Mayweed, Stinking chamomile

Anthemis cotula

Physical Characteristics

Anthemis cotula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, east to N. and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea The herb is used as a flavouring in Peru[183]. It is aromatic. Caution is advised, there are some reports of toxicity. A herb tea is made from the flowers in a similar way to camomile tea[183] and it has a similar though weaker effect medicinally[4]. The odour is not very pleasant and so it is not commonly used[4].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic Emmenagogue Epilepsy Stings Tonic Mayweed is closely related to camomile, but is far less effective as a medicine[254]. It has been used as an antispasmodic and to induce menstruation and was traditionally used to treat supposedly hysterical conditions related to the uterus[254]. It is rarely used in contemporary herbal medicine[254]. The whole plant is antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue and tonic[4, 61]. It is used internally as a tea, which can be made either from the flowers or the whole plant, though the flowers are less unpleasant and so are more commonly used[4]. An infusion is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints such as rheumatism, epilepsy, asthma, colds and fevers[257]. Applied externally, it is used as a poultice on piles or to draw splinters out of the body, and can also be applied to the bath water[4, 257]. The leaves are rubbed onto insect stings[222]. Some people are allergic to the plant and this remedy could give them painful blisters[240]. This herb is contraindicated for pregnant women or nursing mothers[254].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is penetrated by an acrid juice, touching or ingesting the plant can cause allergies in some people[4, 222].