Chamomile

Chamomile is an attractive herb which produces masses of daisy-like flowers and is best known for its soothing qualities. It is an annual herb, but self-seeds very easily, so once it is established in your garden you won’t have to worry about planting a new crop each year.

Planting tips:

• Choose a site that receives full sun for most of the day and where the soil drains well. Chamomile also grows well in pots.
• Mix in plenty of compost into the soil and then scatter the seeds on top of the soil. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so only cover them with a very light sprinkling of soil after sowing.
• When the seedlings develop, thin them out to a distance of about 15cm apart.
• Water your chamomile plants regularly and deadhead any old or faded flowers to encourage new blooms.

Uses :

• Chamomile tea is a wonderfully soothing drink. Make the tea by steeping two teaspoons of fresh flowers in a cup of boiling water. Chamomile tea is said to help ease insomnia, stomach cramps and PMS.
• Chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory qualities, so it’s a great remedy for irritated or sunburnt skin. Use it to wash the affected skin areas, or add some chamomile flowers to your bath water.
• Rinsing blond hair with a weak chamomile infusion gives it extra shine and radiance.

PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume chamomile as it can cause uterine contractions.