chamomile

 The medicinal properties of the plant have been utilised for thousands of years, including in ancient Egypt and Greece; chamomile has Egypt and Greece, as well as being grown in monastic gardens during the reign of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne in the 1st century CE.

Chamomile has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents and is still used today to treat stomach and intestinal cramps. Its latin name matricaria comes from matrix, meaning womb, as the medicinal properties were effective in relieving menstrual cramps and sleep disorders related to premenstrual syndrome. 

Fresh flower heads make a mild and calming tea - perfect before bed due to chamomile’s sedative qualities - and can also be used to cleanse eyes and soothe burns. The flowers are best picked in the morning once the petals are fully open. Leftover flowers can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. 

grow

Sow seeds on top of moist compost and do not cover as they need light to germinate, usually within 10-15 days. Keep compost moist but not too wet and thin seedlings to 20-30cm apart when small. Cut flowers to extend flowering season. Chamomile grown well in containers. Seeds can be started in early spring indoors/under cover and transplanted outside after risk of frost has passed.

drink

Pick flowers early in the morning once the petals are fully open. Choose younger flowers that look fresh and are blemish free and pinch off from the stem close to the base of the flower, or snip with clean scissors. We recommend harvesting no more than 50% of herb flowers or leaves at any one time. Give the flowers a rinse in cold water if need be. How many flowers you use for one cup of tea depends on your taste - the more you use the stronger the taste - but you could start with about 8-10 fresh flower heads (if using dried flowers you won’t need as many as dried herbs have a higher oil to water content). Place in a mug and pour over water that’s cooled to just below boiling, cover with a plate so the oils won’t evaporate and leave to brew for five mins minimum. If you want to you can scoop out the remaining flowers, or alternatively brew with a strainer. Otherwise relax and enjoy.

relax - a herbal bath infusion

Bath infusions are basically a very big cup of herbal tea that you sit in. Fragrant infusions can be made from several aromatic herbs floated directly in the water (this is nice to do with flowers) or placed in a muslin bag and hung below the hot tap, infusing as the water pours. A large handful of chamomile flowers (try mixing with lavender too) make for a relaxing bath to aid sleep, whereas peppermint sprigs will invigorate. 

Caution: If you have any health conditions, allergies or are pregnant, always do your research and consult a doctor or trained herbalist before consuming herbs; while wonderful they are potent plants and should be used with care and in moderation.