Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All ., and German chamomile, Matricaria recutita , are two different species of plant commonly known as the same herb.

Formerly classified as Anthemis nobilis L . and called English or Russian chamomile, Roman chamomile is a creeping, herbaceous perennial native to western Europe and North Africa. Reaching a height of about 0.3 meters, the aromatic plant is characterized by downy stems and yellow-disc, white-ray flowers that appear in late spring or early July. Roman chamomile is cultivated in Europe, especially in Belgium, France, and England.

German chamomile, Matricaria recutita L ., is also known as matricaria, wild chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, and sweet false chamomile. This many-branched, erect-growing annual, formerly classified as Matricaria chamomilla L ., reaches a height of about 0.3 meter and has yellow disc white ray flowers. Cultivated in Germany, Hungary, Russia, and several other European countries, German chamomile is native to Europe and western Asia and naturalized in North America. Dried flowers from Roman and German chamomile are employed in herbal teas. Flower heads of Roman chamomile have been used in the manufacture of herb beers. The essential oils are used as agents in alcoholic beverages, confections, desserts, perfumes, and cosmetics. Roman chamomile is often grown as a ground cover or as an ornamental in flower gardens.

As medicinal plants, the chamomiles have been traditionally considered to be antispasmodics, carminatives, diaphoretics, emmenagogues, sedatives, and stomachics. The plants have been used as bitters, tonics, insect repellents, and as a folk remedies against asthma, colic, fevers, inflammations, and cancer. German chamomile has been used to induce sleep and as an anthelmintic.

Roman chamomile is a pharmaceutical aromatic bitter and chamazulene, obtained from German chamomile, is a pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic agent. Extracts of Roman chamomile have shown anti tumor activity and extracts of German chamomile are reported to have antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Chamomile in tea may cause toxic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed or allergens.
The chamomiles can also cause contact dermatitis

Credit for Chamomile Info Here   Click for Manzanilla Graphic

Properties of Manzanilla Favored by Aztec's

• Encourages the Appetite since one of Chamomile's properties is the Stimulation of Gastric Juices,
• calms Colic due to Indigestion,
• Fights Intestinal Gas,
• Favors and Eases Menstruation,
• Eases the Pain due to Menstrual Cramps,
• Also Useful for Leukorrhea or White Vaginal Discharge,
• and also used to cure Conjunctivitis(inflammation of the mucus membrane that surrounds the eyeball).

Aztec Method of Use

• Drink 3 cups a day of the brew made from 10 grams manzanilla leaves and flowers to 1/2 liter of water.
• In cases of leukorrhea or White Vaginal Discharge:   boil 20 grams of Chamomile leaves and flowers to 1/2 liter of water then use a vaginal wash.
• In cases of Conjunctivitis:  Apply the same remedy described above but as an eye wash.

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