Editing Chamomile

{{Short description|Common name for several daisy-like plants}}
{{distinguish|Calamine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
[[File:Kamomillasaunio (Matricaria recutita).JPG|thumb|upright|[[German chamomile]], ''Matricaria chamomilla'']]
[[File:Chamaemelum nobile 001.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Roman chamomile]], ''Chamaemelum nobile'']]
'''Chamomile''' ([[American English]]) or '''camomile''' ([[British English]]; [[American and British English spelling differences#Miscellaneous spelling differences|see spelling differences]]) ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|æ|m|ə|m|aɪ|l|,_|-|m|iː|l}} {{respell|KAM|ə|myle}} or {{respell|KAM|ə|meel}}<ref>{{Citation |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title=English Pronouncing Dictionary |editor1=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=978-3-12-539683-8 }}</ref><ref name="Dictionary">{{cite encyclopedia | title=Chamomile | encyclopedia=Dictionary.com Unabridged | publisher=Random House|date=2025 | access-date=12 February 2025 | url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chamomile}}</ref>) is the [[common name]] for several {{nowrap|[[Bellis perennis|daisy]]-like}} plants of the family [[Asteraceae]]. Two of the species, ''[[Matricaria chamomilla]]'' and ''[[Chamaemelum nobile]]'', are commonly used to make herbal [[infusion]]s for beverages.<ref name="nccih">{{cite web |url=http://nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile/ataglance.htm |title=Chamomile |publisher=National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health |date=November 2024|access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref name="Medline">{{cite web |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/752.html |title=Roman chamomile |publisher=MedlinePlus, US National Institutes of Health |date=9 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref name="drugs">{{cite web |title=Chamomile |url=https://www.drugs.com/mtm/chamomile.html |publisher=Drugs.com |access-date=12 February 2025 |date=2025}}</ref> Chamomile is also commonly used as a [[flavoring]] and in [[traditional medicine]], although it may cause [[side effect]]s and interact with other [[medication]]s.<ref name=Medline/><ref name=drugs/>

== Etymology ==
The word ''chamomile'' is derived via [[French language|French]] and [[Latin]], from the [[Ancient Greek language|Greek]] {{langx|grc|χαμαίμηλον|khamaimēlon|earth apple|label=none}}, from {{langx|grc|χαμαί|khamai|on the ground|label=none}}, and {{langx|grc|μῆλον|mēlon|apple|label=none}}.<ref>{{LSJ|xamai/mhlon|χαμαίμηλον|ref}}</ref><ref name="oed">{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=camomile|publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary|title=Chamomile|date=2019}}</ref> First used in the 13th century, the spelling ''chamomile'' corresponds to the Latin {{lang|la|chamomilla}} and the Greek {{transliteration|grc|chamaimelon}}.<ref name=oed /> The spelling ''camomile'' is a British derivation from the French.<ref name=oed />

== Species ==
[[File:Loose leaf chamomile tea.jpg|thumb|Loose-leaf chamomile tea]]
Some commonly used species include:
* ''[[Matricaria chamomilla]]'' – often called "German chamomile" or "Water of Youth"<ref name="Europe">{{cite journal | last1= Sarris|first1=J|last2=Panossian|first2=A|last3=Schweitzer|first3=I|last4=Stough|first4=C|last5=Scholey|first5=A| title=Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety, and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence| journal=European Neuropsychopharmacology |volume= 21 |issue=12 |pages=841–860|date=December 2011|pmid=21601431|doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.04.002 |s2cid=16831869}}</ref>
* ''[[Chamaemelum nobile]]'' – Roman, English, or garden chamomile; also frequently used (''C.&nbsp;nobile'' Treneague is normally used to create a chamomile lawn)<ref>{{cite web |title=Camomile lawn |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=281 |publisher=The Royal Horticultural Society |date=2018|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref>

A number of other species' [[common name]]s include the word ''chamomile''. This does not necessarily mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in the [[herbal tea]] known as "chamomile". Plants including the common name ''chamomile'', of the family [[Asteraceae]], are:
* ''[[Anthemis arvensis]]'' – corn, scentless or field chamomile
* ''[[Anthemis cotula]]'' – stinking chamomile
* ''[[Cladanthus mixtus]]'' – Moroccan chamomile
* ''[[Cota tinctoria]]'' – dyer's, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile
* ''[[Eriocephalus|Eriocephalus punctulatus]]'' – Cape chamomile
* ''[[Matricaria discoidea]]'' – wild chamomile or pineapple weed
* ''[[Oncosiphon pilulifer]]'' – globe chamomile
* ''[[Tripleurospermum inodorum]]'' – wild, scentless or false chamomile

== Uses ==
[[File:Camomile tea, High Tea at the Savoy Hotel.jpg|thumb|Chamomile tea being served at the Savoy Hotel in London, England]] 

Chamomile may be used as a flavouring agent in foods and beverages, [[mouthwash]], soaps, and [[cosmetics]].<ref name="drugs" /> Chamomile tea is a [[herbal infusion]] made from dried flowers and hot water, and may improve sleep quality.<ref name="nccih" />{{Failed verification|date=March 2025|reason=Source only mentions that "There’s very little information on chamomile’s effect on insomnia. A 2019 review of chamomile use found one study on insomnia, which found no benefit from its use for this sleep disorder."}} Two types of chamomile are used, namely [[Matricaria chamomilla|German chamomile]] (''Matricaria recutita'') and [[Chamaemelum nobile|Roman chamomile]] (''Chamaemelum nobile'').<ref name="nccih" /> Chamomile has historically been used as one of the flavouring ingredients in [[beer]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Grieve |first1=Maude |title=A Modern Herbal |date=1931 |url=https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chammo49.html}}</ref> and is sometimes used by modern brewers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chamomile Beer List |url=https://www.ratebeer.com/tag/chamomile/ |website=RateBeer |access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref> Usually the whole plant is used, adding a bitter flavour component.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brewing Wildflower Wheat |url=https://www.brewersfriend.com/2012/07/01/brewing-wildflower-wheat-a-honey-chamomile-wheat-beer-from-dogfish-head-founder-sam-calagione/ |website=Brewer's Friend |date=July 2012 |access-date=28 August 2019}}</ref>

Chamomile, chiefly ''[[Chamaemelum nobile]]'' cultivars, is used to "upholster" [[chamomile seat]]s, raised beds which are about half a meter tall, and designed to be sat upon.<ref>[[:File:The Sensory Garden, Buckfast Abbey - geograph.org.uk - 219593.jpg|The Sensory Garden, Buckfast Abbey (image)]]</ref> [[Chamomile lawn]]s are also used in sunny areas with light traffic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chamomile lawns |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/chamomile-lawns |website=www.rhs.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref>

== Research ==
There is no [[evidence-based medicine|clinical evidence]] that chamomile is effective for treating any diseases.<ref name=drugs/> Chamomile is under preliminary research for its potential [[anxiolytic|anti-anxiety]] properties.<ref name="Europe" /> There is no good evidence that it is useful for treating [[insomnia]].<ref name="Leach">{{cite journal | last1=Leach | first1=Matthew J. | last2=Page | first2=Amy T. | title=Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis | journal=Sleep Medicine Reviews | volume=24 | year=2015 | issn=1087-0792 | pmid=25644982 | doi=10.1016/j.smrv.2014.12.003 | pages=1–12}}</ref>

===Phytochemicals===
The main compounds in chamomile flowers are [[Coumarin derivatives|coumarins]], [[flavonoids]], and [[polyphenol]]s,<ref name="Europe" /> including [[apigenin]], [[quercetin]], [[patuletin]], [[luteolin]], and [[daphnin]].<ref name="mckay">{{cite journal|pmid=16628544|year=2006|last1=McKay|first1=D. L.|title=A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (''Matricaria recutita'' L.)|journal=Phytotherapy Research|volume=20|issue=7|pages=519–30|last2=Blumberg|first2=J. B.|doi=10.1002/ptr.1900|s2cid=21041569}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=El Mihyaoui |first1=A |last2=Esteves da Silva |first2=JCG |last3=Charfi |first3=S |last4=Candela Castillo |first4=ME |last5=Lamarti |first5=A |last6=Arnao |first6=MB |title=Chamomile (''Matricaria chamomilla'' L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses. |journal=Life |date=25 March 2022 |volume=12 |issue=4 |page=479 |doi=10.3390/life12040479 |pmid=35454969|doi-access=free |pmc=9032859 |bibcode=2022Life...12..479E }}</ref> 

== Drug interactions ==
The use of chamomile has the potential to cause [[adverse effect|adverse interactions]] with numerous herbal products and [[prescription drug]]s and may worsen pollen [[allergy|allergies]].<ref name=drugs /> People who are allergic to [[ragweed]] (also in the daisy family) may be allergic to chamomile due to [[cross-reactivity]].<ref name=nccih />

Chamomile consists of several ingredients including [[coumarin]], [[glycoside]], [[herniarin]], [[flavonoid]], [[farnesol]], [[nerolidol]] and [[germacranolide]]. Despite the presence of coumarin, as chamomile's effect on the coagulation system has not yet been studied, it is unknown whether a clinically significant drug–herb interaction exists with anticoagulant drugs.<ref name=drugs /> However, until more information is available, it is not recommended to use these substances concurrently.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Abebe|first=W.|date=2002-12-01|title=Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs|journal=Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics|volume=27|issue=6|pages=391–401|issn=0269-4727|pmid=12472978|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x|s2cid=1828900|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Chamomile should not be used by people with past or present cancers of the [[breast cancer|breast]], [[ovarian cancer|ovary]], or [[uterine cancer|uterus]]; [[endometriosis]]; or [[uterine fibroid]]s.<ref name=drugs />

== Pregnancy and breastfeeding ==
Because chamomile has been known to cause [[uterine contractions]] that can invoke [[miscarriage]], pregnant women are advised to not consume [[Chamaemelum nobile|Roman chamomile]] (''Chamaemelum nobile'').<ref name=Medline /> Although oral consumption of chamomile is [[generally recognized as safe]] in the United States, there is insufficient [[evidence-based medicine|clinical evidence]] about its potential for affecting [[Breastfeeding|nursing infants]].<ref name=drugs />

== Agriculture ==
The chamomile plant is known to be susceptible to many [[fungus|fungi]], [[insect]]s, and [[virus]]es. The following fungi are known to attack this plant: ''Albugo tragopogonis'' (white rust), ''Cylindrosporium matricariae, Erysiphe cichoracearum'' (powdery mildew), ''E. polyphage, Halicobasidium purpureum, Peronospora leptosperma, Peronospora radii, Phytophthora cactorum, Puccinia anthemedis, Puccinia matricaiae, Septoria chamomillae'', and ''Sphaerotheca macularis'' (powdery mildew). Also, yellow virus (''Chlorogenus callistephi'' var. ''californicus'' Holmes, ''Callistephus'' virus 1A) causes severe damage to this plant. <ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Ompal |last2=Khanam |first2=Zakia |last3=Misra |first3=Neelam |last4=Srivastava |first4=Manoj Kumar |date=2011 |title=Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview |journal=Pharmacognosy Reviews |volume=5 |issue=9 |pages=82–95 |doi=10.4103/0973-7847.79103 |doi-access=free |issn=0973-7847 |pmc=3210003 |pmid=22096322}}</ref>[[Aphid]]s (''Aphis fabae'') have been observed feeding on chamomile plants and the moth ''[[Autographa chryson]]'' causes defoliation.The insect ''Nysius minor'' caused shedding of ''M. chamomilla'' flowers,<ref name=":0" />

== Historical descriptions ==
[[Nicholas Culpeper]]'s [[17th century]] ''The Complete Herbal'' has an illustration and several entries on ''chamomel''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Culpeper |first1=Nicholas |title=The Complete Herbal |date=1600s |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49513/49513-h/49513-h.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= &#91;Illustration on Project Gutenberg&#93;|url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49513/49513-h/images/i_plate_04-big.jpg |access-date=1 December 2022 }}</ref>

== In culture ==
* In ''[[The Tale of Peter Rabbit]]'' by [[Beatrix Potter]] (1902), Peter's mother gives him chamomile tea to cure his stomach ache.<ref name=Castleman>Michael Castleman {{google books|DuUx21ovi90C|The New Healing Herbs: The Classic Guide to Nature's Best Medicines ...|pages=123–125}}</ref>
* [[Mary Wesley]]'s 1984 novel ''[[The Camomile Lawn]]'' features a house in [[Cornwall]] with a lawn planted with chamomile rather than grass.
* In the 2001 [[No Doubt]] song "[[Hey Baby (No Doubt song)|Hey Baby]]", chamomile is featured in the line "I'm just sippin' on chamomile", sung by [[Gwen Stefani]].<ref>{{Citation |title=No Doubt (Ft. Bounty Killer) – Hey Baby |url=https://genius.com/No-doubt-hey-baby-lyrics |access-date=2024-04-24}}</ref>
* Chamomile is the [[floral emblem|national flower]] of Russia.<ref name="Minahan">James Minahan. ''The complete guide to national symbols and emblems, Vol. 1''. Greenwood Press. 2009.</ref>
* In Shakespeare’s [[Henry IV, Part 1]], [[Falstaff]] proclaims “…the camomile grows faster the more it is trodden on“.

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Matricaria chamomilla}}
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ANTI PLANTS Profile: Anthemis tinctoria L. (golden chamomile)], [[USDA]]
* {{Wikisource-inline|list=
** {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Chamomile|short=x |noicon=x}}
** {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Chamomile|short=x |noicon=x}}
}}

{{Medicinal herbs & fungi}}

[[Category:Flower teas]]
[[Category:Herbal teas]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of Europe]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of North America]]
[[Category:Flora of Mexico]]
[[Category:Plant common names]]