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Chamomile [Matricaria chamomilla]

There are two plants known as Chamomile: the more popular German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

Although they belong to different species, both are used to modulate a healthy inflammatory response in the body and provide a sense of calm for the nervous system. Chamomile flowers can be used for purposes as vast as calming frayed nerves, treating stomach problems, relieving muscle spasms, treating infant teething pains, and even treating skin conditions and mild infections.

The essential oil in Chamomile, azulene, is much-studied for its anti-inflammatory capacity and very commonly used in topical skin-soothing formulas, and happens to be bright blue.