Anthemis. - Synonym. - Chamomile. The flower-heads of Anthe-mis nobilis Linne (nat. ord. Composite), collected from cultivated plants.

Habitat

Southern and Western Europe; cultivated; naturalized in a few localities in the United States.

Characters

Heads subglobular, about 2 cm. broad, consisting of an imbricated involucre, and numerous white, strap-shaped, three-toothed florets, and few, or no, yellow tubular disk florets, inserted upon a chafly, conical, solid receptacle. It has a strong, agreeable odor, and an aromatic, bitter taste.

Composition

The chief constituent is the volatile oil.

Dose, 1/2 to 2 dr.; 2. to 8. gm.

Oleum Anthemidis. - B. P., not official. - Oil of Chamomile.-The volatile oil distilled from Chamomile flowers.

Characters

Pale blue or greenish-blue, becoming yellowish-brown. Odor and taste like Chamomile.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) A terpene, C10H16. (2) Anthemol, C10H16O. (3) Anthemene, C18H36, in tasteless needles. (4) A bitter principle.

Dose, 1 to 4 m.; .06 to .25 c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Chamomile

External

A poultice made with chamomile flowers is a popular domestic remedy. Its virtues are due to its warmth.

Internal

Like other volatile oils, oil of chamomile is a stomachic and carminative. The infusion 1 to 20, in large doses 5 to 10 fl. oz.; 150. to 300. c.c. is a simple emetic.