Our protagonist today is found in all (or almost all) homes, it is one of the most cultivated plants due to its medicinal and beneficial properties for health and its flowers are more than a decorative element. Chamomile sounds familiar to you , right?
Known scientifically as Matricaria recutita , this small herb develops aromatic, yellow flowers that, once dried, are used to make infusions . These small parts have numerous beneficial health properties.
If you continue reading, you will discover is, what its characteristics are, how it should be grown and what pests or diseases it can suffer from. A complete analysis that will surely be helpful to you and with which you will learn everything this plant can offer you. The plant with healthy properties.
Table of Contents
What is chamomile?
The scientifically identified as Matricaria recutita, originates from Western Europe and northern Asia. It is recognized for its herbaceous appearance and its utilization for medicinal purposes through its flowering.
This plant species has a long history of use in various European regions because of its medicinal and health-promoting qualities. It initially proliferated in the Balkans and was subsequently introduced to central European countries such as Italy, Bulgaria, and Russia.
In the Iberian Peninsula you can find it cultivated throughout the territory except for the northeast, east and southeast.
What are their characteristics?
As we told you, this is a herbaceous, annual and aromatic plant . It has an upright, branchy stem and can reach a height of 50 cm (approximately).
Its leaves are pinnate, alternate, segmented and have a light layer of hair.
This flower head does not exceed one centimeter in diameter.
These Matricaria should not be confused with the so-called “Roman chamomile” (bitter chamomile with evergreen foliage). This has more marked properties, a more creeping stem, shorter and less branched than the common chamomile.
The usable parts
In this plant, only its flowers are collected and used.
This collection is carried out once the floral part is fully developed, that is, when the flowers are already open. It is advisable to collect them on the day they open as it is the day in which their active components are in greatest quantity.
After collecting them, they must be dried in the shade and in the air.
The medicinal properties
The taken in infusions, is one of the most popular for use against internal and external conditions. This plant for medicinal use is used to treat digestive problems, nerves or cholesterol, as well as for skin or eye care.