The official medicinal species is Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), but the other species can be used interchangeably. It is a hardy, low growing perennial that spreads easily from fallen flower heads. Roman chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, releases a pleasant, apple scent when stepped on. Both species have small daisy-like blossoms which grow on delicate stalks with feathery foliage. It blooms May to September and the plant will continue to bloom as you keep harvesting the flowers. Chamomile has also been called “the physician herb” because of its beneficial effects on other plants as a companion in the garden.
 
Chamomile is a traditional herb native to Europe and western Asia. It has become abundant in the United States where it has escaped gardens and grows freely in pastures, roadsides and other sunny, well-drained areas. Chamomile has been documented as a medicine since ancient times by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. The plant was sacred to Egyptians who said it was a gift from the sun god Ra. Its medicinal virtues were described by Hippocrates around 500 BC. The Saxons regarded it as one of their nine sacred herbs. Chamomile came into widespread use during the medieval age. During the 1400 - 1500s, the blue oil of Chamomile was discovered for the first time and the first distillations of chamomile oil were produced. Doctors and physicians of the 1500-1600s prescribed Chamomile for many different complaints including intermittent fevers and poor digestion. The whole herb was (and still is) made into teas, inhalations, compresses, plasters, ointments and baths. Once the chamomile plant became naturalized in the Americas, the Native Americans and southern Mexicans used it for respiratory health, digestive support and to lift the spirits. In Slovakia, it is so highly regarded that there is a saying that one must bow to the Chamomile plant if one comes across it. It has also been used as a perfume and flavoring agent for liqueurs such as Benedictine and vermouth.