Chamomile

Matricaria recutita L. – Asteraceae

Chamomile is a plant that originates from southern, eastern Europe and western Asia. Today, it is grown as a medicinal plant in other parts of the world (Europe, North America and Australia). The biggest producers of chamomile are: Argentina, Egypt, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Spain and Germany.

Chamomile flower is rich in essential oils, organic acids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins and mucus. Chamomile flowers contain sesquiterpene lactones, the most famous of which are matricin and matricarin. Next, chamomile is rich in etharxim oil, which contains monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds. The specific smell of chamomile comes from the sesquiterpene components of the essential oil, spatulenol and chamviolin.

Many of the health benefits of this plant come from the ingredients of the essential oil. Chamomile acts antimicrobial (against fungi (Candida albicans) and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), anti-inflammatory (reduces the inflammatory reaction), spasmolytic (relaxes smooth muscles), antioxidant (protects against free radicals) and activates the musculature of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, it has a regenerative effect, so the use of chamomile can be recommended for skin and mucous membrane regeneration.

The role of chamomile flower oil extract in the prevention and alleviation of gastrointestinal tract complaints is reflected in the fact that it is most recommended for spasms due to its carminative effect, indigestion, as well as for inflammatory processes of the organs of the digestive tract (irritable bowel syndrome and chronic inflammatory bowel disease).

Chamomile

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