An Overview of Plants: Chamomile
Name: Chamomile (Chameamelum nobile, Anthemis nobilis)
Description: Flowers have white petals, yellow centers, kind of like a daisy. The centers extend further out, are more rounded, and take up more of the flower than daisies’ do, though. The petals also tend to hang down off the center over time, instead of curling up like a daisy’s do. The leaves are symmetrical in a diamond-ish shape, and have lots of ridges (daisy leaves are more rounded and have only a few ridges).
Cultivation: Plant it in the spring, either from seeds or the full plant. It grows best in a cooler environment and part-shade, but it can survive full sun too. The soil should be dry, and it only needs watering in times of prolonged drought. It works well as a companion plant, since it keeps pests away. Main pest risks are aphids, mealybugs, and thrips.
Harvest: Harvest during the day when the flowers are fully open, and make sure that the flowers are dry to prevent mold. The plant is ready for harvest when the petals are full and flat out from the center. If the petals are curled up, it’s too early, and hanging down is usually going to be too late or almost too late.
Folklore: Ancient Egyptians offered it to their gods (especially their sun gods), and it was even used in their mummification processes and to help with diseases like malaria. It was used throughout Europe as a medicine to heal people and as a way to heal their gardens, since planting chamomile near a withering plant can help revive it. Throughout the Americas, it was mainly used as teas for different aspects of health, and more of the plant was used.
Magical Properties: Known to attract wealth and love, to aid in purification, and to help with sleep. It can also help with protection by removing spells and curses placed upon a person.
Medicinal Properties: It can be used as a tea, tincture, or essential oil. Applied to the skin or mucous membrane, it can ease inflammation and skin diseases, and when used in a bath, it can treat larger regions of inflammation. Inhaled, it can ease a sore throat, and internally it helps with stomach and intestinal issues. It can also help with sleep issues or to provide a deeper sleep, and can also help relieve stress and tension due to its sedative properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, and deodorant properties.
Recommended Amount: The recommended doses do not exceed 9-15g orally per day.
Warnings: People with allergies (especially to pollens in the daisy family - Asteraceae) should avoid using it, and pregnant women should either avoid it or be cautious as it can mess with the reproductive system sometimes. Always dilute chamomile essential oils with other base oils, as it won’t mix with water.
*This is a page from my grimoire. I am not a health professional, nor do I claim to be. This is just a compilation of information I’ve gathered from various sources I trust, and any medical decisions should be made by individuals with the help of a trained professional.
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