Navel Noble, or Roman

Compositae - Asteraceae (Compositae). Parts used: inflorescences. Pharmacy name: Roman chamomile flowers - Chamomillae romanae flos (formerly: Flores Chamomillae romanae).

Botanical description. A perennial plant that produces erect shoots approximately 30 cm in height. The latter bear at their ends one white inflorescence, mostly with only ligulate flowers. This variety is preferred for pharmaceutical purposes, for which it is grown in culture. The leaves are double or triple pinnately dissected. Blooms from June to August.

The birthplace of Roman chamomile is Southern and Western Europe and, quite possibly, North America.

Collection and preparation. Fully blossomed inflorescences are collected and dried in air or under artificial heating (at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C).

Active ingredients: essential oil, bitters (se-squiterpene lactones), flavonoids, polyacetylenes and others.

Healing action and application. Complaints such as a feeling of heaviness, flatulence, mild cramp-like effects in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as inflammation in the mouth and throat are areas of application indicated by the German National Health Service. But in general, Roman chamomile is used in the same way as chamomile flowers (p. 260), especially in England, France and Belgium. Along with this, tea from the navel is used to wash blonde hair, and in some areas even as a bleach or hair dye.

o Tea infusion for external and internal use: pour 1 teaspoon of navel inflorescences into 1/4 liter of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes under the lid. After straining, the tea is ready to drink. Dosage for internal use: 2-3 cups of tea daily.

Side effects. If used in therapeutic doses, there is no reason to fear the side effects of Roman chamomile.