Gratitude Is Mine:All About Chamomile

Chamomile is native to the British Isles, North Africa and Western Europe. The most commonly used species are Roman,(“Chamaemelum nobile“), English, Hungarian chamomile or Garden Chamomile. All About Chamomile

HISTORY

A small herb with daisy like white flowers and feathery leaves, chamomile is one of the oldest favorites among garden herbs and its reputation as a medicinal plant. Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt to cure fever and was given as an offering to their gods and has been utilized extensively in Europe as somewhat of a panacea which supported digestive health.

BENEFITS

Chamomile is a gentle herb known throughout most of the world, and is among the sweetest flavored medicinal herb. It has anti-inflammatory and intestine-soothing chemical compounds, but most people sip chamomile tea to ease anxiety, for calming purposes, (promotes relaxation),to soothe the digestive tract and insomnia.

Today it is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and Traditional medicine. Chamomile is soothing to the skin, and is often found in lotions and hair products.

PLANTING TIPS / GROW YOUR OWN

You don’t have to have a green thumb to grow medicinal herbs. You can easily grow your own herbs in your garden or in windowsill pots.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE –Start seeds indoors, about 6 weeks before the last expected frost.Chamomile seed needs light to germinate, You can also direct seed German chamomile outdoors.

Flavor: Slightly bitter, sweet, aromatic.

USES AND PREPARATIONS

Chamomile makes a pleasant tea for sipping. Snip the steams and hang to dry. Pluck off the dry leaves and store in dark, sealed containers to preserve the medical oils.