Camomile: An Ancient Herb For Modern Comfort

No matter how you spell it, camomile (British English), or chamomile (American English), it still smells as sweet. This proud member of the Asteracease family is a delicate looking daisy like plant, with a distinctive aroma which is pleasant and encourages ongoing use.

Cultural and Historical Uses

There is so much more to camomile than being a pretty flower, or a nice tea. Camomile has been used for centuries as a plant medicine. There is archaeological evidence which shows that Ancient Egyptian rituals to the Sun God, Ra included camomile, in addition to usage in mummification preparations. the plant is documented in the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE). From its journey through the empires of Greece and Rome, camomile’s popularity spread to the monastic and domestic gardens and hedgerows of Europe.

It was even included in the Nine herbs charm of Wodin, which were curative herbs used by the Saxons. During the second World War when families kept the home fires burning through the strict rationing, it was a good substitute for black tea.

Around the world traditional medicine practices like Chinese and Ayurveda also utilize camomile, so it has earned its place in the history herbal health.

In spiritual practices and ceremonies, some believe camomile is associated with the divine feminine, due to the way it invokes soothing and restful energy into the body. Another school of thought states that it is associated with the element of water and masculine energy.

Traditional use of camomille as purification and protection allows it to be used as a barrier against negative energy. Dried flowers can be ground and used as incense.

Ways We Enjoy It Today

Sometimes getting good rest is like trying to catch a butterfly. It flits around just out of your grasp. The unbridled thoughts of things done or left undone create a maze without end. During these times nature is your best friend, because we are nature, and if we seek we shall find.

Drink it

Sip your tea and relax. Camomile is soothing, allow it to do its magic by relaxing your mind. Sometimes people forget that Interacting with a plant is two way street. Taste the sweetness of the Earth, with flavor of the petals holding the sun. Find that comfortable spot. Be intentional in your goal to relax, and let the energy that does not serve you drift away.

For centuries, the use of herbal infusions, which are commonly called teas, but technically are not because true teas contain the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), have been used to soothe what ails us. A herbal infusion is just that, made with herbs without black tea.

Health Benefits

Because camomile has been used to assist in wellbeing for a long time. It is one of the the most researched plants for its health benefits. However, one should keep in mind that there are always people for whom certain herbs have adverse affects, one should always check with their health practitioner for advice on interactions and allergies. As well as skincare and hair care, camomile has been proven to be effective in the following:

Check with your healthcare provider as it can interact with blood thinning medication.

Energetic Properties of Camomile

As previously stated, camomile has a strong association with feminine energy. It is calming and protective. In spiritual work, camomile is used as a protective barrier against negative energy. It is also considered lucky and attracts prosperity. The popular way to move energy which is considered stuck is via herbal baths for cleansing or placed in amulets.

How to Grow and Harvest Camomile

First you must decide on the variety of camomile that you want to try. The two most popular varieties are German and Roman. They are both used in the same way for healing and culinary purposes.

German camomile (Matricaria chamomilla, an annual), which reseeds itself, it can be found wild or cultivated in gardens. It has one of the best flavors for tea.

Roman Camomile (Chamaemelum nobile) prefers a partially shady to full sun location, and sandy soils.

I did buy Roman camomile seeds to use as ground cover where it can be cut like grass, but before I put them in the ground, I had second thoughts about how it would spread and decided to put them in pots instead to have more control. It grows to about 20 centimeters.

If you are looking for an excellent ground cover and good substitute for grass, then Roman camomile is your answer. Once established at a good height, you can mow your camomile lawn. Note that there will be no blooms if this is done before the flowering season. The best part is the release of the slight apple scent when you tread on the plant. It is still a popular choice in English gardens for pathways.

There are lots of seeds on the dry flower bud. Just sprinkle on the surface of the soil and keep moist if you are starting indoors.

Harvest

Harvest when they are in full bloom and fragrant. Regular harvesting of the buds will encourage the plant to produce a constant crop. It is so robust that it is best propagated by division.

It blooms in June or July, and is a perfect addition to the summer’s fragrant blooms.

It is a good companion plant and will discourage unwanted bugs from your vegetables. It also helps to prevent fungus.

Once you have a wonderful crop of camomile, you may be wondering what to do with it all, as there is only so much tea you can drink. Well, we already know chamomile is great for the skin as a anti inflammatory and moisturizer, so why not make out own camomile lotion.

Camomile Lotion

Here is a fabulous recipe from Lovely Greens for camomille lotion.

Final Thoughts

Camomile has come down through the ages is a bringer of peace and calm. It is a simple beauty where it grows, and its light fragrance sends out a relaxing energy. This is a gift which should be encouraged and shared through teas and lotions, always soothing to the emotions.