Morphological characteristics and medicinal properties of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and the possibility of its cultivation

Kamilica (Matricaria chamomilla L.) je ljekovita, samonikla biljna vrsta iz porodice Asteraceae koja je rasprostranjena po čitavom svijetu. Prvi puta se spominje u 13. stoljeću, a smatra se da potječe iz Azije, iako je već bila poznata Rimljanima i Grcima. Kamilice, koje su danas najviše rasprostranjene u Hrvatskoj su prava kamilica (Matricaria chamomilla L.), bezmirisna kamilica (Matricaria inodora L.) i tankolisna kamilica (Matricaria tenuifolia (Kit.) Simk.). Za njen razvoj potrebno je toplo podneblje s umjereno hladnom klimom, a klijat će samo ako ima svjetlosti. Dobro podnosi sušu i uspijeva gotovo na svim tlima. Kada je ishrana u pitanju, kamilica zahtijeva vrlo malo hraniva, a berba započinje kada je vrijeme sunčano i suho. Eterično ulje prisutno u cvatu sadrži kamazulen i koristi se u industriji. Suhi cvat kamilice u velikoj je potražnji za uporabu čajeva. Kamilica sadrži veliku skupinu biološki aktivnih spojeva od flavonoida, kumarina do vitamina koja pomažu u liječenju.Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a medicinal, wild plant species from the Asteraceae family that is widespread throughout the world. It was first mentioned in the 13th century, and is considered to originate from Asia, although it was already known to the Romans and Greeks. Chamomile, which today is the most widespread in Croatia, is true chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), odorless chamomile (Matricaria inodora L.) and thin-leaved chamomile (Matricaria tenuifolia (Kit.) Simk.). Its development requires a warm climate with a moderately cold climate, and it will germinate only if there is light. It tolerates drought well and thrives on almost all soils. When it comes to nutrition, chamomile requires very little nutrients, and harvesting begins when the weather is sunny and dry. The essential oil present in the flower contains camazulene and is used in industry. Dry chamomile flowers are in great demand for use in teas. Chamomile contains a large group of biologically active compounds from flavonoids, coumarins to vitamins that help in healing