Chamomile is in the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) family just like Dandelion last month

Chamomile’s name comes from a Greek word meaning “earth apple” - which makes a lot of sense if you taste it's earthy fruit flavor. The type we typically use is German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), however, Roman chamomile can be used interchangeably and is perennial.

Small flowers (no more than 2-3cm) with a rounded yellow base and white florets surrounding. Thin green stems and wispy leaves that grow 1-2ft high. The scent and flavor are very earthy combined with a fruity mixture of apple, honey, and pineapple.

Chamomile is native to Eurasia and Africa, but now grows wild in other parts of the world including areas in North America. It was introduced to North America by German settlers who brought it for medicine in the 19th century.

Chamomile was found in Egyptian hieroglyphics over 2,000 years old. They believed it could cure most ailments, and also used it in beauty products. It’s believed Tutankhamun wore sandals decorated with chamomile, and they are also found in this mural from Amarna, where he lived. (Image from Amarna mural in Egypt)

Brewing with Chamomile - Chamomile was used in Europe in the brewing process as a bittering agent throughout the Middle Ages – it is still used by many in the process today. In Spain, they used Chamomile to flavor their brandy. Beer and spirits made with chamomile are still available in many places – including the Chamomile Saison from @threetigersbrewing here in Ohio

Not just a benefit to humans, you may remember that Peter Rabbit’s mother fed him chamomile tea after his run-in with Mr. McGregor

Chamomile has drying and cooling properties. It is in Class 1, making it very safe. Contains terpenes: limonene, pinene, and eucalyptol as well as others.

Medicinal History - Chamomile is one of the Nine Sacred Herbs found in the Lacnuga (remedies) and old Anglo Saxon medical book. Hippocrates wrote about Chamomile in 400 BCE calling it a miracle cure. German healers called it “alles zutraut”, or capable of anything.

Works as: antacid, anti-nausea, anxiety reducer, anti-arthritic, reduces bleeding, and is a mild sedative

Helps: constipation, cold and flu symptoms, colic, gallbladder, indigestion, inflammation, muscle cramps, reduces gas, sweating, and fever.

Heals: burns, skin and wounds, & sore throat

A cup of chamomile tea is more than a drink - it's an eyewash that heals styes, conjunctivitus, blocked tear ducts or other eye issues

1. Steep chamomile in hot water until it cools

2. Put some of the chamomile wash in a small glass, hold to eye and tip to wash several times

3. Repeat throughout the day

Chamomile has masculine energy, is ruled by the sun, and is a water element

It’s known for healing, purification, protection, drawing on the energy of the sun, and attracting money

Egyptians worshiped chamomile as a representation of the sun, associated with Ra (sun god). Chamomile was also used ceremonially in the mummification process.

Germanic tribes dedicated chamomile to their god of Light, Baldur. It’s said that his brow appeared to look like wild chamomile