The santolina, traditionally known as female southernwood o coarse chamomile, is a Mediterranean aromatic plant with a long history in folk phytotherapy. Its flowering tops contain a rich essential oil and phenolic compounds that explain its digestive properties, its effect carminative and its uses as anti-inflammatory external. In addition to its medicinal value, it stands out as an ornamental plant for its silver foliage and the yellow flower heads that brighten up the garden at the beginning of summer.
Botanical identity and common names
Santolina chamaecyparissus It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is naturally distributed throughout the western Mediterranean. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is common in the eastern half, with a tradition closely linked to the Balearic coast, where it is known as Mahón chamomile. It also receives the names of bitter chamomile y tansy herb, alluding to its flavor and its vermifuge use in folk medicine.
It is a perennial subshrub of low carriage (approx. 30–50 cm, but can reach a little more depending on conditions), very branched, with leaves greenish gray, narrow and segmented, with a slightly cottony feel and an intense chamomile aromaThe flowers arise in spherical or button-shaped heads, lemon yellow color, supported by thin peduncles.
Within the genus there are related species such as Santolina rosmarinifolia, of similar size and ornamental use, which shares much of the gardening interest and an aromatic profile, although the classic medicinal focus falls mainly on S. chamaecyparissus.
Active ingredients: why it works
The flowering tops concentrate essential oil rich in components such as camphor y cineole (1,8-cineole), responsible for its penetrating aroma and part of its physiological activity. Added to this are Flavonoids, tannins and different phenolic acids which provide antioxidant and inflammation-modulating action.
This synergy explains its effects as stomach tonic, its usefulness for the relief from spasms gastrointestinal and its external use in mild inflammatory processes of the skin and mucous membranes. Tannins contribute to a astringent effect local, and the phenols, together with the essential oil, support the oral hygiene and the care of minor injuries.
Main medicinal properties
Santolina has been traditionally used as:
- Stomach tonic with action digestive, antispasmodic y carminative, useful for cramps and discomfort after heavy meals or those that make you feel unwell; helps to recover appetite, reduce gases, halitosis and the Reflux, and to prevent flatulence.
- Emmenagogue, used for normalize the rule and relieve period painsIn traditional formulas it is combined with other regulatory plants.
- Support in symptoms associated with menopauseas the backache y migraines, within popular knowledge.
- As an vermifuge (anthelminthic) against pinworms y roundworms, through simple or combined traditional infusions.
- Externally, as anti-inflammatory y emollient on small wounds and skin irritations.
- En gargles and also to mouth sores, language and swollen gums.
- In support against skin fungi y candidiasis of mucous membranes, as part of traditional hygiene and care.
- For eye care in the form of compresses soaked in filtered infusions, aimed at conjunctivitis, Blepharitis (swollen eyelids) and Irritated eyes.
Traditional remedies with santolina
In addition to the dried plant for infusion, there are powder, preparations in Saline solution for eye use (homemade eye drops with caution) and essential oil for massage. Below are some widely used popular formulas:
1. Digestive herbal tea for heavy meals
In case of gases and meteorism, santolina is combined with chicory, dandelion y green anise in equal parts.
How to prepare it: Add 1 spoonful of sopera of the mixture per glass of water; bring to a boil 30 seconds, rest 5 minutes, strain and drink after heavy meals. In rural settings, a simple infusion of santolina—or combined with thyme y garlic cloves— has been used in front of intestinal parasites such as pinworms and roundworms.
2. Infusion for painful menstruation
Traditional formula with santolina, calendula, chasteberry y sagebrush.
How to prepare it: infuse 10 minutes, strain and drink from 9 days before of the rule, 3 times a day, unless individual contraindication exists.
3. Soothing eye preparation
For mild conjunctivitis and eye irritation, Santolina is combined with cornflower, eyebright y elder flowers in equal parts.
How to prepare it: boil 2 minutes one tablespoon per cup, let it rest 5 minutes and filter very well. Soak warm compresses and apply to closed eyelids, renewing the cotton and avoiding using the same one on both eyes.
Cosmetic uses and skin care
In natural cosmetics, extracts of santolina are used for their qualities. soothing, anti-inflammatory y Antioxidants. It is incorporated into hydrating creams, Hair Tonics: Tailored Solutions for Specific Needs, after-sun lotions, masks and products for sensitive hairIt is appreciated for comforting skin with redness o itching and as support in skin routines acne prone.
Topical preparations seek to decrease the oxidative stress and modulate the inflammatory reaction of the skin, contributing to a more uniform y rested. Even so, since it belongs to Asteraceae, it is always advisable to carry out a patch test previous on sensitive skin or with a history of allergies.
Cultivation and care: simple and resistant
Santolina adapts very well to climates with dry summers and abundant direct sun. It will thrive in soils porous, well drained and poor or moderately fertile. As a plant xerophilic, prefers irrigation moderate, allowing the substrate to dry between waterings and avoiding waterlogging.
In a pot, an aerated and draining substrate is advisable; it can be lightly fertilized with liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, avoiding excesses. In soil, it is sufficient Organic fertilizers punctual (humus, well-matured compost), especially if you plan to collect it for medicinal purposes.
After flowering, a light pruning helps maintain a compact and dense appearance. It tolerates mild frosts and, in a sheltered location, can withstand descents around -5 ºCIn dense shade, flowering and density are reduced, so sunlight is key to its best expression.
As a design plant, it operates in low hedges, borders and compositions of simple topiaryIts color and texture contrast with Mediterranean grasses and perennials, and its aroma helps as natural insecticide soft in the garden environment.
Planting step by step
To ensure good establishment when planting in soil:
- Generous hole: Dig a hole at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- Land preparation: Crumble the soil well and mix with draining substrate.
- Removing the container: Carefully remove the plant; if there are any broken roots, remove them; softens the root ball to stimulate rooting.
- Placement and filling: place the plant, fill with the mixture and slightly compact around the root ball.
- Seat irrigation: Water thoroughly to settle the soil, and let it dry before watering again.
Collection, conservation and presentations
Harvesting for medicinal purposes focuses on the floral chapters and flowering top, preferably at the beginning of flowering, when the essential oil content is highest. Dry the material at the shadow, in thin layers and with ventilation, to preserve volatile compounds.
Traditional forms include the dry plant for infusion and powder for homemade formulas. There are also preparations in solution with sodium chloride for eye hygiene, and essential oil for massage. The latter is used diluted in a carrier oil and never orally.
