Herbs: Chamomile

Did you know that Roman chamomile is a perennial while German chamomile is an annual? Or that Roman chamomile is a low-growing plant that flowers on stems up to 12 inches while German chamomile plants are upright, growing to 2.5 feet tall? Despite these differences, both German and Roman chamomile are used interchangeably as medicinals valued as nervines, carminatives, and general tonics.

Chamomile tea is a well-known drink for settling the stomach and aiding digestion after a meal. It is also relaxing and can help promote sleep. To make chamomile tea, pour one cup of boiling water over 4 teaspoons of dried flowers. Infuse for 5-10 minutes and then strain. Add honey for a sweeter taste and drink the tea warm.

to spray diseased plants. Applied as a plant spray, chamomile tea has been used to control a condition known as "damping off," a post-germination fungus disease that kills seedlings by cutting off water and nutrient intake. This disease often strikes seedlings that are planted too closely together. Spraying seedlings and soil daily with chamomile tea is a safe way to treat damping off.
to lighten blonde hair. With a reputation as a mild bleach, chamomile has been used to lighten blonde hair by pouring 2 cups of boiling water over a handful of chamomile flowers and infusing for thirty minutes. After shampooing the hair, rinse several times with this chamomile infusion while it is still warm. It is a very pleasant hair rinse.
to tone facial skin. Chamomile can be used alone or with other ingredients, such as roses, comfrey, lavender, and calendula, in a facial steam. Simply mix the desired herbs together, cover with boiling water, then cover both the head and the bowl with a towel and steam the face for 10 minutes or so. Be careful not to overheat. It is a wonderful treatment for the skin.

With so many varied and useful applications, it is not surprising that chamomile has gladdened the heart of gardeners for centuries.