Roman Chamomile
Origin: Europe and Northern Africa
Scientific Name: Chamaemelum nobile (aka Anthemis nobilis)
Folk Names: Amythen (Anglo-Saxon) English chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother’s daisy, sweet chamomile, whig plant
Related:
- Chamomile: General/shared information
- German Chamomile: Matricaria chamomilla
Magical
Arguments are presented for multiple (arguably conflicting) sets of correspondences for chamomile. Some argue it should be given solar associations, due to the bright colour and scent of the flowers, while others argue that its healing qualities suggest it should be associated with water and the moon. I associate Roman chamomile more strongly with water and German chamomile with solar energy.
Element: Water
Day: Monday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Cancer
Associated Celebrations: Ostara
Deities: Apollo, Balder, Cernunnos, Hypnos, Ra, Woden
Parts used: Flowers & flowering tops
Magical Properties: Balance, communication, forgiveness, friendship, love, luck, meditation, peace, purification, spirituality, success
Substitutions: Lavender, German chamomile
Magical Uses:
- Drink chamomile tea to aid in centering and grounding, particularly before ritual or spellwork.
- Use Roman chamomile as a tea or incense to aid in dream work, divination, and psychic work.
Aromatherapy
Part used: Flowers
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 64°C
Scent type: Floral
Perfume note: Middle
Scent description: Herbaceous, sweet, apple-like
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia; helps to release physical stress response.
Warnings:
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Can cause skin irritation: use only in low dilutions.
- Roman Chamomile oil is prone to oxidation: store in a dark, airtight container, ideally refrigerated.
Medicinal
Note: This information is provided for informational purposes only, do not use any plants medicinally without consulting with an appropriate medical professional.
Medicinal Properties:Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, nervine, tonic
Medicinal Uses:
Reproductive System: It is sometimes used to promote menstruation in those with amenorrhea (particularly due to eating disorders).
Interactions:
- As chamomile can be a mild sedative, it might increase the impact of sedative medications.
Warnings:
- Chamomile is unsafe for those with ragweed allergies, or sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Roman chamomile is unsafe during pregnancy, and believed to cause miscarriages. It is best avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Practical
See chamomile.
Botanical
Roman chamomile is one of 2 species of Chamaemelum.
Type: Ground-cover
Plant Height: 20-30cm
Leaves: Fine, branched, downy leaves
Flowers: Small, white, daisy-like flowers
Etymology: The nobile was given to Roman chamomile due to the belief that it had superior therapeutic properties to German chamomile.
In the Garden
Type: Perennial
Sow: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained
Companion Planting: Roman chamomile benefits most plants, especially herbs and onions - it seems to drive away flying insects and increase yields.
Tips:
- Can be used as lawn, or grows well between paving or stepping stones.
- Harvest flowers in summer when fully open and cut back to 6cm.
- Use infusion as a spray to prevent damping off.