Suburban Gardener—

The Secrets Of Chamomile

By Gerry McCabe

Peacefully disguised as an innocent, billowing summer “daisy,” the secrets of chamomile are known to few. Historically, Matricaria recutia, or German chamomile, is a native of northern Europe. It was cultivated and used in aromatherapy by the Greeks, who likened its fragrance to that of an apple.

Ancient Egyptians dedicated it to their sun god and rubbed it on sore muscles, praising it for its vast healing qualities. Monks in the Middle Ages used the herb in aromatherapy sessions by placing patients on beds in densely planted chamomile gardens to ward off depression and illness.

Digestively, Chamomile’s attributes live on. As children we first learned of its soothing effect on Peter Rabbit when his Mom gave him Chamomile tea to soothe his tummy after a night raid on Mr McGregor’s garden.

There are two Chamomiles that will grow well in our zone as annuals: German (which I will focus on) and Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobilis. The Roman is lower growing with an extremely bitter taste and because of this it has lost out as an herbal remedy. Best used in landscaping designs which call for a spreading ground cover, this chamomile can be a perennial in more temperate zones.

The German variety is definitely an annual in our zone and self-sows freely. Grown in full sun, the plants can reach 24 inches high and spread 12 inches or more. The tiny white daisy flowers have a protruding yellow button center atop wispy feathery leaves and blossom from May to frost.

Soil, as with most herbs, should be dry, light and sandy to discourage too much foliage and encourage flowering. Used extensively in cottage gardens, Chamomile looks best when planted in mass and among more bold-leafed herbs such as Basils, Sages and Nasturtiums.

Harvesting can continue all summer but you have to be on your toes! Flowers fade quickly after blooming, start producing seed heads and thus signal the shut down phase of the plant.

Since the flowers contain the most flavor and herbal value, cut them often to prolong the production of the plant. Dry on suspended sheets of cotton or canvas fabric, in a lidless cardboard box or in an electric dehydrator.

Low-temperature ovens or microwaves can be used but are not recommended. Essential oils may dry or worse yet, a fire may ensue. Dehydrators are not as expensive as you may believe. I’ll give you the name of mine if you’re interested.

Uses of Chamomile are many but a warning right from the beginning: do not consume a Chamomile product if you are allergic to ragweed. The wise will always consult with their physician first before trying any herbal remedy.

Having a calming effect, Chamomile teas are said to ease indigestion, nervousness, depression, menstrual cramps, muscle strain, and are well known as an indispensable aid in insomnia. Cosmetically, Chamazulene (an anti-inflammatory) is produced when the essential oil of chamomile is distilled and then used in facial creams to reduce puffiness.

Ever tried regular chilled tea bags on puffy eyes? Also, cooled teas made from Chamomile flowers have been widely used as a rinse to highlight light brown or blond hair.

Aromatically, envision a room of chamomile-scented candles burning on a cold winter’s night. Or chamomile swooning pillows on your bed.

As lovely in the garden as is versatile in the herbal apothecary, Chamomile has a lot going for itself. It is easy to grow, easy to harvest, and there are many ways to enjoy it.

It relaxes me just thinking about it.

(When she isn’t tending to her garden at home, Gerry McCabe spends some of her time continuing her gardening education at Naugatuck Valley College in Waterbury. Gerry, a certified master gardener in Connecticut, can be reached at TNGCATS@aol.com.)