Chamomile is quite a diverse plant. Its use in tea is well documented for centuries, and was famously referenced by Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 1 for its pleasant aroma. In more modern times, chamomile may be best known for tea, but its use in aroma therapy is well known. It's also used as a hair dye and hair product for blond hair, and has long believed to have health benefits.
Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile
There are actually two kinds of chamomile--often misspelled "camomile"--plant in popular use. The German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and the Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) are slightly different in structure and chemical construct, but when used by herbalists or personal use, the two are interchangeable. The difference is only crucial to gardeners, as the German is an annual while the Roman is perennial. Both are small white and yellow flowers similar in appearance to daisies.
Chamomile Tea
By far the most popular use for chamomile is for tea. Chamomile tea is an inexpensive herbal drink made from the flowers of the plant. Like many other teas, a small amount is added to hot water, and can be later infused with honey, sugar, lemon, or even cinnamon sticks. It's also used by many as the base for hot toddies, an alcoholic drink that can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Because chamomile tea is the most common form of consumption of the plant, many of the plant's health benefits are found in the brew. Its properties help relaxation of muscles, can soothe a variety of stomach aches and pains including diarrhea. The plant has also been reported to help with tooth aches and migraines, and some have found it helpful in alleviating hemorrhoids.
While research hasn't confirmed most of the above supposed benefits, there are some facts that are clear about the plant. A cup of tea can help its drinker unwind after a long day, especially due to its aroma. No medicinal use of chamomile has been widely studied or recognized that it is used by doctors in treatment at hospitals, but the plant is touted highly by herbalists and alternative medicine.
The tea can also be used to lighten hair while on a budget. All that is required is making chamomile tea, allowing it to cool, then soaking clean hair in the tea for up to ten minutes. Sitting out in the sun afterwards to allow hair to dry can help bring the effects of the chamomile out more.
Planting Chamomile
While not as easy to grow as the spearmint plant (which is so vigorous many consider it a pest), the chamomile plant is a plant easily grown in a pot for use around the home. For most casual gardeners, the Roman chamomile will be the most economic choice due to it being a perennial.
The plant, fully grown, reaches about one to two feet in height, and exudes a sweet smell long compared to that of an apple. Planting is best done in spring, with seeds (if in a garden) about a foot to a foot and a half apart in full sun. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need sunlight for germination. The plant can wither under dry summer conditions, so water often.
The biggest pest to chamomile is aphids, but either a mild soapy spray or a local group of ladybugs are mild and ecologically friendly ways to to help with any outbreaks (and who wouldn't mind a few ladybugs amongst the flowers?) The best time to pick the petals for use in tea or otherwise is early in the morning before the flowers have fully opened.
Possible Allergic Reactions
Chamomile falls under the same family as daisies, chrysanthemums, and the dreaded ragweed. Some people may have side effects caused by chamomile, in which case it should be avoided. Chamomile also contains small amounts of a natural blood thinner called coumarin, and while the amount isn't particularly high, patients told by their doctors to avoid coumarin should not drink chamomile tea. Finally, doctors recommend pregnant or nursing women should not ingest chamomile.
See more about medical views on chamomile.
 |
 |
