|
Incredible Chamomile
|
 |  |  |
This annual plant has tiny daisy-like flowers immortalized in "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" when Mrs. Rabbit brewed a calming tea for her son Peter.
Chamomile (Matricaria recuitita) grows 1 to 2 feet tall in full sun. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Incredible Chamomile reseeds itself easily, and can be invasive in some regions. Check with your local nursery or cooperative extension service to see if it's invasive in your climate.
Drying Chamomile is so easy, just cut a bundle of these delicate flowers from your organic medicinal garden and hang upside down, set a container or newspaper under the bundle to catch the petals as they dry and fall off. Store in an airtight container and use as needed. It just doesn't get much easier then that, does it?
Brewing a cup of Chamomile Tea:Steep 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh or dried flowers with a cup of boiled water for three minutes. Strain and serve. If you like your tea sweetened just add a teaspoon of honey. It's so easy, relaxing and very medicinal.
Caution! Drink chamomile tea in moderation as it contains thuaone; ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile. And always check drug regimen for possible reactions with other drugs, alcohol or food.
Medicinal Reason to Explore
Incredible Chamomile
The word Chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning "ground apple". Most likely because of the sweet apple flavor and fragrance, which is why it is also used as incense.
This medicinal herb was once used by Egypt as a cold remedy.
Chamomile is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions. It is nervine and sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state over a long period of time.
Because Chamomile is known as one of the safest herbs it is highly recommended for children suffering from stomach cramps, insomnia and even colic.
Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies.
The edible flowers
are quite tasty in salads or made into a refreshing cold or warm beverage.
If you're not into growing your own herb garden
you can buy Chamomile tea in any grocery store, drug store or health food store. You can even mix Chamomile with many other herb teas. Peppermint and Spearmint make a really nice mix and this mix is especially good for relaxing stomach cramps.
The flowers are also used for cosmetics and salves. Chamomile can also be found in expensive organic bath oils. You can place the petals in a cotton bag and add it to your bath water the aromatic flowers are great for aromatherapy.
DISCLAIMER:
The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Return from Incredible Chamomile to Edible Flowers
Return to Grandma's Wisdom Home
