chamomile

Any of the more than 100 species of Eurasian herbs that make up the genus Anthemis, in the aster family (Asteraceae); also, a similar plant in the genus Chamaemelum of the same family. Both genera have yellow or white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. Several Anthemis species are cultivated as ornamentals, especially golden marguerite, or yellow chamomile (A. tinctoria). The strong-smelling mayweed (A. cotula) has been used in medicines and insecticides. Chamomile tea, used as a tonic and an antiseptic as well as in herbal remedies, is made from C. nobile, or A. nobilis.

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