow, brownish margin. The hollow receptacle, initially flat and later elongated into a cone shape, is covered with five-toothed, golden-yellow tubular disc florets. The approximately 15 tongue-shaped white ray florets appear reflexed as the receptacle enlarges. The fruits, up to 2 mm long, are dispersed by animals that consume the ripe flower heads and excrete the undigested seeds. Scentless mayweed can be distinguished from true chamomile by the absence of the typical chamomile fragrance and its solid, pithy receptacle.

Other common names: Chamomile is also known as German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile, true chamomile, scented mayweed and sweet false chamomile. In German, the plant goes by many folk names including Apfelkraut, Mutterkraut, Feldkamille and Muskatblume, among numerous others.

Origin and harvest time: German chamomile originates from Eurasia and is now found worldwide. It prefers sunny, nutrient-poor locations and commonly grows on arable land, waste ground and along roadsides. Due to modern agricultural practices, it is unfortunately rarely found growing wild today. The main harvest period runs from May to August, with flowers best collected in dry, sunny conditions at peak bloom.

Historical roots: Chamomile is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Europe and so widely known that its characteristic fragrance is instantly recognisable to almost everyone. It has been used in cosmetics and naturopathic medicine since ancient times. Originating from Eurasia, it was regarded as a sacred medicinal plant by Nordic peoples and associated with the sun god Baldur. In ancient Egypt it was revered as the flower of the sun god. During the Middle Ages it was considered an indispensable herb in every monastery garden and was expressly recommended by Hildegard von Bingen. To this day, chamomile remains one of the most widely used medicinal plants in Western naturopathic medicine.

Key active constituents:

• Essential oil (chamazulene, alpha-bisabolol): Gives chamomile its characteristic fragrance and contributes to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
• Chamazulene: The deep-blue compound of the essential oil, formed during steam distillation, and considered one of the most significant active constituents of chamomile.
• Flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin): Polyphenolic secondary plant compounds with antioxidant properties that contribute to the overall activity of the plant.
• Coumarins (herniarin, umbelliferone): Characteristic constituents of chamomile with mild antispasmodic properties and the ability to absorb UV light.
• Tannins: Have an astringent effect on tissue and mucous membranes, contributing to the traditionally astringent application of chamomile.
• Bitter compounds: Stimulate the production of digestive secretions and traditionally support gastrointestinal function.
• Mucilages: Have a soothing effect on mucous membranes and complement the calming properties of the plant.

Herbathek Stands for the Highest Quality

All products available at Herbathek are exclusively selected and of the highest quality. Our chamomile flowers are also naturally pure and of the finest organic quality: free from preservatives, flavourings and other artificial additives - 100% natural!

Origin: Our whole organic chamomile flowers come from certified organic farming in Croatia. The Croatian climate provides ideal growing conditions for high-quality chamomile flowers with a particularly intense aroma.

Careful cultivation & gentle processing: Throughout the entire growing and harvesting process, careful handling of the plant is ensured at every stage. This preserves its natural, plant-typical properties as completely as possible. The specifically cultivated plant variety differs significantly from wild-growing variants and has a notably higher density of plant constituents. A particularly gentle further processing method and a specially adapted drying procedure ensure the purity and high quality of this naturally pure raw material.

You can also purchase other similar products at Herbathek:

• Chamomile Flowers, Ground, Organic - finely ground organic chamomile flowers, ideal for further processing in cosmetics, powder blends or herbal preparations.