The Magi's Garden : Chamomile

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)


Folk Names: Barnyard Daisy, Camomile, Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Common Chamomile, Corn Feverfew, English Chamomile, Khamaimelon (Greek- Ground Apple), Heermannchen (German), Manzanilla (Spanish), Maythen (Saxon), May Weed, Roman Chamomile, True Chamomile, Turkey Weed, Whig Plant

Description: Chamomile is found throughout western and southern Europea. It also grows in North America. It is a perennial, preferring dry field as well as gardens. The root is jointed and fibrous. The downy stem is procumbent and branching, growing from eight to twelve inches. The alternating pale-green leaves are bipinnate, finely dissected, and downy to glabrous. From June to September, a solitary, terminal flower head one inch across appears. The daisy-like, prominent yellow disk is surrounded by silver-white ray petals. All chamomiles have a minute, chaffy scale between each two florets. The plant has a faint apple-like odor.

Effects: strong
Planet: Sun Zodiac: Leo
Element: fire
Associated Deities: any solar deity

Traditions:
The name chamomile comes from the plant’s distinct, apple-like odor. The Greeks named it ground-apple, from kamai ‘on the ground’ and melon meaning ‘apple.’ The Spanish name, Manzilla, also means little apple.

Chamomile is said to have been used in Egypt by priests to treat patients suffering from fever. It is considered most powerful during Midsummer and Yule.

Magic:
Chamomile may be added to any spell for success and money. Wash your hands in an infusion of chamomile before gambling to ensure a good luck streak. An infusion in the bath is also said to attract love, so you might want to watch out for golddiggers if you start winning big in Vegas!

It is also purifying and protective. Sprinkle around any property to remove curses and spells cast against you. A wreath of the herb is protective against lightning.

The Romans suggested chamomile for poisonous serpent bites, but it is generally considered healing for the garden. If any plant in the garden is ailing, planting a chamomile nearby is supposed to help it recover. An incense made of chamomile may be used to induce sleep and for meditation.

Known Combinations:
none noted

Medical Indications: (Caution: Chamomile should not be used for long periods of time as this may lead to a ragweed allergy, and it should not be used by those who are already allergic to ragweed.) Parts Used: flowers
Chamomile is an anodyne, antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, nervine, mild sedative, and appetite stimulant. A hot wash of the flowers, vinegar, and water may be used for earache. Boil the flowers and then let them cool for a poultice for pain from injury. Any dressing of chamomile is good for open sores and wounds as well as sunburn. It is also useful for teething and toothache. Add to milk for a lotion for dry, chapped skin and as a shampoo for fair hair.

Any stomach upset can be treated with chamomile, including motion sickness. The tea is used to treat flatulent colic, colitis, diverticulosis, and dyspepsia. It is also useful in reducing fever and headache, stress, anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. The oil is used internally for colic, spasms, stomach cramps, and menstrual cramps.

Nutrition:
Aside from its use as a tea, chamomile is not put to much culinary use. It is used in Spain to flavor a very light sherry.

Mercantile Uses:
Bees like this plant but it also attracts small flies. The flowers may be added to potpourris.