Chamomile is well known as a fragrant, soothing herb that is often enjoyed in tea. But chamomile flowers can offer more! Learn about chamomile flowers and why growing in your own garden is one of my favorite herbs.
If there is a yearbook in the garden, chamomile will probably win because it is “favourite” or “most useful.”
Chamomile not only offers many benefits to the human body, but also is very useful in your garden. Yes, honeybees and other pollinators are attracted to flowers like small daisies, but did you know that chamomile can repel mosquitoes and act as a natural antifungal agent?
This is just the tip of the iceberg for plant offerings. Learn more about chamomile flowers.
Lorient’s Green Blessing
This article was reviewed by Herbalist Loriann. This should not be used as personal medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional about your individual concerns.
This is what Lorien had to say:
Plants are chemical messengers that communicate with the chemistry of our own body. The bioflavonoid apigenin calms the nervous system when you feel stressed or anxious. Living plants made from the same elements as us are very generous and helpful.
In Indigenous cultures, we recognized that we had a relationship with the world we live in and practice reciprocity that cared for each other. What a wonderful way of life, and powerful essential oils make your perfect partner to grow alongside vegetables as a scent ward from herbivore insects.
The history of chamomile
Undoubtedly, harnessing the power of chamomile is nothing new. Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat skin-related problems such as wounds, ulcers, irritation, and rashes. It has also been used for a long time as a digestive system for people who have been over-delivered or suffering from stomach problems.
Chamomile has also been recognized for centuries as a useful aid for soothing and sleep. In fact, in the 1902 children’s classic, Peter Rabbit, the young rabbit is offered a soothing chamomile tea when he returns home from his adventures.
Chamomile flowers and their healing properties have also appeared in many other books. Ancient scientists like Gallen, Discoride and Hippocrates studied chamomile, shared it in their writings, and recommended it as tea.
The health benefits of chamomile tea
As you can see, chamomile and its medicinal properties have certainly stood the test of time. Below are some of the best-known benefits of this mild and powerful plant.
Supports the nervous system
Chamomile does an amazing job of soothing the nervous system. This may be due to the abundance of apigenin, one of the bioflavonoids that act as a mild sedative. It also exhibits properties that are useful for anxiety.
In fact, chamomile tea is one of my favorite herbal remedies to help you sleep!
Offering the benefits of aromatherapy
Plus, warm chamomile tea offers the benefits of aromatherapy. The smell itself settles for many people (including me!). The sweet and floral scent is one of my goats when I’m stressed.
Relieves stomach upset
If you need something to relieve a problematic stomach, look for more than chamomile. One of the greatest benefits of chamomile tea is its ability to calm your stomach in the midst of confusion.
In fact, a recent study has shown that taking 500 mg of chamomile extract helps chemotherapy patients reduce the frequency of vomiting. Furthermore, chamomile tea has been used for a long time to relieve coli pain and gas in infants.
Some people report that a cup of warm chamomile tea tamed heartburn symptoms. Although there is little scientific evidence for this, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try it!
Reduces skin irritation
Perhaps what chamomile is best known is its ability to treat and relieve a long list of skin-related illnesses. Local chamomile doses have proven to be an effective treatment for people suffering from eczema.
This herb can be an effective ally against cuts, bruising, rashes and wounds thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Chamomile is gentle enough to be used on babies and their super sensitive skin. You can brew powerful chamomile tea and apply it to painful bottoms with diaper rashes using towels or cotton balls.
Chamomile garden benefits
In addition to health benefits, chamomile flowers also offer gardens. Let’s talk about the most important quality of this herb.
Antifungal
I think the most impressive use of chamomile in the garden is to utilize its antifungal properties to treat attenuation. I often treat seeds and seedlings with a DIY antifungal spray made with chamomile, one of the garden alchemy recipes.
Chamomile flowers attract pollinators
It is impossible to have a thriving garden without pollinators. Thankfully, an easy way to invite them into your garden is to plant chamomile! The sweet scent attracts hoverfree, hornets, honeybees and epilepsy.
As an added bonus, mosquitoes dislike scents, so if you’re bite-sensitive like me, this is a great option to plant.
Excellent companion plant
Chamomile is one of my favorite edible flowers, bringing out double obligations and also serves as a companion plant. Plant it next to basil, broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage to increase yield.
How to grow chamomile
Now that you know why you grow chamomile, let’s dig a little deeper into how you can grow this prolific herb. You will be surprised at how easy it is to add this cheerful plant to your garden.
Roman chamomile vs German chamomile
It is important to note that there are two different types of chamomile: Roman chamomile (Chamaelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
These two plants certainly have similar properties, but they are not the same. The growth method for each is slightly different, as is the properties it generates.
Roman chamomile
Roman chamomile is a perennial plant that grows to a foot tall and tends to grow along the ground.
Plant name: Chamaemelum nobile
Family: Kissaceae
USDA Zone: 4-9
Height: 6-12 inches
Spacing: 3-6 inches
Light: Partially exposed to the sun
Water: Average water needs. Water regularly. Do not cover the water.
Warning: Pollen can cause an allergic reaction. Probably harmful weeds and invasive
German chamomile
German chamomile is an annual shrub. You can expect to reach a maximum of 3 feet tall.
Plant name: Matricaria recutita
Family: Kissaceae
USDA Zone: 3-9
Height: 6-12 inches, up to 3 feet tall
Spacing: 6-9 inches
Light: Full Sun and Partial Sun from Full Sun
Water: Average water needs. Water regularly. Do not cover the water.
Warning: Pollen can cause an allergic reaction. Probably harmful weeds and invasive
They bloom all summer, and most begin to bloom about a month after planting. They are prolific herbs that spread out quite quickly and can take over the garden area.
How to harvest, dry and store chamomile
Chamomile is usually ready to be harvested in the summer months. The best time to do that is in the morning. I want to evaporate the dew, but I’ll make sure the sun isn’t high yet. This gives you the most fragrant aroma and gives you the best possible harvest. Oh, and those flowers have a sweet apple heavenly scent.
When harvesting, you need the flower head, not the stem. Pinch the stems just below the flower head and drop them in a basket or harvest container. Do this every day and you can continue to harvest this herb all summer!
How to dry chamomile flowers
Wash away the flowers under cold water from the strainer to remove impurities. Next, gently tap the chamomile flowers.
To use flowers, the herbs need to be completely dried. There are three main ways to do this:
Air drying
This method requires a maximum and requires a considerable amount of space. But it works well! Find a warm, dark place and spread the flowers in a layer. Then air dry for about 2 weeks before use.
Use a dehydrator
You will not lose the flowers as you sandwich chamomile flowers between the two mesh trays of the dehydrator. Set it to the lowest possible setting (approximately 35 degrees Celsius) and allow to dry for approximately 18 hours.
In the oven
If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also dry the chamomile flowers in the oven. Arrange the baking sheets with silicone mat or parchment paper and add a single layer of bloom. Next, set the oven to the lowest possible temperature and leave the oven door open a little. You should check the flowers every 30 minutes to make sure they don’t overcook them.
Chamomile storage
Dried chamomile should be stored in airtight containers in cool, dark areas. When stored properly, dry flowers have a shelf life of about one year.
How to use chamomile
Now that you know how to grow and harvest this prolific herb, here are some ideas to help you use it! enjoy.
Chamomile Flower FAQ
yes. However, make sure you have an appropriate ID before consuming it. German chamomile is most commonly used in tea, while Roman chamomile is used for other drinks and its flavor. Take only organic chamomile that is not sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
Chamomile is considered a safe herb and is safe to consume regularly. Drinking 1-2 chamomile tea a day is very normal and OK.
Chamomile is known as a sleep-help herb. There is a bioflavonoid known as apigenin, which acts as a mild sedative. This helps calm the nervous system and promote sleep.
With a city girl who learned to garden, it changed everything. Author, artist, master gardener. A better life through plants.
