Becky Kinslow, age 12, of Galveston, Texas, for her question:

DOES CAMOMILE HAVE MEDICINAL BENEFITS?

Camomile is a group of small plants that are sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Many experts say that the plant does indeed have medicinal benefits. The flower heads are used as poultices to cure toothaches, or made into a tonic.

The most commonly cultivated camomile grows in the eastern and central states. It was originally brought from Europe. It is called the common or corn camomile and sometimes either the English or Ramon camomile. It is a perennial that grows about 12 inches high and has a slender, trailing stem and many branches. The flowers look very much like tiny daisies.

German camomile may grow as high as two feet. It is this variety that is most often used for medicinal purposes.

The name of the plant is sometimes speeled "chamomile."

Camomile is related to the mayweed, a common plant that is found in western states.