***Chamomile reminds us that God’s healing is often gentle, steady, and deeply kind.***

**Latin Names:** *Matricaria chamomilla* or *Matricaria recutita* (German or wild chamomile); *Chamaemelum nobile* (Roman or English chamomile).
**Family:** Asteraceae/Compositae (the daisy family).
**Parts Used:** Primarily the flower heads.
**Energetics:** Cooling, drying, and slightly bitter.
**Taste:** Sweet, slightly bitter, and aromatic.
**Distinguishing German from Roman:**
**German Chamomile** has a hollow, cone-shaped receptacle with downward-turning white petals. It has a sweeter, less bitter taste.
**Roman Chamomile** has a flatter, non-hollow receptacle and a more bitter taste.

Have you ever had one of those nights where your thoughts race faster than your body can keep up? The clock ticks past midnight, your heart feels unsettled, and you whisper, “Lord, I just want to rest.” I’ve been there more times than I can count. And sometimes, in God’s kindness, the answer to my weary prayer has come in the form of something as simple as a warm cup of chamomile tea.

Chamomile is one of the oldest herbs known to humanity, but more importantly, it’s one of the gentlest. It reminds us that God doesn’t always heal with loud miracles—sometimes He soothes with quiet mercies.

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a daisy-like flower, most often used as a tea, oil, or topical remedy. Its name comes from the Greek chamaimelon, meaning “ground apple,” because of its sweet, apple-like fragrance.

Biblical Connection

While chamomile itself isn’t named in Scripture, God continually points us to the healing properties of plants:

“The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” – Ezekiel 47:12

Chamomile is one of those “leaves for medicine,” a tender reminder of God’s care woven into creation.

Benefits of Chamomile

🌿 Peace for the anxious mind – Chamomile is best known as a natural calming agent. Drinking chamomile tea can reduce anxiety and help your body prepare for rest.
🌿 Rest for the restless body – Studies show it gently supports better sleep without dependency.
🌿 Comfort for the weary stomach – Chamomile helps ease digestion and calm an upset stomach.
🌿 Care for the tender body – Chamomile oil, when diluted, can soothe irritated skin and inflammation.

A Holy Health Reflection

Chamomile teaches us that healing doesn’t always come in big, dramatic ways. Sometimes it’s found in the small, consistent comforts God provides—like a flower blooming quietly in the field. In the same way, His Spirit often works gently, steadily, and faithfully in our hearts.

Try This

Brew a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime and pray Psalm 4:8:
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil (diluted) to a warm bath as you ask God to wash away the day’s stress.

Materia Medica

Active constituents

Chamomile contains a variety of active compounds, including:

Volatile oils: Alpha-bisabolol, bisabolol oxides, chamazulene, and farnesene.
Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. Apigenin, in particular, has demonstrated sedative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Coumarins: Herniarin and umbelliferone.

Key actions

Nervine: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and acts as a mild sedative.
Carminative: Soothes the digestive tract, expels gas, and relieves bloating and indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation both internally and topically.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes smooth muscles, relieving cramps and spasms in the digestive system and uterus.
Vulnerary: Promotes wound healing.
Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating, helping to break fevers.
Antimicrobial: Possesses mild antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Indications and uses

Internal:

Anxiety and stress: A gentle remedy for restlessness, irritability, and stress, including tension-induced cramps and digestive issues.
Digestive complaints: Effective for indigestion, flatulence, bloating, nausea, and cramping. A classic remedy for infant colic.
Insomnia: Used as a mild sleep aid, especially when sleeplessness is caused by anxiety or restlessness.
Menstrual cramps: Its antispasmodic properties help ease painful periods.
Inflammatory conditions: Traditionally used for gastritis, gastric ulcers, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Fevers: Promotes sweating to help break mild fevers, particularly in children.

Topical:

Skin irritations: Used as a compress or wash for inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and diaper rash.
Wound healing: Applied to minor wounds, ulcers, and bruises to reduce inflammation and speed healing.
Eye and mouth care: A cooled, strained infusion can be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis or as a mouthwash for inflamed gums and canker sores.

Preparation and dosage

Chamomile can be prepared as a tea (infusion) by steeping 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water. The recommended dosage for tea is 1–3 cups daily. As a tincture, 1–3 mL (approximately 20–60 drops) can be taken 1–3 times daily. For topical use, a cooled tea or diluted tincture can be applied as a compress, wash, or poultice.

Safety and contraindications

Individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae family (like ragweed or daisies) should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. While generally considered safe in moderation during pregnancy, high doses may stimulate the uterus, so pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider. Chamomile may interact with blood thinners, potentially increasing bleeding risk, and should be discontinued two weeks before surgery. Due to potential estrogen-like effects, caution is advised for those with hormone-sensitive conditions. Chamomile is considered safe for children and infants for issues like colic and teething, but proper dosages and allergy awareness are important.

Chamomile: God’s Gentle Healer in a Teacup