Chamomile: Mother’s Little Helper

As a Doula and Clinical Herbalist, it is the one herb above all others that I recommend to my pregnant and postpartum mamas—for themselves and for their babies. You will find the puffy yellow-and-white flower heads in every tea I blend, every salve, balm, and tincture. Regarded as a panacea of sorts, this herb has a lot to offer for many common complaints. And although there are no true cure-alls, she comes close. Keep reading, and I hope you fall in love with chamomile too.

Chamomile has been used and beloved as a healing medicinal for centuries. Its first known use dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who turned to it to reduce fevers. (Surprisingly, we still use it for that even today.) They revered chamomile so deeply that they offered it to their gods.It was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans; the Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century CE) recorded its uses in De Materia Medica. With such a long and rich history—thousands of years of traditional knowledge—this matriarch of the plant world deserves our respect.

The humble manzanilla—Chamomile’s Spanish name—means “little apple.” She has an unassuming daintiness to her. But don’t let her lacey beauty and sun-kissed apple scent fool you. Chamomile is like a calm, reliable mother: gentle, steady, and always there when you need her most.

Chamomile’s Latin name is Matricaria recutita, and here, my dear, is my favorite fact about this herb. The genus Matricaria is derived from the Latin matrix, meaning “womb” or “mother.” Some say it also reflects “to mother” or “mothering.” I can’t think of a better representation of this plant. Who doesn’t need to be mothered? Chamomile is the perfect herb to “mother the mother.”

Chamomile is a gentle herb—friendly enough for infants and the elderly—and so mild that it can often be used safely on a daily basis.

For the purpose of this blog, I’m specifically referring to German Chamomile. Roman Chamomile is also wonderful but used more for its aromatics. I remember the difference by thinking of the Romans and their love of perfume—hence Roman Chamomile as a lovely, calming addition to massage oils. That said, the two varieties can be used interchangeably.

Gastric distress & dyspepsia

A tea steeped for 10–20 minutes to draw out chamomile’s bitter constituents can help gently support:

• Nausea and morning sickness

• Stomach pain and gastric debility

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Constipation

• Gas

• Colicky discomfort in infants

Calm, tranquil body and mind

Long considered one of the best herbs to soothe infants who settle only when carried, chamomile works similarly for the caretaker or over-exhausted mother who also needs to be gently held.

Chamomile can help promote a sense of tranquility by easing:

• Nervousness

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Peevishness

• Discontent

• Overstimulation

• General unrest

It also:

• Encourages calmness

• Helps reduce feelings of anxiety

• Gently supports restful sleep

• Helps the body release stress

Pain and inflammation support

Chamomile is one of our most potent and effective anti-inflammatory herbs. It contains active compounds that help ease oxidative stress and calm inflammatory pathways by inhibiting COX-2 enzymes (similar to how NSAIDs like ibuprofen function).

A supreme nervine, sedative, and antispasmodic, chamomile is a beautiful tonic to incorporate in the later months of pregnancy to help soften the edge of false labor pains.

For prodromal labor, try sipping 1–2 cups of well-steeped chamomile tea with a splash of milk and honey. Level it up with a warm bath—sink in deeply and allow its calming effects to soothe your nerves and muscles.

Chamomile may be small, but her presence is mighty. She carries within her the wisdom of centuries, the gentleness of a mother’s hand, and the steadiness of someone who shows up when you need them most. Whether you’re soothing a restless baby, easing your own anxious heart, or preparing your body for birth, chamomile offers a soft place to land.

One of the many reasons I adore her is that chamomile is truly everywhere. You can find her in humble homes, tucked into the tea stations of hotels, offered in fancy restaurants across the world, and stocked on nearly every grocery shelf. She is accessible, familiar, and always within reach—another quiet gift she gives so generously.

So brew yourself a cup, breathe in her apple-sweet scent, and let this ancient herbal ally wrap you in her quiet, dependable warmth. May she mother you in all the ways you need.