German chamomile Matricaria chamomilla, which is often referred to as blue chamomile or true chamomile, comes from the Compositae sunflower family. It is one of the two chamomile species that can be used medicinally. The other one is the Roman or English chamomile Chamaemelum nobile. The herb smells slightly like apple, and is taken by mouth for intestinal gas, travel sickness, stuffy nose, hay fever, diarrhea, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder ADHD, fibromyalgia, anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. It is also taken by mouth for stomach and intestinal spasms, stomach and intestinal inflammation, stomach ulcers, colic, indigestion, and menstrual cramps. A form of German chamomile that can be inhaled is used to treat inflammation swelling and irritation of the respiratory tract and the common cold. In foods and beverages, German chamomile is used as flavoring. In manufacturing, German chamomile is used in cosmetics, soaps, and mouthwashes.
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