Chamomile – Calm in a Cup
Today, we’re talking about chamomile – the gentle healer of the herb garden..
Chamomile has been used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supporting properties. It’s often one of the first herbs people learn to work with—and one of the few that stays in your cupboard for life.
Plant Profile:
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile)
Plant Type: Annual (German) or perennial (Roman)
Height: 8"–24" depending on variety
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, not overly rich
Water: Low to moderate – drought-tolerant once established
Flowering: Late spring through midsummer
Pollinator Friendly: Yes – beloved by bees and hoverflies
Both German and Roman chamomile offer similar benefits, though German chamomile is most often used for herbal medicine and teas due to its stronger oil content and sweeter flavour.
Why Grow Chamomile?
Chamomile earns its keep in the garden and beyond:
Calming Benefits: Known for its stress-reducing and sleep-supporting properties, chamomile tea has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system.
Skincare Superpower: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing—perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.
Natural Groundcover: Roman chamomile spreads low and soft underfoot, perfect for sensory gardens or pathways.
Soil Support: Chamomile can grow in less-than-ideal soil and often self-sows once established.
Calms the nervous system: Chamomile is a gentle sedative and can help reduce anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. A warm cup of tea before bed is a classic remedy for good reason.
Soothes the digestive tract: It’s often used to ease indigestion, bloating, nausea, and colic—especially helpful for little ones and sensitive tummies.
Reduces inflammation: Whether applied topically or taken internally, chamomile can ease inflammation, redness, and irritation. Great for skin conditions like eczema, rashes, or sunburns.
Supports immune function: Chamomile contains natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds that make it a helpful ally during cold and flu season.
Eases menstrual discomfort: Its antispasmodic effects can help soothe cramps and relax uterine muscles.
Chamomile is generally safe for most people, but those with ragweed allergies should proceed with caution.
Harvesting & Drying
Harvest flowers when they’re fully open, ideally in the morning after dew has dried.
Snip off just the heads using scissors or pinch with your fingers.
Dry flat on a mesh screen or paper towel in a cool, dark space.
Once dry, store in an airtight jar for up to a year.
In the Garden
Chamomile loves being tucked into garden borders or near vegetables as a companion plant. It helps attract beneficial insects and may improve the health and flavour of nearby plants like brassicas and cucumbers. It’s also a good candidate for containers, especially if you’re growing the dwarf Roman variety.
Let it flower and reseed freely—or deadhead for continuous blooming through summer.
Folklore & Magic
Chamomile has long been associated with protection, prosperity, and peace. In ancient Egypt, it was offered to the gods and used in embalming rituals. The Norse associated it with the sun god Baldur, and in medieval Europe, it was often planted near doorways to ward off bad spirits and bring blessings to the home.
Folklore tells us:
Sprinkling chamomile tea around your home invites calm and harmony.
Bathing in chamomile was believed to attract love and clear away negative energy.
Hanging chamomile in the kitchen was said to bring abundance and luck to the cook.
It’s long been considered a plant of the sun, bringing light, warmth, and healing wherever it grows.
In the language of flowers, chamomile means “patience in adversity”—a gentle reminder that even the softest things can hold great strength.
Home Apothecary: DIY Recipes
Sleepytime Chamomile Tea Blend
This gentle tea blend is perfect for winding down in the evening.
You’ll need:
2 tsp dried chamomile flowers
1 tsp dried lemon balm or spearmint
Optional: A few dried lavender buds or rose petals for aroma
Instructions:
Combine herbs in a teapot or infuser.
Pour over 1 cup hot water (not boiling – about 90°C/195°F).
Steep for 5–7 minutes.
Strain and sip slowly. Add honey if desired.
Tip: Store your dried tea blend in a labeled jar and keep out of direct sunlight to preserve its properties.
