• Aromatic
• Relaxing and sedative properties
• Easy to grow
• Self-seeds in the garden

Chamomile is commonly known by different words all over the world and has been used since 500BC. It came into widespread use during the medieval ages and was extensively prescribed by doctors during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is still very popular today and an easy medicinal plant to grow.

Plant Care

• Height: 30-60cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Any/alkaline
• Flower colour: White petals with orange centre
• Flowering period: May – September

This wonderfully hardy annual herb grows and quickly and produces a profusion of flowers over the summer. It isnt too fussy with soils, but does want to be grown in a sunny position. It can become a little straggly but that is part of its charm, and it looks good in both the garden and containers. Continually harvesting the flowers will keep it producing more and any that are left will quickly ripen and self-seed; these of course can be collected and re-sown the following year.

Usage

There is good reason for the popularity of chamomile, the fresh and dried flowers make a pleasant sweet smelling infusion, which is safe and beneficial for all, but especially children.
The herb helps to relax and calm the stomach, nervous system and soothes irritability.
It is also good at calming redness, inflammation and irritation of the skin and is famously found in many skin preparations.
It is easy to prepare infusions in the kitchen for footbaths, baths, infused oils and lip balms.