Chamomile Harvest - Making an acquaintance with the Herb of Tranquil Spirit.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an entity I’ve been acquainted with since childhood.  It lived in the cupboard: stale, powdered, in individually wrapped tea bags, sitting in a fragile cardboard box beside the peppermint tea; the only other herb in our house.  

My mom would brew the chamomile tea to help us get sleepy before bed; a liquid lullaby.  Though I was initially reluctant,  I grudgingly approved of its sweet, comforting taste and it become a tolerable, innocuous acquaintance.

I chose to grow chamomile this year because of its ubiquitous nature and my experience with it as a daily use herb for relaxation.  I didn’t realize at the time how stunningly beautiful it would be in full bloom with tiny, delicate daisy-like flowers shining radiantly in ferns of green foliage, and how aromatic and sweet it is as a fresh herb.  They still look like little sprinkles of pure sunshine as they wilt in the darkness of the drying shed.

I’m in love!

Chamomile is a fabulous herb for all anxiety and stress related disorders.  It is antispasmodic and a nervine working to relax the muscles and nerves simultaneously.  It even works with its friend in my mom’s cupboard (the poor forgotten peppermint!) to harmonize the digestive system and reduce inflammation.  It can be steeped as a herbal tea or taken as an extract or tincture.  

Cultivating Chamomile has deepened my appreciation for this humble herb, transforming it from a faceless powder wrapped in pastel brand names and bleached filter paper, or weird, dry orange orbs in herbal tea blends to something that is vibrant, vital and healing.  As I continue on this path of growing herbal medicine, I’m reminded of the healing power of nature and feel connected to our ancestors who walked with plants as soulmates and teachers.

Chamomile, once a reluctant, faceless acquaintance, is now a dear friend, a radiant plant ally in our garden and our life.