Chamomile is native to Africa, Asia and Europe. Chamomile flowers are small and look like miniature daisies. They have a yellow center with white downturned petals and can grow up to 12 inches tall. Roman Chamomile is a perennial while German Chamomile is a self seeding annual. They both have the same healing properties and are easily distinguishable by the leaves. Roman Chamomile has feathery leaves whilst German Chamomile has fern like leaves. It grows well in moderately rich well draining soil and prefers full sunlight. Chamomile is drought tolerant and doesn't need to be fussed over. The USDA plant hardiness for Chamomile is zones 3-9. Its scientific name is Matricaria recutita. Chamomile smells like apples which is where its folk name Ground Apple comes from. The word Chamomile comes from the Greek word chamos, meaning ground, and melos, meaning apple.
Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita
Chakras: Heart, Solar Plexus, Throat
Elements: Water
Energy: Masculine
Folk Names: Ground Apple, Plant’s Physician, Mothers Herb
Planets: Sun
Zodiac Correspondences: Leo, Capricorn
Magical Properties
Magickal Keywords: Blessings, Love, Money, Peace, Purification, Protection, Sleep
Bathe with Chamomile to increase love and attractiveness to the opposite sex. Chamomile is often burned as an incense for sleep and meditation purposes. It brings the mind to a higher frequency opening new paths for abundance and peace to flow in. Chamomile may inspire confidence and open the heart to express compassion and love. It is used to bring clarity to divinations and scrying. It is an excellent chakra balancing herb and can help to find one’s center. Chamomile is excellent for getting restful sleep by simply placing it under your pillow at night. It can be used for dream work, as it protects the seeker on astral journeys and wards off negative entities and nightmares.
Use an infusion of it to wash thresholds and keep unwanted energies out. Similarly, dried Chamomile can be sprinkled on yourself or around your home to remove jinxes and prevent fires and lightning strikes.
In Hoodoo Chamomile infusion is used to wash hands before gambling to increase luck. Chamomile is also added to luck and money sachets to increase prosperity.
Holistic Properties
Holistic Keywords: Anxiety, Colds, Heartburn, Pain, Nausea, Stomach Ailments, Stress
Chamomile tea is very popular and for good reason! It relaxes the body and mind and reduces stress, anxiety, nerves and insomnia. Chamomile is a tonic for the nervous system, it gently soothes and strengthens it affecting every other bodily system. It is a gentle muscle relaxant and soothes muscle cramps and spasms which makes it especially useful for menstrual cramps. Chamomile is also very stomach soothing and is good for morning sickness, gastritis and IBS.
Topically Chamomile speeds the healing of blisters, burns, cuts and scrapes. It is useful in treating the sore gums of teething babies and calming them. It can also be used to treat diapers rash as a compress or herbal wash. These qualities give way to its folk name Mother’s Herb. Chamomile is a great remedy for head colds as it is a decongestant and helps release excess mucus and blocked sinuses.
There are so many wonders to Chamomile and its healing properties. It can even heal other plants when planted near them or when poured as a tea to water them. It has been revered since ancient times and is a great addition to any herbalist’s apothecary.
Constituents
Chamomile contains; Chamazulene, bisabolol, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin and hyperoside.
Precautions
Chamomile can interfere with hormone therapy. It should not be used by people who take prescription medicines that cause drowsiness or blood thinners. People who are allergic to ragweed may have a reaction to Chamomile. As for all herbs, only use Chamomile from a trusted, pesticide-free source. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before using herbal products internally, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and entertainment purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA or CFIA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. No outcome is guaranteed. Please use herbs responsibly.