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Herb Spotlight: Chamomile

by Kristie Nackord (Spirit Horse Herbals)

Chamomile.large
Chamomile: Matricaria recutita

Having a hard time sleeping? Feeling the pinch of too many things to do and the anxiety is wearing on you? No fear, Chamomile is here!

Chamomile.detail

Having a hard time sleeping? Feeling the pinch of too many things to do and the anxiety is wearing on you? No fear, Chamomile is here!

The word Chamomile comes from Greek origins and can be translated as "earth-apple" probably because of the apple-like scent of the plant. This lovely plant grows very well in all types of growing regions including zone 4 in the mountains of Colorado! When drunk as a tea Chamomile has a wonderful calming effect on the nervous system, can help alleviate anxiety and depression and help you sleep, as well as aids in digestion and is pain relieving. Chamomile is so flavorful you can drink it alone or try blending it with other herbs such as lemon balm, lavender and oat straw.

There are two different types of Chamomile: German (Common) and Roman (English). And not to confuse you any further, but it can also be spelled, camomile. Roman Chamomile, also known as English Chamomile, is a perennial ground cover that grows up to one-foot tall. German Chamomile, also known as Common Chamomile, is an annual that has the potential to grow up to 2-3 feet. Both are used medicinally. Chamomile appreciates full-sun and it is very hardy not to mention beautiful!

Chamomile has been known to be a great companion plant to have in your garden and is said to help the growth and health of other plants. Chamomile tea sprayed on other plants can suppress fungal growth and by misting it over seedlings it may prevent damping off.

A delicious herbal tea recipe that will aid in relaxation and digestion:

  • 1 part chamomile (flowers)
  • 1 part lemon balm (leaves)
  • A pinch of lavender (flowers)

Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink and enjoy!

TO READ OUR Q & A WITH KRISTIE AND TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER INDEPENDENTLY RUN HERBAL ETSY STORE CLICK HERE.  THANKS KRISTIE!!

Tags

chamomile, pain relieving, digestive relief, easy to grow herb, anxiety, depression, sleep aid

comments

Spirit Horse, I have never had success growing chamomile at all!! AND have tried several times. I&#x27;m in Mi, zone 5 -herbal garden has room for it/full sun there -any suggestions for me? <br/>Do you grow St.John&#x27;s Wort? I love the leaves cuz of their deep shade of green BUT the last 2 years I&#x27;ve had 1 flower. Any ideas? faerie garden
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faerie garden commented on 04/13/10
Hi Faerie Garden~ Have you been trying to grow your chamomile from seed? I am in zone 4 so I know it will grow in your zone 5! I direct sow and transplant. When I direct sow (those seeds are so tiny!) I am sure to broadcast heavily. Tamp down lightly on the seed, cover lightly with soil, and ensure good seed to soil contact. I lightly cover with mulch here (straw) because the water evaporates so quickly in our arid climate. You can use pine needles, leaves, etc. Keep it evenly moist for germination. Ah, and St. John's Wort...hardy, hardy plant. I currently am not growing any but when I lived in California it was prolific for me. Not sure why you only got one flower. Let's definitely chat. Tell me more about what you have tried and let's try to troubleshoot together. You are also welcome to email me directly at: kristie@spirithorseherbals.com
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 04/13/10
I just planted my chamomile :-)
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chief cultivator commented on 04/06/10
Chief! Yahoo on planting your chamomile. So curious how/where you planted it..next to? Amongst? Perhaps when you have germination you might snap a few photos to share! If you have ANY questions at all, please let me know!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 04/08/10
Thank you for this article! I just edited the chamomile entries in the digthedirt database, and I&#x27;m so glad to add more of this valuable information. I&#x27;m and DEFINITELY going to try the chamomile spray for a fungus suppressant. Who knew??!!
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pbcouchman commented on 03/23/10
I'm so glad you found it valuable! Maybe this lovely plant will be included in some of your cool projects you have going! That's great you are designing roof gardens, etc. Too cool!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/23/10
Chamomile sounds like an amazing plant. If it could get rid of deer in my garden, it would be perfect. Thank you for this fabulous information.
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teetee the gardner commented on 03/20/10
As we say here in the mountains, plant enough so we can feed the deer and ourselves! Or...build a REALLY tall fence!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/23/10
It&#x27;s a beautiful flower! I live in central Texas - can I plant the seeds now?
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gardengirl commented on 03/19/10
Hi there, If your danger of frost has passed then yes! Plant away!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/19/10
good stuff here. i haven&#x27;t planted chamomile before, but this is inspiring me to try it.
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nematode commented on 03/19/10
It's very easy to grow from seed! I direct sow (and I seed a bit on the heavier side) and lightly cover with mulch to keep it evenly moist for germination. I live in the mountains of Colorado where hail is not uncommon in the summer. Chamomile stands STRONG even after a hail storm. It's flowers may be stripped, but it comes right back! I highly recommend any seed from Seeds Trust: www.seedstrust.com
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/19/10
thanks for reminding me that I should be drinking tea instead of coffee! Definitely sounds like it calms the nerves, and I really need to start that trend in my life :) I have a tea ball so maybe I should start using it! Good to know what leaves go together as well...
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earthworm commented on 03/19/10
I'm so glad you are feeling inspired! A little hint: 1 teaspoon of herbs to 1 cup (8 ounces) of water is the general rule of thumb. There are great 'morning' herbs as well to offer a little boost with out the side effects of caffeine. Nettles and dandelion are two of my favorites. I have a morning boost tea that I sell that I have been drinking for years and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Happy tea drinking!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/19/10
This is such great information. Guess this would be a great plant for interplanting... seems like a friendly one.
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FigTree commented on 03/19/10
Chamomile is a wonderful plant to include in any garden! Often used in England to fill in cracks between pavers or as a path cover or even as a soft bench cover. It's so aromatic! Happy planting!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/19/10
Sounds delicious! I can&#x27;t wait to try it!
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SeattleAlex commented on 03/19/10
There is just way too much to know about all of these herbs! It&#x27;s a little crazy. I didn&#x27;t know that you could spray the tea for suppressing fungal growth. I am just starting my tomato seeds so that could be helpful for them... great information!
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FigTree commented on 03/19/10
Agreed! It is a limitless with all plants. I am under no false illusions of trying to 'know everything'! ha! That is why I LOVE websites like this where we can all share with one another and learn!
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Spirit Horse Herbals replied: on 03/19/10

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