Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch.Bip.

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Synonym(s)

Cotula aurea Loefl. Chamomilla aurea J.Gay

English name(s)

Golden Chamomile
Golden Mayweed

Arabic Name(s)

babunaj dahabi بابونج ذهبي
babunaj بابونج

Hebrew Name(s)

babonag zahov

בַּבּוֹנָג זָהֹב

Life Form

Annual

Habitat

Nutrient-rich soils
ruderal

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch.Bip.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Cancer	Cancer	Anti-carcinogenic	1.Decoct 1 teaspoon aerial parts in 1 cup boiling water & drink x1/day. 2. Decoct aerial parts + parsley (Petrosalinum sativa) + thyme? (unclear if this is Thymbra sp. or Origanum syriacum) & drink 1 cup x2/day until recovery. 3.Decoct aerial parts +1.5 teaspoons mint (Mentha spicata) in 1 cup water & drink x1 cup/day for a short time.	Aerial parts	B
Dermatological	Eczema	Anti-inflammatory	Decoct aerial parts, use to make poultice & apply to affected area.	Aerial parts	B
Gastrointestinal	Abdominal pain/ flatulence	Carminative	Decoct x2 teaspoons aerial parts to 2 cups of water & drink x2 cups as needed. Children: ? cup/day.	Aerial parts	B
Gastrointestinal	Intestinal inflammation	Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent	Decoct leaves & flowers & drink x1 cup/day.	Flower, Leaf	B
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary tract infection	Anti-Infective	Decoct leaves & flowers & expose to steam in a steam bath.	Flower, Leaf	B
Mental Health	Nervousness	Anxiolytic	Decoct leaves & flowers & drink x1 cup/day.	Flower, Leaf	B
Opthalmology	Eye inflammation	Anti-inflammatory	Decoct leaves & flowers & apply locally as poultice.	Flower, Leaf	B
Oral Health	Toothache	Analgesic	Decoct leaves & flowers & drink x1 cup/day.	Flower, Leaf	B
Respiratory	Asthma	Anti-asthmatic	1. Prepare infusion of 1 teaspoon flowers to 1 cup boiled water & inhale steam x1/day before sleep. 2. Drink infusion x3-4/day until recovery.	Flowers	B
Respiratory	Influenza	Anti-Infective	Decoct aerial parts + sage (Salvia fruticosa) + anise (Anisum vulgare) + mint (Mentha spicata) & drink x1-2 cups/day.	Aerial parts	B
Womens Health	Facilitate birth /delivery	Parturient	Decoct 1 teaspoon aerial parts to 1 cup water & add to bath in which the patient sits.	Aerial parts	B

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

Cautions

Matricaria genus has some species which may contain sesquiterpene lactones that can cause allergic reactions including tongue thickening, tightness in throat, swelling lips, throat & eyes, itching in mouth & body. Cross-sensitivities with other Asteraceae/ Compositae family (e.g. Echinacea, Feverfew, Milk thistle, Ragweed (ragwort) & celery) may occur. Also a uterine stimulant therefore avoid in pregency & lactation. Avoid in teething babies. May interfere with anticoagulants because of coumarin content .