Herbs > Chamomile (Annual) Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow chamomile (annual):

Name
Matricaria recutita.

Family
Compositae.

History
This Chamomile has been used for healing and cosmetic purposes for many years.

Growing pattern
Perennial.

Seeds
Buy Chamomile Matricaria Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings, Seeds and Spices - Buy Chamomile Flowers from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Sow the seeds or increase by root division in the spring. Keep the seeds well watered until the seedlings develop and when large enough thin them to 15cm apart

Soil condition/position
The flowers are ready for picking eight weeks after sowing. Pick and dry them quickly when the petals begin to turn back. Chamomile likes a sunny position and can be grown in a container. if the flowers are left it will re-seed.

Appearance
Chamomile grows to 60cm and has small daisy-like flowers and a lovely scent.

Uses
Chamomile tea has always been regarded as a restorative. A healing substance called Azulen is extracted from the fresh flowers. An infusion made from the flowers has long been used a a rinse to enhance fair hair and can also be used as a mouthwash, eyebath and face-wash. Chamomile has also been used as an inhalant for colds. The dried flowers can also be used in pot-pourri.

See also Chamomile and Chamomile Dyers