Chamomile

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.
This perennial plant is also known as Roman chamomile. It can be used as a groundcover, since it grows only 4 to 12 inches in height. The foliage is feathery, with an apple scent, and it is accented by white, daisy-like flowers with down-turned petals.
The annual form of chamomile is also called German chamomile. It grows to 20 inches and has feathery foliage with daisy-like flowers like its cousin. The flowers are scented, but the foliage is not.

Cultivation
Roman chamomile is usually reproduced by root division, while German chamomile seeds are sown directly in early spring. The soil should be sandy and slightly acid. Full sun is preferred except in hot, dry climates where midday shade is necessary. Chamomile can also be used around the edges of containers with other herbs. After flowering, cut back to the main growth.

Harvesting and Drying
Cut the flowers from the stems with scissors and spread them out on muslin covered racks to dry.

Culinary Uses
Roman chamomile foliage can be chopped and stirred into butter or sour cream that is used to top baked potatoes.

Medicinal Uses
German Chamomile is most often used for medicinal purposes, and is usually administered as a tea. It can also be administered as a compress for external healing and as a bath for babies. Here are a few uses:
· Soothes and relaxes at bedtime.
· Relieves restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
· Relieves allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
· Aids digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
· Relieves morning sickness during pregnancy.
· Speeds healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
· Treats gastritis and ulcerative colitis.

Other Uses
· Makes a relaxing bath or footbath.
· Lightens fair hair and conditions complexion. Make a rinse by simmering 2 teaspoons dried flowers in 8 ounces of water for 15 minutes.
· Potpourri (dry flowers face down).

Aromatherapy Oils