"Hegel was right when he said that we learn from history
that man can never learn anything from history."
-George Bernard Shaw
Chamomile
Description: There are two varieties of chamomile...German and Roman. The German plant is an annual which grows up to 20 inches. It has spiney or feathery foliage with small daisy-like flowers. The flowers are white and yellow, apple-scented and grow in pairs (usually) at the end of downy stems. Only the flowers have the apple-scent. The Roman variety looks very similer to German, but only grows 4-12 inches in height and is a perennial. Other than that, descriptions for both plants are the same. This plant grows freely just about everywhere. Look for it in fields, cracks in pavement and along roadsides.
History: Chamomile has been used as far back as the ancient Egyptions, Romans and Greeks for its gentle healing properties. It was a popular herbal remedy for aches and pains, skin conditions and digestion with records dating back to the Romans. During the 1800's it was also given to women who suffered from "vapors" to relieve anxiety, and has been used in Europe since the 1600's for calming and soothing digestive orders and sleeplessness.
Parts used: Flowers
Usages: Chamomile is mostly used as a tea. The tea is administerd to relieve flu symptoms, aid in digestion, relieve gas pains, as a sedative, quiet colicly babies, soothe nerves and reduce menstual pains. Using the tea cold, it can be used to wash out the eyes from conjunctivitus (pink eye) and eye strain. An oil infusion is good for bug bites, eczema and minor wounds. Make a poultice, soak a towel in it and wrap around aching joints. And last but not least...Use chamomile in a relaxing bath to calm the soul.
Growing your own: Chamomile does its best outdoors. It makes a fragrant addition to lawns as well as gardens. The plant can be started indoors by seed. Plant seeds in small containers and transplant seedlings 6 inches apart (when big enough to handle) to light dry soil. The plants require full to partial sunlight. Plant outside, fertilize lightly to encourage spreading, and keep watered. Once they are growing, they need no tending (unless in a very hot climate...then water as needed) Plant near peppermint to intensify the peppermint oil, or just plant in vegetable gardens to repel winged insects. Harvest flower heads as soon as they open, taking as little of the stalk as possible.
Magickal properties Chamomile is used in spells involving money, sleep, love and purification. When sprinkled around your house, it is said to reduce negative energy, and attract wealth.
Chamomile Recipes
WARNING: Chamomile is a member of the daisy family. If you are allergic to members of this plant family, suffer from hayfever or ragweed pollen, or are expecting a child...Do not use! If you want to anyway...consult your allergist or an herbal specialist. I am not a doctor and I do not prescribe herbs for medicinal usage. If you are sick, CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Chamomile Cleansing Milk: Must be kept refrigerated, and only good for 2-4 days. Place one cup of warm milk in a bowl. The milk must be kept warm throughout, however it must never boil and a skin must not form on the milk. The easiest way to accomplish this is by placing the bowl over a saucepan of hot water. Add 3 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers. Stir gently from time to time so as not to break up the flowers. Infuse until the milk smells strongly of chamomile. Strain into glass jars. Excellent for oily skin.
Chamomile Rinse: Simmer 2 teaspoons dried flowers in 8 ounces of water for 15 minutes. Lightens fair hair, and conditions complexion
Chamomile Tea: Brew 1 tablespoon of dried flowers into an 8 oz. cup of very hot water. Let set for 5 or so minutes before drinking. Sweeten with honey if needed.
Source for above recipes: Garden Guides
Other Sources Used:
Directory of Herbs
Guide to Medicinal Herbs Online
Kathie's Garden Herbs
MotherNature.com
To flip through the pages of my BOS faster...
|
Brightest of Blessings