Chamomile is one of those plants that we all can picture in our heads when we hear its name. Those cute little yellow disc centers with little white flowers. Like baby daisies. Perfect for making a soothing tea or some homemade soap. Chamomile holds many magical properties as well as many health properties. This beautiful plant has something beneficial for everyone (unless you are allergic).
Origins
Chamomile originated in Europe, Western Asia as well as North Africa. This flower has been grown for centuries. There are many species of chamomile however the most common ones are Roman (or also known as English) and German. The Roman varieties are more of the garden type (but also hold medicinal and magical properties), whereas the German varieties are commonly used in medicinal teas.
Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis) was used a lot throughout the Middle Ages. Due to its very sweet scent, this flower was not only grown in gardens, but it was also laid out onto pathways for people to walk on. This is because once pressed down on, the sweet apple aroma was released into the air. Creating a very pleasant stroll down the walkways as well as being used as a natural protectant of diseases for both people and plants.
The Greeks gave this flower the name ‘ground-apple’ because of the sweet apple aroma that the plant gave off. Kamani (on-ground) and melon (apple).
The Spaniards called this plant ‘Manzanilla’ meaning little apple.
Egyptians used chamomile for its health benefits. They believed that this magical plant could cure high fevers as well as many illnesses. This was also a flower they used to dedicate to their sun God Ra.
About Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria Chamomillia, Chamaemelium Nobile
Roman chamomile has a yellow disc center, surrounded by little white petals. The stems are hairy and freely branch out and leaves divided into thread-like segments, giving off a feathery like appearance. All common chamomile has a tiny chaffy scale between each 2 florets. This is a very small detail that has to be carefully looked for. Although other species of chamomile such as German chamomile do not have this tiny characteristic.
Roman chamomile stands at about a foot tall and has an apple aroma and German chamomile grows much taller, around 20-22″ and has a daisy aroma.
This lovely flower likes dry, well-drained and sandy soils and grows best in full/ partial sun. Plant in the early spring close to the surface. Do not fully cover the seeds with soil. Chamomile needs sunlight to germinate. Roman/ English chamomile is a perennial and the German chamomile is an annual.
If you have a plant in your garden that is drooping over, planting chamomile next to it will cause that plant to start to perk up again. Repealing insects and preventing bacterial and fungal infections. Not only is this plant good for our health, but it is also good for our garden plants health as well.
Chamomile Health Properties
Chamomile has a very high medicinal reputation. All parts of the plant can be used; however, the flower heads hold a higher value. Having anti-bacterial, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common way to use this plant is to dry it out and make tea out of it. This type of tea is one of the most common consumed teas. But what makes it so helpful to our health?
Before consuming, be sure to talk with your doctor about using this plant as a remedy. Make sure you are not allergic; this includes allergies to ragweed and any other aster plants.
Internal (tea)
- Calms the nerves
- Is a good diuretic
- Can be used to bring on a woman’s menstrual cycle by stimulating blood flow in the uterus and pelvic area.
- Menstrual pains
- Preventing nightmares
- Indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Use on rashes
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Use on minor injuries
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle relaxant
- Headaches
- May cut back on early stages of withdrawals from alcohol
- Helps with insomnia
- Stress
- Nausea
- Ulcers
- Diarrhea
- Digestion
- Gum disease
This plant has a bitter taste to it, so adding sugar, honey, or any other extracts such as lavender or ginger will help combat the bitterness of the chamomile.
From my research I read that a fresh infusion is great for when you need to calm your nerves, whereas an infusion made with dried is better for digestive issues. Also, in my research I found that some sources say ingesting chamomile in the first trimester should be avoided. I am not sure how accurate this is, so if you are pregnant, talk with your doctor.
External
Chamomile can be used to make many items that you can use externally. And all of these things can be made at home.
- Lotions- Use the lotion on any pain areas. Use to ease toothaches and earaches (do not put into ear, rub along the outside).
- Soaps- Use to help ease body pains. The aroma will also help reduce stress and help sooth you before bed making it easier to sleep. Wash your face to help with acne and can be used as part of a compress for the eyes. This can help if you have pink eye.
Chamomile Magical Properties
The list of health benefits alone truly is a huge part of chamomile’s magical properties. A small daisy like flower being able to help us medicinally in so many ways is magical in itself. However, there is more to this lovely little flower. So, what other magical properties does chamomile have to offer?
- Attract luck
- Attract money
- Physical and emotional healing
- Protection
- Grounding
- Cleansing
- Prepare you for change
- Purification
- Relaxation
- Hex breaking
- Dream protection
Use chamomile in your bath either in a sachet or my favorite, essential oils. This will help promote better sleep as well as protect you from nightmares and being disturbed at night by spirits.
Add around the home to protect against curses or negative energies. Wash your doorways to keep out any unwanted energies.
Chamomile is a soothing plant. By using it to relax your body and mind, it would go hand in hand with meditation.
Chamomile Correspondences
Names: Ground-Apple, Manzanilla, Dog Fennel, Plants Physician, Maythen, Wild Chamomile, Whig Plant
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Water
Chakra: Throat
Crystals: Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Peridot
Energies: Cleansing, Dream Protection, Health, Hex Breaking, Love, Luck, Money, Protection, Purification, Relaxation, Sleep
Deities: Ra, Apollo, Lugh, Cernunnos, Sol, Helios