German chamomile

Description

German chamomile, also known as matricaria, is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Known for its medicinal properties since ancient times, in Greece, Egypt and Rome, German chamomile is the plant given after childbirth and during the menstrual cycle to calm pain in women.

German chamomile contains an essence from which an essential oil is produced by distilling the flowers. This oil is rich in sesquiterpenes, a class of molecules that have anti-inflammatory and calming properties and play a role as a venolymphatic decongestant, this decongestant action being also linked to the presence of sesquiterpenols (sesquiterpene alcohols).

Matricaria is composed of flavonoids (apigenin, luteolol, quercetol) with antioxidant effects. Apigenin also gives the plant an anxiolytic action. In addition, the coumarins present in the plant, particularly umbelliferone, are the source of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet aggregation power with which matricaria is endowed, which enables it to have a beneficial effect on the vascular system.

Useful for the proper functioning of the digestive system, German chamomile has a spasmolytic and carminative action (facilitating the elimination of gas) and promotes the production of bile necessary for the absorption of lipids.

The benefits

German chamomile is used for its action against stress. It promotes optimal relaxation and helps to maintain a good sleep.

It is pleasant for the throat and clears the respiratory tract. This plant also supports the body's natural defences.

Matricaria is particularly useful in cases of indigestion and flatulence. It facilitates the metabolism of fats and promotes weight control.

German chamomile contains natural antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues from oxidation caused by free radicals.

Scientific publications

German chamomille is the object of more than 83 scientific publications.

• Mao, Jun J et al. “Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 23,14 (2016): 1735-1742.
• Abdullahzadeh, Mehrdad et al. “Investigation effect of oral chamomilla on sleep quality in elderly people in Isfahan: A randomized control trial.” Journal of education and health promotion vol. 6 53. 5 Jun. 2017.
• Modarres, M, Mirmohhamad Ali, M, Oshrieh Z, Mehran A. Comparison of the Effect of Mefenamic Acid and Matricaria Camomilla Capsules on Primary Dysmenorrhea. JBUMS. 2011; 13 (3) :50-58