MatricariaMatricarioides01

Note: These plants can be dangerous if improperly used. The author, and/or ernestartist.org assume no liability for experimentation of use.

Ernestartist.org assumes no liability for experimental use of medicinal plants, food plants or herbal remedies.

Matricaria means 'mother care' from its former use in the treatment of uterine infections. Sometimes known as 'wild chamomile,' as it shares a similar appearance and aroma with the close relative, chamomile. The main difference between the two can be seen in the flower... Chamomile has yellow-centered flowers with white rays (small daisy), but in pineapple weed, the rays are absent.

Matricaria matricarioides is a cosmopolitan weed. It seems to share the property of the other chamomiles (Anthemis nobilis and Matricaria chamomilla)of growing on seldom-used paths and roads.

Pineapple weed is an annual herb, pineapple scented, hairless, with leafy stems, usually branched, 5-45 cm tall.

Pineapple weeds are a tasty nibble: flower heads are eaten raw or cooked. The dried flowers are used to make herb teas. They are pineapple scented when steeped in hot water. The leaves are edible, but can be bitter. The tea is carminative, antispasmodic to the stomach, and mildly sedative, helps expel gas from the digestive tract, prevents heartburn, and acts to subtly sooth nerves.

The flowering plant is antispasmodic, carminative, galactogogue, sedative, skin and vermifuge. This plant is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes employed as a domestic remedy in the treatment of intestinal worms and also as a sedative. The plant is harvested when in flower in the summer and is dried for later use. Some caution is advised since some individuals are allergic to this plant.

The Tanainas boil the whole above-ground portion of the plant in water, strain the tea, and give it to a new mother and her baby to drink. They say it cleans them out and helps the mother's milk start. The Kenai Tanainas give the tea to anyone who needs a laxative and use it as a wash for the eyes and skin. The Aleuts and Russians used the tea as a cure-all.