Background

Everyone can spot this sweet, small, daisy-like herb! From the time of Hippocrates, chamomile has been used medicinally to treat all manner of ailments. It was administered for urinary tract infections, female issues, stomach aches, gastrointestinal problems and to calm nerves. Native to Western Europe and Northern Africa, it was used widely in ancient Rome and Greece, as well as Egypt. Today it is found and loved the world over!

Uses

Chamomile can be consumed as a tea or made into an extract and used to combat anxiety and depression, alleviate seasonal allergies, sooth PMS symptoms and other menstrual disorders, fight insomnia, improve skin diorders, ulcers, wounds and aid in the healing of gastointestinal disorders and hemorrhoids. Consuming it in tea form can improve sleep quality and fatigue. It can even keep gums and teeth healthy. Who doesn’t love a nice hot cup of cozy chamomile tea? Chamomile extract can also be used to detoxify the liver.

Planting and Care

Plant chamomile seedlings in rich, organic soil with full sun or partial shade, if planting in a hotter climate. Although mildly frost-resistant, it is best to plant after threat of frost. Place 8-12 inches apart in an area you don’t mind it spreading.

No need to fertilize, just water once or twice a week with an eye on the sun. They will need more water during high temperatures.

Harvest and Storage

If harvesting for tea, gather the flowers when fully open, but leave the stems to provide more flowering. You can use fresh or dried for tea. To dry, simply lay them out in a dry spot on a tray or rack for 7 to 10 days. You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot or freeze them.