Chamomile
German chamomile’s scientific name is Chamomilla recutita and it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The flowers of this plant are used.
Taste Profile
When consumed, dried meadowsweet has a sweet taste, along with aromatic and hay-like flavours, and some people also notice medicinal and almond notes. It offers a well-rounded, mellow flavour when enjoyed as a simple beverage, reminiscent of summer evenings in a meadow!
Active Constituents
Salicylic acid, volatile oil, spireine (salicylaldehyde), gaultherine, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage and coumarins
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antacid, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, relaxant, stomachic and urinary antiseptic.
Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use as a gentle remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is known for its ability to ease excess acid and indigestion. Additionally, it was one of the original sources of aspirin and is valued for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in addressing headaches and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.
Contraindications
Do not use when there is a known aspirin sensitivity. Do not use alongside anticoagulants.
Taste Profile
When German chamomile is dried, it exhibits floral, apple, and honey-like aromas. However, brewing it strongly can extract more bitter compounds from the herb, resulting in a bitter taste. When brewed gently, it produces a smooth, mellow, and relaxing cup of tea, which explains its lasting appeal. If some find chamomile tea too sweet, they may benefit from brewing it longer to balance out the sweetness with some bitterness.
Active Constituents
Volatile oil, flavonoids, tannins, bitter principles and coumarins.
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, bitter, carminative, digestive, nervine, sedative and vulnerary.
Traditional Uses
Chamomile has long been utilised as a soothing remedy for stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. It is also recognised for its effectiveness in addressing digestive issues linked to stress and anxiety. Chamomile is known for its allergy-relieving properties, often used to alleviate symptoms of conditions like hay fever. Additionally, it is a natural remedy for pain, providing relief for painful periods, headaches, and musculoskeletal aches. When applied topically, it can help alleviate red, irritated, or damaged skin.
Contraindications
Care should be taken in those with a known allergy to members of the Asteraceae family.