Grow | Harvest | Make with Chamomile
"Like a camomile bed
The more it is trodden
The more it will spread"
In Latin, Matricaria means mother, used by mother, like being cared for by a mother
In Spanish, Manzanilla means "little apple"
In Greek, it translates to ground apple - kamai - "on the ground" melon "apple"
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Yellow Center
10+ white petals
thin, tall stalk
delicate, feathery leaves
apple fragrance
G R O W
German:
matricaria chamomilla, matricaria recutita
annual, self seeds
Roman:
anthemis nobilis, chamaemelum nobile
perennial, hardy to zone 5
*Medicinally, they are typically used interchangeably
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Can be direct sown.
Consider for paths, hedgerows and as a lawn replacement
A companion plant, it is also known as "Plant's Physician" as it cures nearby plants' ailments, increases their vitality and repels pests.
H A R V E S T
Summer
Midmorning
When in full bloom
Use fingers like a rake
For a large patch, a blueberry rake might be a tool to try
"How the Doctor's brow should smile, crown'd with wreaths of camomile"
-Thomas Moore
P R O P E R T I E S
Bitter | Aromatic | Neutral
Nervine, calmative, slight sedative, vulnerary, antifungal, analgesic, slight antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative
M A K E
Tea: digestion, nervousness, menstrual cramps, tension headaches, fevers, sore throats, colic, teething, irritability, bedtime, herbal bath, hair rinse
Oil: massage, muscle tension, facial
Essential Oil: headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, irritability, facial
Steam: facial, hay fever, sinusitis, yoni
Wash: tired eyes, conjunctivitis
Dried: tea, dream pillows, strewing
Flower Essence: releasing emotional tension, insomnia, stomach tension, chronic stress, hyperactivity in kids
Homeopathic: body tension, teething, colic
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
Fables & Folklore of Chamomile
"Chamomile are feathers from the wings of seraphim angels, thrown as an offering to the earth for each bird hunted in in sky"
Corina Abdulahm-Negura
Ruled by the Sun and the sign Leo, its element is water, its energy is masculine and is associated with the throat chakra. Its energy is most magical potent on a Sunday when the sun is in Leo.
Chamomile was thought to be a gift from sun Gods. It can be used as an offering or to invoke them including Lugh, Ra, Apollo, Helios and Cernunnos.
Chamomile can honor the sun in a summer solstice ritual or observance. It can offer a sunny disposition on cold winter days.
Known as Maythen, it was one of nine sacred herbs to the Anglo Saxons. These herbs were believed to be given to humans by Woden, the God of healing. Written in the Lacnunga, am 11th century medical text, the nine herbs prayer was a remedy for skin conditions.
Highly revered in ancient Egypt, Chamomile was one of the plants used in the mummification process.
In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, Chamomile signifies energy in adversity or I admire your courage.
Symbolism includes:
good luck
prosperity
wealth
success
love
purification
.
A hair garland of chamomile can help attract a lover.
.
Plant near windows and doors to thwart negative energy from entering the home.
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Chamomile has been used to purify babies at birth.
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Old time gamblers would wash their hands and/or dice with chamomile tea before playing.
