Plant Description

Chamomile is a member of the daisy family. Roman chamomile is a low European perennial found in dry fields and cultivated gardens. The solitary flowerhead rises 8 to 12 inches from the ground and has a prominent yellow disk with silver-white rays. Flowers from June to July. The German variety is a Southern European annual that grows wild along roadsides and fields though may also be found cultivated in gardens. The downy, hollowed, furrowed stems may rise up to a height of 16 inches with flowerheads like those of the Roman chamomile.

Medicinal Properties

Chamomile is a popular tea and is one of the few herbs the are safe for children. It is most known as a calming, soothing drink that is good for settling the stomach or for relaxing to help one sleep. Therefore it is beneficial for nerves or digestion and is good even as a regular drink for people who are stressed or who have a nervous disposition. In medical terms, it is anodyne, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-allergic. Chamomile tea is also good for flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, fever or restlessness in children, nausea and vomiting. It is also a good wash for sores and open wounds or sunburn. The flowers may also be used in an oil infusion for swellings, callouses, and painful joints. It is also good for bladder irritations because it reduces inflammations and helps fight E.coli in the bladder.

Special Precautions

Since this plant is a member of the daisy family, it is wise to avoid it if one is allergic to any member of the daisy family such as ragweed. If unsure, consult your doctor or allergist.

Although it is not yet an established fact, it would also be wise to avoid if pregnant since this may be a uterine stimulant.

Some Preparations

Tea: Use one 1/2 to one teaspoon in a cup of very hot water. Let this infusion sit for 5-10 mins. Add 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar if preferred. May be used 2-7 oz. per day

Oil: Make an oil infusion by soaking the dried flowerheads in vegetable oil for at least 2 weeks. Shake at least once daily and strain. Strength depends on preference. 2 tsp may be used per 1 oz. oil.

Bath additive: (German) Mix about 16 tablespoonfuls with one quart water and add to bath. (Roman) Use 50 g (3 tbsp) for each 2.5 gallons of water.

Typical Dosage: Usual oral dosage is 10 to 15 g per day.

Aromatherapy

Scent: Sweet, apple-like, herbaceous

Therapeutic uses: Relaxes and balances both mind and body. Promotes digestion, relieves gas and nausea, encourages menstruation, soothes nervous tension, promotes sleep. It eases the emotional ups and downs of PMS and hyperactivity in children. In massage oils, it also helps control the pain of bruises, stiff joints, headaches, sore muscles, menstrual and digestive system cramping, as well as the pain and swelling of sprains and some allergic reactions.

Description: Roman chamomile oil is a pale yellow essential oil. Distilled German chamomile oil is a deep blue-green that contains chamazulene that is a potent anti-inflammatory.

Magickal Properties (from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Some Folk Names: Camomyle, Ground Apple, Manzanilla, Whig Plant

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Water

Powers: Money, Sleep, Love, Purification

Magickal Uses: Chamomile is used to attract money, and a handwash of the infusion is sometimes used by gamblers to ensure winnings. It is used in sleep and meditation incenses, and the infusion is also used in the bath to attract love. It is also a purificatory and protective herb. When sprinkled around the property, it removes curses and spells cast against you.

More Recipes: (coming eventually)

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