Post by Zeda on Apr 9, 2018 7:59:20 GMT -6
Chamomile
Chamaemilum nobile and Matricaria recutita
Varieties
Chamaemilum nobile- Roman Chamomile
A perennial. Reaches 4-12 inches high, makes a good ground cover. Feathery foliage, daisy like flowers with turned down petals, apple- like fragrance from both foliage and flowers.
Matricaria recutita- German Chamomile
An annual. Grows up to 20 inches tall. Feathery foliage with scented daisy like flowers.
Both can be used the same and work equally well. German Chamomile is usually used in the US, Roman Chamomile is usually used in Britain.
History and Folklore
The word Chamomile comes from the Greek meaning "ground apple", probably because of its apple-like fragrance.
The Romans used Chamomile for incense. Roman Chamomile gained its name, not from ancient Rome, but because a 19th century plant collector found some growing on the ruins of the coliseum in Rome.
Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt for fevers and was dedicated to their Sun God Ra.
To the Anglo Saxons, it was one of the nine sacred herbs.
Propagation
Roman chamomile is usually propagated by division.
German chamomile is usually grown from seed. Sow directly into soil in the spring. It will reseed itself each year if you allow the heads to go to seed.
Chamomile prefers sandy, slightly acidic soil and direct sunlight, but likes a bit of shade if it gets too hot on a regular basis.
Harvesting & Storage:
Cut flower tops as they form and hang or spread on cloth to dry.
Magical Attributes
It is used in most healing potions for common illnesses and can even be brewed in a tea to help calm nerves.
It is used in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification. Washing your hands in chamomile water before gambling will increase your luck.
Healing Attributes
German chamomile is most often used in healing in the US, but Roman chamomile works as well.
It is also a gentle muscle relaxant, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It can be used, especially in combination with similar herbs, to sooth problems associated with muscle cramps and spasms. Especially useful for menstrual cramps. Drink two or three cups of tea per day. It aids in digestion and soothes gastric complaints and colitis including irritable bowel problems. It also safely relieves morning sickness and restlessness that comes with pregnancy. For stomach problems, including gastritis, colitis and morning sickness, drink a cup of tea an empty stomach first thing in the morning hot or cold. When used topically, it speeds the healing of cuts, scrapes, blisters and burns. It is also helpful for rashes, eczema and other skin inflammation. Add it to a salve, rinse the affected area with chamomile tea, or add a few drops of essential oil to bathwater. A chamomile tea bag makes a good compress. Chill or use warm. Chamomile mouthwash helps keep gums healthy and soothes mouth inflammations.
Culinary Use
Roman chamomile is most often used in cooking. The fresh leaves are good mixed with butter or sour cream for potatoes. In Spain it is used to flavor Mantazilla, a light sherry. Chamomile flowers were used in Anglo Saxon Europe for making beer until they started using hops.
HOMEWORK
What would you do with Chamomile if you had some?