Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla & Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla & Chamaemelum nobile)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
  • Common Names: Chamomile, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Ground Apple, Manx Daisy
  • Parts Used: Flowers (dried or fresh), essential oil
  • Gender: Male
  • Planet: Sun
  • Element: Water
  • Meanings: Energy in diversity;fortitude;"I admire your courage, do not despair", initiative, love in austerity.

Chamomile is a small, aromatic flowering herb known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine, equine and canine herbalism, and folklore across Europe, including the UK and Isle of Man.

Subspecies & Their Differences

  1. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

    • Annual plant with small, daisy-like flowers.
    • Higher in bisabolol & chamazulene (stronger anti-inflammatory effects).
    • Better for digestion and wound healing.

  2. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

    • Perennial, low-growing herb with apple-scented leaves.
    • Stronger sedative & calming properties.
    • Used for stress, anxiety, and relaxation.

Constituents

  • Chamazulene & Bisabolol – Anti-inflammatory & soothing.
  • Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin) – Antioxidant, sedative, and skin-healing.
  • Coumarins & Phenolic Acids – Support circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
  • Essential Oil Components – Anti-bacterial, calming, and skin-soothing.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a relaxant, digestive aid, skin healer, and anti-inflammatory herb. It is beneficial for stress relief, muscle relaxation, and digestive health in both animals and humans.

General Medicinal Actions

  • Calming & Stress-Reducing – Eases nervous tension and anxiety.
  • Digestive Soother – Relieves bloating, colic, and indigestion.
  • Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief – Supports joint health and wound healing.
  • Skin & Coat Health – Helps eczema, hot spots, and insect bites.

Equine Use of Chamomile

Benefits for Horses

Chamomile is particularly valuable for nervous horses, digestive issues, and inflammation-related conditions.

  1. Natural Calming Herb – Helps with spooky, anxious, or stressed horses.
  2. Digestive Support – Relieves gas, bloating, ulcers, and colic symptoms.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory – Soothes arthritis, joint pain, and muscle stiffness.
  4. Skin & Wound Healing – Chamomile washes can clean wounds, reduce swelling, and ease itchy skin.
  5. Supports Respiratory Health – Useful for horses with coughs or allergies.
⚠ Precautions
  • Use with caution in pregnant mares (may affect uterine muscles).
  • Not recommended for horses allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
  • Avoid excessive use, as it may cause mild sedation.

Canine Use of Chamomile

Benefits for Dogs

Chamomile is an excellent herb for calming, digestion, skin health, and inflammation relief in dogs.

  1. Natural Stress & Anxiety Relief – Helps with separation anxiety, travel stress, and noise phobias.
  2. Digestive Soother – Reduces gas, indigestion, colic, and mild nausea.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief – Supports arthritis and joint stiffness.
  4. Skin & Allergy Support – Chamomile baths relieve itchy skin, hot spots, and minor wounds.
  5. Eye & Ear Health – Chamomile tea can be used as a gentle eye wash or ear rinse.
⚠ Precautions
  • Not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs.
  • May cause mild sedation if given in large amounts.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Chamomile

Chamomile has a rich history in British and Manx folklore, often linked to healing, luck, and fairies.

UK Folklore

  • "The More You Tread It, The More It Spreads" – Chamomile was thought to thrive under pressure, symbolizing resilience and endurance.
  • Used in Herbal Healing – Chamomile tea was a traditional remedy for "melancholy" (depression), fevers, and stomach ailments.
  • Protection Against Evil Spirits – People placed chamomile in doorways or under pillows to bring peaceful dreams and ward off nightmares.

Isle of Man Folklore

  • Fairy-Favored Herb – Manx folklore describes chamomile as a plant loved by fairies, often growing near fairy rings.
  • Used in Healing Baths – Chamomile was added to water for cleansing rituals, particularly for blessing newborns.
  • A Sign of Good Luck – Farmers believed that finding wild chamomile in fields meant a prosperous season ahead.

Conclusion

Chamomile is a versatile and powerful herb, widely used for its calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is safe for both horses and dogs, helping with stress, gut health, skin conditions, and pain relief. In UK and Isle of Man folklore, chamomile was associated with fairies, luck, and healing traditions.

Calming

Coat and skin

Digestion

Respiratory

Wellbeing

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