Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita is a very familiar herb to many.
It is often found in tea blends, body lotions, or even soaps commercially. Also can be known as ground apples, garden chamomile, pin heads, chamomile consists of the fresh or dried flower heads. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, nervine, anti-spasmodic, liver and kidney detoxifier, anti-biotic (especially against gram positive bacteria), anti-histimine and has sedative qualities. It has no known interactions, but if you are allergic to ragweed, this is probably best not used, as there have been reports of anaphyltic shock. Actually, there are two types of chamomile, Roman or German. They are botanically unrelated, but both produce the same light blue essential oil. Most of the chamomile grown in North America is German.
Growing chamomile is fairly easy.
You can find seeds online and simply sow into fertile soil, preferrably on the slightly acidic side, in the early Spring for a Summer harvest. It does best in full sun. My personal experience is that they spread quickly, grow fast and are just beautiful when flowering. The best part is that our chickens do not seem to like the flowers, so they have not ever bothered the bed. You will harvest and dry the flowers in the Summer.
Chamomile can be used as a digestive aid, assist in healing ulcers, and for women’s health.
It was also used traditionally as relaxing tranquilizer by adding flowers to a warm soaking bath, to possibly assist in reducing arthric imflammation and for infection prevention by applying a cooled infusion to cuts in a compress form. All these amazing benefits from tiny little flowers! Here are some great uses for chamomile at home:
Chamomile Hand Scrub
This is great for dry, garden weary hands. It will help soften and soothe the skin.
Gently warm the glycerine in a double boiler, and add the arrowroot powder, stirring slowly to combine. Add the water and ground oats, stir to combine and store in an airtight lid. To use, add a bit and scrub all over hands and rinse. Good for up to 6 weeks.
Chamomile and Lavender Bath Salts
Carefully mix the dried herbs with the salt and use 1/4 cup for each soothing bath. Will help to relax and calm, especially before bedtime.
Nighttime Tea Blend
This is a family favorite. We all drink this at least 3 times a week, especially when we having busy weeks and need to unwind. Can be drunk hot or iced and it’s delicious either way. This is also safe during pregnancy for those times when you have an upset tummy.
Soothing Skin Salve
This is also gentle enough to use as a diaper rash cream, and is gentle enough to use on the face area as well. We like to have this for mild sunburns, skin abrasions and even as a lip balm.
Gently melt the coconut oil and add the dried herbs. The oil may not cover the flowers completely, and that’s okay. Place in a 200° oven for 2 hours and allow the herbs to infuse the oil. Strain and place in a double boiler. Melt the beeswax in the infused oil and stir completely. Pour into a leakproof container and cool completely before use. Use within 6 months.
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Original article and pictures take thehomesteadinghippy.com site
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