Featured Herb | Chamomile

Although a couple of different plants are known as chamomile — German and Roman. Both have very similar properties and are often confused, but both contain the essential oil chamazulene. And both are commonly used to make chamomile tea.

Chamomile promotes peace and tranquility and dispels disruptive energies. It’s a natural sleep aid and great for calming nerves — which is probably why I like it so much.

Chamomile, with a splash of milk and good helping of honey, is one of my favorite kinds of tea. A cup of chamomile tea can soothe a stomach ache, treat insomnia, and reduce anxiety. It also soothes sore, puffy eyes. Take it from a big crybaby, a paper towel soaked in chilled chamomile tea (and wrung out well) really helps after a crying session. 

Its also a favorite of mine to add to bath bombs.

Chamomile prefers sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates like Florida. We keep our in a container to move it to shadier spots as the weather grows warmer. 

In more Northern climates, chamomile will bloom throughout the summer and can be harvested throughout the season. Leaving the blooms alone as they die rather than harvesting will help the plant self-seed.

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