Organic Herb Chamomile (a)

Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Approx. 20,000 seeds per gram

Chamomile Matricaria is also known as wild or German chamomile. There are other varieties but it is this one that is grown for the flowers for chamomile tea. The plant is a hardy annual with feathery leaves said to be apple scented. It grows to between 20 and 30cm tall. The flowers are daisy like with white petals around a yellow conical middle. It was grown for it’s medicinal properties by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The whole plant was used as a strewing herb on the floor of dwellings where the pleasant scent was given off when trodden. The flowers have been used as a herbal rinse to lighten blond hair and the tea is soothing to both body and mind.

How to grow:
Chamomile prefer to grow in full sun. Prepare some ground well and sprinkle the seeds in from March to June. Thin if necessary to 15cm apart. Keep watered initially if the weather is very dry. Cut the flowers when they are fully open, on a dry day and preferable in the morning. This is to maximise the volatile essence in the flower.

Pests and diseases:
Chamomile suffers from very few pests.

How to use:
Use the flowers fresh to make tea. To dry them spread them out on paper or mesh in a dry airy place. When dry store them in an air tight containers.