Noble Chamomile

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, also called noble chamomile) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) are two distinct species, worth telling apart. Roman chamomile is perennial and creeping, with full flower heads, rich in esters with a more floral, soothing profile; German chamomile is annual and upright, and leans more towards digestion and the skin. INFUSE works with Roman chamomile, the chamomile of English gardens.

In European traditions, Roman chamomile is the plant of the shared evening tea, of compresses for tired eyelids and of the sachet of flowers slipped under the pillow for sweet dreams. A plant of ordinary days.

Place about a teaspoon of whole flowers in 250 ml of steaming water (below the boil, around 80 °C), cover to hold in the volatile oils, and leave to infuse for 7 to 10 minutes. The liquid turns pale gold and the scent of apple rises. Best drunk in the evening.

Both soothe. Roman chamomile, more floral and rich in esters, has a profile turned more towards nervous calm and the transition into evening; German chamomile leans more towards digestion and the skin. For an evening ritual and a dream sachet, Roman chamomile is the one to choose, the chamomile of English gardens.

She belongs to the Asteraceae family (like the daisy, arnica and ragweed). In the toxicological literature, the only notable effect reported is the occasional allergic reaction. If you are allergic to Asteraceae, test a small amount carefully before regular use.