Details
Details
Official Name: Matricaria chamomilla
General description: Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from dried chamomile flowers and hot water. Two types of chamomile used are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Chamomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, mouthwash, soaps, or cosmetics. When used as an herbal product, such as in tea or as a topical skin cream, chamomile is not likely to have significant health effects or major side effects. The two most popularly grown chamomile varieties are German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Roman chamomile is often used as a groundcover or creeping plant used to soften the edges of a stone wall or walkway. The German chamomile is the annual herb used for making tea. German chamomile is a delicate looking plant that is surprisingly tough. It has an almost wildflower look about it. The fragrant flowers are daisy-like with white petals surrounding a yellow disk. The stems are not particularly strong and bend and flop as the plant grows taller.
How to grow: German chamomile is an annual plant, however, it self-seeds so readily, you might think it's a perennial. German chamomile is easy to start from seed. Start seeds indoors, about six weeks before the last expected frost. Chamomile seed needs light to germinate, so simply scatter the seed and press firmly onto the soil, but do not cover the seed with soil. Seeds should germinate in seven to fourteen days.You can also direct-seed German chamomile outdoors. You’ll get better germination if you do this in the fall and let the seed stratify over winter, for a spring crop. Roman chamomile is a perennial that is often used for ground cover. Unlike German chamomile, it does not produce many blooms; it does, however, provide a lovely aroma. Roman chamomile is easily grown from seed; if you allow your plants to go to seed at the end of the season, it will self-seed providing even more ground cover the following year. Water lightly.
Benefits:
- Reducing menstrual pain.
- Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar.
- Slowing or preventing osteoporosis.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Cancer treatment and prevention.
- Helping with sleep and relaxation.
- Treating cold symptoms.