Last year I planted a small Roman Chamomile plant that looked near death at the end of the hot midwestern summer. However, I was pleasantly surprised this spring when it sprang to life, quadrupled in size, and began sharing it's little daisy like flowers with me.
When friends and family come over and walk through my garden, they are always surprised to learn that these dainty flowers are what make up chamomile tea. The same tea that Peter Rabbit's mother gave him right before bed in the classic tale.
Not surprising, chamomile is a member of the daisy family.
What may be a shock is that those flowers have some amazing super powers!
Chamomile is:
*Antibacterial
*Antimicrobial
*Antiseptic
*Anti-inflammatory
*Analgesic
*Calming
While chamomile is widely known to assist in sleep, the properties of chamomile also cause it to calm nerves and improve digestion, In addition, when used on the skin, the anti-inflammatory properties assist in calming skin irritations.
**It is important to note that if a person has an allergy to plants in the daisy family or ragweed, they may have ill effects from the use of chamomile.**
How to use:
Part of plant used: flower heads
This herb can be used fresh or dried, but most commonly used dried. If you have access to fresh plants, simply hang them upside down until dried and snip off the flower heads to use.
Recipes
If you do a quick pinterest search you will find an abundance of uses for chamomile. I have narrowed this list to a few simple recipes that can easily be utilized after a trip to the farmers market.
Teas/Tisanes
*Note: Chamomile gets bitter if over brewed, therefore brew for 3-5 minutes and
remove herb from water
Basic Tea
Lavender and Chamomile tea
Chamomile and Cinnamon Latte
Chamomile Ginger Iced Tea
Chamomile Hot Toddy
*while this website uses fresh flowers, dried can be used just the same, but may taste slightly more bitter.
Floral Ice Cubes: A fun addition to your next cocktail party
Chamomile Cakes
Chamomile Honey Face Wash for sensitive skin
Calming Bath Salts
Odor eliminating foot soak https://www.suburbansimplicity.com/chamomile-foot-soak/
Where can I find a plant I would love to grow and use