Being that we are getting close to spring, and it will be time for planting, we have decided to start a series called "How Does My Garden Grow". It will give just little snippets of a few herbs to help get you started on your herbal garden.The first is Chamomile. Chamomile is widely know throughout the world, and is highly recognizable. It has been used for centuries for healing many symptoms herbally. It smells wonderful, and is fairly easy to grow.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
Family: Compositae.
History: This Chamomile has been used for healing and cosmetic purposes for many years.
Growing pattern: Perennial.
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 itself year after year.
Appearance: Chamomile grows to 60cm and has small daisy-like flowers and a lovely scent.
Uses: Chamomile tea, 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 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 potpourri.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
Family: Compositae.
History: This Chamomile has been used for healing and cosmetic purposes for many years.
Growing pattern: Perennial.
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 itself year after year.
Appearance: Chamomile grows to 60cm and has small daisy-like flowers and a lovely scent.
Uses: Chamomile tea, 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 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 potpourri.
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