Chamomile

Chamomile (American English) or camomile (British English; see spelling differences) (ˈkæməmaɪl,_-miːl or ) is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Two of the species, Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile, are commonly used to make herbal infusions for beverages. There is insufficient scientific evidence that consuming chamomile in foods or beverages has any beneficial effects on health. The word chamomile is derived via French and Latin, from the Greek khamaimēlon, from khamai, and mēlon. First used in the 13th century, the spelling chamomile corresponds to the Latin chamomilla and the Greek chamaimelon. The spelling camomile is a British derivation from the French. Some commonly used species include: Matricaria chamomilla – often called "German chamomile" or "Water of Youth" Chamaemelum nobile – Roman, English, or garden chamomile; also frequently used (C. nobile Treneague is normally used to create a chamomile lawn) A number of other species' common names include the word chamomile. This does not mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in the herbal tea known as "chamomile". Plants including the common name chamomile, of the family Asteraceae, are: Anthemis arvensis – corn, scentless or field chamomile Anthemis cotula – stinking chamomile Cladanthus mixtus – Moroccan chamomile Chamaemelum nobile – Roman chamomile Cota tinctoria – dyer's, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile Eriocephalus punctulatus – Cape chamomile Matricaria discoidea – wild chamomile or pineapple weed Tripleurospermum inodorum – wild, scentless or false chamomile Chamomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, mouthwash, soaps, or cosmetics. It is used to "upholster" chamomile seats, raised beds which are about half a meter tall, and designed to be sat upon. Chamomile lawns are also used in sunny areas with light traffic. Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water, and may improve sleep quality.