Matricaria chamomilla is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to southern and eastern Europe.

It can be found on all continents, has a branched, erect and smooth stem, and grows to a height of 15–60 cm (6–24 in).

[5] The essential oil of the flowers gives them a characteristic smell and has interesting properties.

In Latin, one of the meanings of matrix is womb; the name Matricaria was given to the genus because Matricaria chamomilla was used in ancient herbalism to treat cramps and sleep disorders related to premenstrual syndrome.

[9] It can be planted as an annual crop in either autumn or spring, or it can be treated as a perennial due to its ability to self-seed.

[10] More than 120 chemical constituents have been identified in chamomile flower, most of them found in the essential oil.

[5][13] Chemical constituents of the essential oil include bisabolol, farnesene, chamazulene, apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin, and coumarin.