German Chamomile: Beneficial Properties and Uses
Dr. Boris Wydoff · 2026-09-23
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for stomach spasms, intestinal bloating, irritation of the mucous membranes, and externally for rinses, compresses, and baths. Its main properties are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mildly calming, and antiseptic.
What is German chamomile and how can you avoid confusing it with other types?
German chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae). It grows 15–50(60) cm tall. The stem is bare and branched, sometimes branching from the base. The leaves are twice- or three-times pinnately divided into narrow, linear, awl-shaped pointed segments. The inflorescences are flower heads. The outer flowers are white ray flowers, while the inner ones are golden-yellow tubular flowers. At the beginning of flowering, the white rays are positioned horizontally; toward the end, they bend downward.
The most reliable distinguishing feature is the receptacle. In German chamomile, it is cone-shaped and hollow inside. In similar species, such as scentless chamomile, the receptacle is solid, hemispherical, or bluntly conical. German chamomile has a strong, characteristic scent. It flowers from May to September.
It grows in wastelands, disturbed areas, along roadsides, in fields, and near homes. It prefers fertile soils. It is common in Russia, but is rarely found north of the 60th parallel. There is also a second species — pineappleweed, or scented mayweed. It has no white ray flowers, only greenish-yellow tubular ones. It is also used medicinally, but this article is primarily about German chamomile.
What is it useful for and what does it contain?
According to herbal medicine reference sources, the flowers contain essential oil — from 0.12–0.5% to 0.8–1% depending on the raw material. The oil contains chamazulene, bisabolol, other sesquiterpenes and terpenoids. Chamazulene is the most valuable component of the oil: its content ranges from 1.64 to 8.99%, averaging about 4.6%. The flowers also contain flavonoids, coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, mucilage and tannins, bitter compounds, choline, carotene, and small amounts of organic acids.
The effects of chamomile are described as follows:
- antispasmodic — relieves spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines;
- anti-inflammatory — reduces irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes;
- antiseptic and disinfecting;
- mildly sedative — helps with increased excitability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances;
- carminative — reduces bloating and fermentation;
- diaphoretic — used for colds;
- local anesthetic — provides mild pain relief when used externally;
- wound-healing and soothing.
Herbal reference books note that chamomile preparations increase bile secretion, reduce spasms in isolated intestines, and have anti-ulcer effects in animal experiments. Essential oil slightly increases and deepens breathing and dilates the blood vessels of the brain — but these are laboratory findings, not a reason to take the oil internally on your own.
How should chamomile be taken internally?
Traditionally, flower infusion is drunk for stomach and intestinal spasms, colic, bloating, belching, and flatulence. It is used for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, painful menstruation, overexcitement, insomnia, and also as a diaphoretic for colds.
Reference books describe different preparations. According to one source, the infusion is made from 1–2 teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. According to another, a tablespoon of the raw material is poured with a cup of boiling water, infused, and taken by the tablespoon 3 times a day. For stomach pain, a cold infusion is sometimes recommended: it contains more mucilage and has a gentler effect.
A carminative tea made from chamomile, valerian, and caraway is prepared as follows: take 6 parts chamomile flowers, 4 parts valerian root, and 1 part caraway fruits. Pour a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of the mixture, infuse for 20 minutes, and strain. Take half a cup in the morning and evening for flatulence.
A chamomile tincture in a dose of 15–25 drops is mentioned in a medicinal plant reference book. Alcoholic extracts require caution and should not be used without consulting a doctor.
CAN IT BE USED EXTERNALLY?
Externally, chamomile infusion and decoction are used as soothing, anti-inflammatory, and disinfecting agents.
- Gargles for the throat and mouth: for tonsillitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
- Lotions and compresses: for wounds, ulcers, boils, abscesses, eczema, skin irritation, burns, and frostbite.
- Poultices: steamed chamomile flowers are sometimes mixed with elder flowers and applied to inflamed areas.
- Cleansing: a decoction is used to wash suppurating wounds and ulcers.
- Baths: for nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, and pain in the legs.
- Cosmetics: chamomile decoction is used to wash light hair for a golden tint; the infusion is used to wash the face to make the skin softer.
Please note: chamomile should not be used for eye inflammation — it may increase irritation. Herbal reference books recommend eyebright for the eyes rather than chamomile. Do not allow the infusion to get into the eyes.
How do you brew chamomile so that it tastes good and is beneficial?
Preparation rules: pour hot water over the dried flowers, cover, let them infuse, and strain.
Classic infusion:
- 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water;
- infuse for 10–15 minutes;
- drink warm.
If you need a stronger infusion for gargling or washing, use a tablespoon of the raw material per cup of boiling water.
Cold infusion:
- pour the same amount of raw material with cold boiled water;
- infuse for several hours at room temperature;
- use for stomach pain when it is important to preserve more mucilage.
Do not boil it for a long time: the essential oil evaporates. In older reference books, the term “decoction” often referred simply to a water extract, but today an infusion is more commonly prepared.
When and how should you collect the flowers so they retain their potency?
For medicinal purposes, flower heads are collected. The best time is at the beginning of flowering, when the white ray flowers are positioned horizontally. Collect in dry weather, picking the flower heads by hand or combing the plants with special harvesting combs. Do not take flower heads with long stalks: for German chamomile, the flower stalk should not exceed 3 cm, and for scented chamomile — 1 cm.
Dry quickly, in the shade, in a well-ventilated room or in a dryer at 40–50 °C. Spread in a thin layer: approximately 1 kg of raw material per 1 m². Do not stir and do not overdry. When the receptacle becomes dry, finish drying.
The finished raw material consists of whole flower heads with a strong aromatic smell and a spicy, bitterish taste. Store in a dry, dark place, separately from strongly scented products. According to the standard, the moisture content of the raw material should not exceed 14%.
Chamomile flowers from May to September. The flower heads are collected as they bloom.
Who can chamomile harm and when is caution needed?
German chamomile is considered a low-risk plant when used as an ordinary tea, but there are limitations. Medicinal doses (concentrated infusions, extracts) are considered possibly safe only for short courses. Long-term use without medical supervision is not recommended. Buy the raw material from pharmacies or trusted manufacturers: poor drying or storage can lead to spoilage.
The main contraindication is an allergy to chamomile and other plants in the daisy family/Asteraceae: ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, sunflower, and calendula. Contact dermatitis, hives, bronchospasm, and severe reactions up to anaphylaxis are possible.
Pregnancy: there is not enough safety data. Modern sources do not recommend medicinal doses of chamomile during pregnancy. Ordinary tea in dietary amounts is not the same as concentrated extracts or supplements.
Breastfeeding: there is little data. Medicinal preparations should only be used after consulting a doctor, especially if the baby is a newborn or premature.
Children: short-term use may be possible, but long-term data are lacking. Do not give children concentrated extracts, essential oil, or multi-ingredient herbal mixtures without a pediatrician.
Do not use chamomile for the eyes: the infusion may cause irritation.
Chamomile baths are not recommended for severe cardiovascular diseases, open wounds, extensive skin damage, acute skin diseases, high fever, or severe infections.
Drug interactions:
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taking warfarin and other blood-thinning medicines.
- Sedative medications: additional drowsiness is possible when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, opioids, or sedating antihistamines.
- Cyclosporine: there is a report of increased drug levels in the blood; do not start taking chamomile supplements without medical advice.
- Drugs metabolized by the CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 enzymes: in laboratory studies, chamomile may affect these enzymes; the clinical significance is unclear, but the risk is higher with concentrated products than with occasional tea.
- Oral contraceptives: preliminary data suggest a possible reduction in effectiveness; with medicinal doses, use additional contraception.
Do not take essential oil internally: it is a concentrate with different risks.
Typical side effects are rare: nausea, dizziness, mild rash, itching, and local irritation. If wheezing, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, generalized hives, or fainting occurs — stop taking it and seek urgent medical help.
When you need a doctor
See a doctor if:
- abdominal pain is severe, getting worse, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool;
- stomach or intestinal symptoms recur frequently or do not go away for several days;
- you are allergic to plants in the daisy family or develop a rash after using chamomile;
- you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to give chamomile to a child;
- you take anticoagulants, sedatives, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, or medicines with a narrow therapeutic window;
- you have chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease;
- you want to use chamomile not as a tea, but as concentrated extracts, tinctures, or oil.
Chamomile does not replace medical care and does not cancel prescribed treatment.
From the editors
The article was prepared using herbal medicine reference books and traditional sources. It does not replace a doctor's consultation: professional assessment is necessary before using any herbal remedies.
Frequently asked questions
What is German chamomile used for?
Traditionally, the infusion is drunk for stomach spasms, bloating, gastritis, colitis, painful menstruation, and insomnia. Externally, it is used for gargling, compresses, wound cleansing, and baths.
How do you brew German chamomile?
Pour 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers with a cup of boiling water, cover, infuse for 10–15 minutes, and strain. For external use, use a tablespoon per cup.
What are the contraindications for German chamomile?
Allergy to Asteraceae plants, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood use without medical advice. Use caution when taking anticoagulants, sedatives, cyclosporine, or oral contraceptives.
Can you rinse your eyes with chamomile?
No. For eye inflammation, chamomile may increase irritation. Herbal reference books use eyebright for the eyes. Avoid getting the infusion into the eyes.
How much chamomile tea can you drink?
In ordinary dietary amounts, tea is considered safe when used for short periods. Medicinal doses should not be taken long-term without medical supervision.
Can you use chamomile during pregnancy?
Current data do not recommend medicinal doses of chamomile during pregnancy. Ordinary tea in dietary amounts is not the same as concentrated products, but it is better to discuss it with a doctor.
What is the difference between German chamomile and scented chamomile?
German chamomile has white ray flowers, while scented chamomile does not. The receptacle is hollow in both species, but scented chamomile has smaller flower heads on short stalks.
How should dried chamomile flowers be stored?
In a dry, dark place, separately from strongly scented products. The moisture content of the raw material should not exceed 14%. Shelf life is according to the manufacturer's or pharmacy's recommendation, usually up to 1–2 years.
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Boris Wydoff — naturopathic doctor, Ph.D. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →