There is a bewildering variety of chamomiles growing wild and in gardens, and superficially many of them look alike, with their finely cut fern-like leaves and miniature white and gold daisy-heads. (Some may be completely yellow.) But on closer inspection there are differences in appearance and foliage or and their uses are not all the same. The most usual kind found in gardens is the old self-sowing fever few or febrifuge (Tanacetum parthenium), which can have green or golden foliage; it is not used often today in herbal teas. I was told once that it was considered a cure for headaches and menstrual pain, although German chamomile is a better known aid for these problems. There is another pyrethrum daisy of the chamomile group with gray foliage and white flowers which is said to be the most effective for pyrethrum insect sprays, many of which are on the market now. Both English and German chamomiles are by far the most popular to grow. The English kind has fine, feathery leaves and a creeping, matting habit. In late summer it sends up stems of flower-heads which make a beautiful informal lawn if kept well watered in a low-rainfall area. The flowers are cut for herb tea, and then the mower, set fairly high, can be run over the plants. Some people have found that this does not make a successful lawn, and there is a hard-to-get variety known as the Treneague strain of chamomile which is the very best type for lawns. German chamomile grows quickly into a bushy little plant with fine foliage, and bears flowers profusely for quite some time. The fragrance of chamomile has been likened to fresh apples.
History and mythology
There seems to be some difference of opinion among herbal writers as to which is the “true” chamomile, and which has the most efficacy Maythen was the old Saxon name for English chamomile (which is also sometimes called Roman chamomile), and the Spaniards called it manzanilla, meaning “little apple.” The ancient Egyptians prized it for its curative powers, as did the early Greeks and Romans. It has been used in folk medicine in Britain for centuries. It spreads in its natural state through Europe and the temperate regions of Asia. We saw it growing wild or what looked very like it in the ruined beauty of antique Ephesus in Turkey, and all along the roadsides leading to it. Chamomile was a favorite strewing herb on the floors of dwellings for its sweet fresh scent when trodden on and for its insect-repellent qualities.
Cultivation
Before planting English or German chamomile seeds in spring, or dividing roots of English chamomile at the same time, work the soil very well if it is heavy, add some sandy loam, dampen the ground, and put in the divided roots or seeds. As the seeds are very small, you may prefer to start them off in a prepared seed box. When large enough to handle, plant out the seedlings to about 6 inches (15 cm) apart, and keep them moist until well established. If wanting to make an area for a lawn, plant only English chamomile and keep it well watered in a dry climate. A fixed sprinkler is a good idea. As they begin to creep, a light top dressing, especially in hot weather, will help the plants to mat and spread. Your effort will be rewarded, especially if the plants are allowed to bloom. We recently saw a tiny chamomile lawn, enchanting with its scattering of starry flowers. The unexpected sight gave a magical lift to the spirits and it smelt most sweetly underfoot.
Harvesting and processing
Both English and German chamomile are grown for their flowers, and these should be harvested by midday if possible, before the sun has drawn the valuable volatile essences from the blossoms. Choice the opened heads cautiously along with scissors on a perfect day, and spread them out on a wire sieve, or on sheets of paper, in an airy room. Whenever papery, place the aromatic heads in clean, dry screw-top jars.
Various uses
Culinary
A few whole chamomile flowers are an edible embellishment strewn over a tossed green salad. A pleasant and beneficial beverage to drink at lunchtime, or during the day at any time of the year, may be made with one or two quarts (liters) of half chamomile tea (sweetened with a little honey to taste) and half natural, sparkling mineral water. Pour into a (glass) jug with ice cubes, thin slices of lemon, and a few whole chamomile flowers floating on top.
Medicinal
Chamomile tea has been famous for centuries for its relaxing qualities and the calming of frayed nerves and soothing effect on the digestion. It is helpful to women suffering from menstrual pain and tension. Children also benefit from a mild infusion of this tea if they are restless and overtired. (Even Peter Rabbit was given a soothing cup of chamomile tea by his mother after a narrow escape from Mr. McGregor!). They usually prefer it sweetened with honey, or mixed with peppermint tea. It is a tea for everyone who is suffering from fevers or colds. It is an excellent tea for students studying hard, and for overtired businessmen. An infusion of the flowers, strained and poured into a hot bath, will reduce muscular weariness and fatigue. A well-tried folk remedy for a stye in the eye is to bathe it frequently with strained, cooled chamomile tea. We can vouch for its reliability, having tried this cure many times.
Cosmetic
An infusion of chamomile flowers, strained, cooled, and used as a hair rinse, has been used for centuries to lighten the hair. There are many shampoos, setting lotions, and conditioners on the market today containing chamomile, mainly to be used for fair or light brown hair. It benefits the hair at the same time as “blonding” it. Chamomile flowers in sleep pillows mixed with other slumber inducing herbs (lavender, valerian, hops, roses, and lemon verbena) are effective, the warmth of the head releasing the various perfumes to induce relaxation which precedes sleep. Chamomile used in facial steams, or incorporated into cream, is soothing and strengthening to the tissues. It is also used in rejuvenating facial masks, beauty lotions, herbal soap, body lotions, lotions for sunburn, for tired eyes, and for aching feet.
Companion planting
Chamomile is an excellent addition to the compost heap, so put spent chamomile tea flowers there as well as any unwanted foliage or plants. When growing, small quantities of chamomile will intensify the oil content in peppermint plants, but if the chamomile increases too much, the peppermint oil will in turn decrease. Small clumps of chamomile growing near onions, cabbages and wheat plants will help them. Chamomile tea has been used to help combat plant diseases. On the farm, calves and other animals with hoof rot are helped by using chamomile in compresses.
