🌱Brazilian Phytotherapy

Camomila (Chamomile)

Matricaria chamomilla

About Camomila (Chamomile)

Camomila (Chamomile) (Matricaria chamomilla) is a herb used in the Brazilian Phytotherapy tradition to help with Anxiety, Insomnia, Digestive Issues, and Skin Health. The flowers are the part traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Matricaria chamomilla (synonym: Matricaria recutita), commonly known as chamomile (also spelled camomile), Italian camomilla, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile (kamilla), wild chamomile or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. M. chamomilla is the most popular source of the herbal product chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Flowers · both
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Camomila (Chamomile) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Camomila (Chamomile) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Camomila (Chamomile) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Camomila (Chamomile) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Camomila (Chamomile).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Camomila (Chamomile) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Occasional culinary-strength tea is widely used traditionally, but German chamomile has mild emmenagogue (uterine-stimulant) activity — concentrated extracts, capsules, or frequent strong tea are generally advised against, especially in the first trimester or with a history of miscarriage.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Commonly used traditionally in normal tea amounts to support let-down and calm the nursing parent; considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Children

Likely Safe

Widely used in mild diluted tea form for infant colic and sleep in traditional practice. Rare allergic reactions occur in children with a known ragweed/daisy (Asteraceae) family allergy.

Contraindications

  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Blood thinners (warfarin)

Contains natural coumarins with mild anticoagulant activity.

Sedatives

Additive drowsiness.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Europe, Western Asia (naturalised globally)

Climate

Temperate

Habitat

Meadows, disturbed land, roadsides, and garden borders. One of the most widely naturalised plants — found on every temperate continent.

🌿 To see Camomila (Chamomile) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Camomila (Chamomile), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.