Chamaemelum nobile

Its name derives from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon), which means "earth-apple". Some say that the plant sometimes smells like apple, but I have never really found that to be true.

The European cultivation of the plant started in England in the 16th century. Its fragrant smell and soft leaves made it popular with Elizabethan gardeners, and the plant has since become a must-have for herb gardeners across Europe.

Roman Chamomile was used medicinally as early as the classical period, including in ancient Egypt, and has been listed in medical texts since medieval times. As Gerard’s Herball noted, Chamomile was traditionally useful to relieve heartburn and gas, as a diuretic, as an aid during childbirth, to reduce fevers, and for the relief of various aches and pains (Gerard et al., 1633).

Recent research into Roman Chamomile shows its potential for treatment of inflammation, spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and oral lichen planus is documented in the following articles:

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  The in Vitro Effects of Roman Chamomile on Smooth Muscles
  
  Nutrients, phytochemicals and bioactivity of wild Roman chamomile
  
  
  Efficacy of topical chamomile management vs. placebo in patients with oral lichen planus
  
  The Mechanism Action of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in the Treatment of Eczema
  
  Traditional plants from Asteraceae family as potential candidates for functional food industry
  
  
  

Both chamomile's have been closely associated with the woman's body throughout history. In gynecology, chamomile can provoke cycles of menstruation and has been shown to facilitate delivery of intrauterine dead fetuses. It might justify Chamomile’s name in later literature—which also gave its name to the genus—Matricaria. This word comes from the classical Latin word 'matrix' which refers to the womb, solidifying the link.