Anthemis nobilis, a synonym of Chamaemelum nobile, is native to southern and western Europe and cultivated across Europe and in other temperate regions. It has daisy-like white flowers and procumbent stems. It is commonly known as Roman chamomile, English chamomile, garden chamomile, and ground apple. The genus Chamaemelum came from the Greek, ‘earth-apple,’ describing the apple-like scent of the plant.

Romans and Greeks used it similarly to treat skin infections and inflammations, as well as a beverage and incense. Especially chamomile infusion is effective in sterilizing a face, and facial steam with chamomile vapor is also good for sensitive skin. It also can be used as a shampoo.

Chamomile has a rich history of use in herbal medicine, mostly with anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. Systematic analyses revealed its immunoregulatory functions both in vitro and in vivo, addressing the inhibition of LPS-induced PGE2 release and the reduction of COX-2 activity. More recently, its caffeoyl derivatives were identified and verified as anti-inflammatory agents containing a rare octulosonic acid skeleton.