This year I planted Chamomile everywhere! And I had volunteers show up in my raised beds that I relocated to exactly where I wanted them. The plants did well until the summer heat was in full swing; this herb likes the cooler weather. In fact, here (zone 7) you can plant it in March. Next spring, the plan is to have Chamomile flank my stone walk leading into the garden. This herb likes to flop over, so use that to your advantage. I grow mostly German Chamomile — I’ve tried Roman and haven’t had as much success with it. German and Roman Chamomile essential oils are wonderful additions to salves and balms for the skin. If you have a skin situation in which you need anti-inflammatory, then I would suggest German Chamomile oil. The Roman Chamomile is preferred in skin healing and smoothing– but both are wonderful for the skin. It’s kind of crazy that the white and yellow flowers of the German Chamomile produce a blue oil. Super cool!! It’s caused by a terpenoid called Chamazulene.
I have loved Chamomile Tea for a long time! In fact, the smell of the tea steeping calms me. Chamomile is commonly used for hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. These little dainty flowers have such carminative power! The longer you let your Chamomile tea steep, the more bitter it tastes and the medicinal effects change. I typically will steep a teaspoon of dried Chamomile flowers with 8oz of water for about 15 minutes for the perfect cup of relaxing tea. I do like to add these “dainty” powerhouses into other teas blends as well.
