A Humble Healer-
There are superheroes who are known for their gigantic show of strength and power, Incredible Hulk or Thor for example. Throwing their weight around and bulging their biceps. Then there are the lesser in size heroes with equal, if not more awesome superpowers. Take Ant-Man, who is at his strongest when transformed into his minute form.
Big things come in small packages, and that is what you are promised amongst the bleached blanket of mightiness that covers the ground at this moment. And its superpower is a calming cure-for-all.
The Chamomile is another Grecian staple in life, yet also celebrated across the globe. This modest white flower is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind, and still to this day over one million cups of the herbal infusion are consumed everyday.
Also spelt Camomile, the plant is one of several species from the daisy family Asteraceae. Native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia, yet chamomile has steadily been introduced throughout and has made home worldwide.
The earliest recorded use of chamomile for medical purposes was in 1550
Pronounced ‘Chamomili’ in Greek, it derives from the words “chamai”(χαμαί) for ground and “melon”(μήλον) for apple, as the ancient Greeks likened the taste to apples. Although the Spanish made a similar likeness with their translation of 'Manzanilla’ meaning ‘little apple'.
Chamomile is used to dye fabrics a yellow colour and as a rinse for blonde hair
Back in the day everyone who was anyone reaped the benefits of chamomile. Ancient Egyptians gifted chamomile to their Gods as a form of worship and help cure “the fever”. The Spanish used chamomile as a flavoring agent in sherry making. The Greeks and Romans sipped chamomile as a healing beverage and used it as incense.
Buckingham Palace uses chamomile instead of grass on its lawns
The reason its stashed in homes throughout all cultures and countries is because of its truly wondrous benefits, as it is known for its healing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Externally it is used to treat wounds, skin irritations like eczema and burns, even chicken pox and eye infections. Brushed against a bit of poison ivy? I’ve got a chamomile cure for that! Chamomile tea is used as a mild sedative and is frequently sipped to calm nerves and reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other emotional states. It’s also valued as a digestive relaxant and to aid indigestion, diarrhoea, and motion sickness. Scientists worldwide are increasingly researching its effectiveness with illnesses, including cancer and diabetes.
Chamomile is the national flower of Russia
This warm and soothing remedy has long been used in Greece for a wide range of health conditions, more than once have I left the doctors surgery with alternative medicinal advice involving chamomile. Parents turn to chamomile to help children with tummy aches, nappy rash, and fever. Long before expensive skin creams and lotions, women would wash their faces with cool chamomile tea, as it cleanses the skin and helps it stay moisturised. Most Greek households have chamomile in their cupboards to brew, soothe and medicate. And in the cooler months, it is the perfect drink to consume just before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.
A peace-loving bud that unites all eras and senses. Perhaps it’s that promise of calm that explains why chamomile is so earthly popular. Because let’s face it, no one likes a storm in a teacup.
Don’t underestimate the humble chamomile - the ultimate flower power.
Identifying and harvesting
Chamomile is a daisy, which can make it difficult to identify between the common daisy and chamomile plants. They do look very similar, but there are differences to look out for.
Daisy plants have multiple rows of thin white petals, while chamomile plants have a single layer of petals.
Most daisies do not have leaves on their stems, and if they do, they are leaf shaped. Whereas chamomile has very thin and spindly leaves.
Daisies often only reach 2 inches tall, while chamomile plants range in height from 6 inches all the way to 3 feet.
But forget all the above… because the best fool-proof way to distinguish a chamomile from a daisy is to give it a good sniff. If you are presented with a pleasant fruity aroma, then you have found your chamomile.
Harvest the flowers when they are near full bloom for best quality, snipping just the head of the flower. Flowers can be used fresh or dried. To dry just spread out on a sunny day then store in an airtight container.
Post by Nikki Franks Falloon
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