Matricaria recutita is an annual plant in the family Asteraceae, the daisy family, that produces white flowers with yellow inner discs. This plant is the most popular source of the herbal product chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile. Traditionally, chamomile has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent, and healing medicine. You may be familiar with chamomile tea, which is thought to promote sleep.