Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
The common chamomile plant is low-growing and "creeping", with clusters of flowers and leaves reaching about 12 inches in height. The stems branch freely and have a fuzzy surface. The flowers bear some similarities to the daisy, with white petals and a yellow center.
HEALING
Stomach: A chamomile tisane can be made for digestion, stomach spasms, gas, and stomach aches. Add one or two tablespoons of chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and drink slowly, 1/2 a cup at a time. When you make this tisane (tea) remember that you should always let the tea brew in a covered container or else the steam escapes, along with the medicinal value of the flowers.
Antiseptic: Mrs. M. Grieves writes in A Modern Herbal that the "antiseptic powers of Chamomile are stated to be 120 times stronger than sea-water." Use hot chamomile paste applied to inflamed, sore, or swollen areas to reduce the irritation and redness. You can make the paste by adding a little hot water to to the flowers and grinding them with a mortar and pestle. Combine with an equal amount of crushed poppy heads for an even more powerful poultice.
Hair: A strong infusion of chamomile can be used to subtly add golden highlights to ashy brown hair. According to Buchman (Herbal Medicine) chamomile can be combined with henna to "add beautiful highlights to dark hair".
Skin: Steaming the face with chamomile is a wonderful way to have your own at-home facial. Bring some water to a boil and remove it from the heat, then pour it in a wide bowl. Add a generous amount of chamomile flowers. Turn your face down towards the bowl and drape a towel over your head to keep the steam in. Steam for 15-20 minutes. This will open the pores and gently release any trapped dirt. Rinse face with lukewarm water immediately after steaming.
Pain: Applying a chamomile paste will help ease pain in sores and swellings. An infusion can be added to a bath to relieve sore and aching body parts.
Insect Repellant: A strong tea can be poured in a spray-bottle and sprayed on exposed skin to repell flies, gnats, and mosquitos. This is a good natural alternative to store-bought chemical repellants.
FOLKLORE and HISTORY
Chamomile has a long, rich history. It has been used for a spectrum of purposes for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years all over the world. The Anglo-saxons believed chamomile to be one of the nine holy herbs given by Woden to heal the world, and the Greeks called it "groundapple" because of the sweet, apple-like smell.
In the Middle Ages, it was planted along walkways because stepping on the plant helps it flourish.
Like a camomile bed -
the more it is trodden
the more it will spread
The plant has also been called the "Plant's Physician". It is believed that chamomile plants placed throughout the garden contribute to the well-being of all the other plants. When one plant starts to look sickly, place a chamomile plant next to it and it will liven up.
In the old times, the herb's ability to drive away insects was seen as magical in nature. But today we know that the apple-like scent is what keeps the bugs away.
Gypsies believed that chamomile prevented nightmares, so drinking chamomile tea on a bad night may keep the dreams sweet. A little bit of chamomile under the pillow at night would have the same mystical effect.