Chamomile, Roman

Roman Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile

Roman Chamomile has a very long history of use as both an ornamental plant and a medicinal herb. Its plants are low-growing and form a spreading mat of aromatic foliage typically growing three to six inches tall. In England, it is traditionally used as a ground cover and in pathways. The lacy, fern-like foliage releases a fruity scent when bruised as it is walked on. Although it can grow to about six inches in height, you can easily manage it by using a lawnmower and mowing it like grass.

The daisy-like flowers have white petals and yellow centers and bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. The flower heads may be dried to make a soothing herbal tea. It is very common in commercial tea blends.

Roman Chamomile is similar in appearance and use to German Chamomile except that Roman Chamomile is a perennial and will do well in USDA zones 4 to 10. Once your plants are established, you can propagate more plants by dividing the roots in the fall. Each packet contains 0.25 gram, which is approximately 1,850 seeds.

It is used similarly to German Chamomile. A tea made from the flowers has been historically used as remedy for a variety of ailments including headache, colds, flu, stomach disorders and gastrointestinal disorders including to aide digestion after heavy meals.^[1]

For its calming effects as a sleep aid (sedative), antiinflammatory, and for overall boosting the immune system (tonic), the reported preferred temperature for vaporizing and aromatherapy is 257°F (125°C).