(Hummm....Have you noticed how this herb is spelled in two different ways? CHAMOMILE and CAMOMILE) There are manily two varieties of chamomile: GERMAN and ROMAN. The German chamomile is also known as wild chamomile or scented mayweed. This variety is an annual, wih soft spiney fern-like leaves with white with yellow centered daisy-like flowers. It grows to be about 6-8" tall with a real name of: chamomilla recutita. The real name for Roman Chamomile is: chamaemelum nobile. This variety is a perennial, looks very simuliar to the german variety, but is the one used for most medicinal purposes. The flowerheads are what is used for medicinal purposes.

Chamomile is known for the medicinal purposes it can provide! It is one of the first herbs new herbalists learn about for the use of medicine! It has been used for what seems like forever in treating the un-calm. A tea made form the flowers of the Roman chamomile are brewed into a tea and served as a soothing tonic which helps those who suffer from insomnia. It stimulates a flagging appetite, improves digestion, helps with urination, helps relieve colitis and hemorrhoids, and has been found to be a beneficial treatment for bursitis, arthritis, headaches, muscle cramps, and pain. It has anti-inflamatory properties in it which helps especially with arthritis! My sister suffers from arthritis to the point of seeing a doctor who gave her some pills that made her "feel funny". I suggested drinking chamomile tea, she did, 3 cups a day, QUIT taking the prescribed medicine and continues drinking the tea with no side effects and no painful symptoms of arthritis!

The tea has a somewhat apple flavor. Some like it, some don't. But don't let the flavor stop you from using this for helping with inflamation. There are plenty of places out there that will sell you capsulated chamomile! I really don't care for the taste of this tea by itself, so I add honey to it.

There are traces of Vitamin A, a high level of calcium and magnesium, potassium, iron, maganese, and zinc. This herb is not only good for the anti-inflammatory properties, it has also been used in the treatments of painful menstruation, insomnia, gas, fever,and nausea. It is a good brew for those with a hangover! A tea made form chamomile is made by brewing 1 tablespoon of the dried flowers into a 8 oz. cup of very hot water. (I NEVER boil my tea water!) Let this set for 5 or so minutes before drinking. To soothe sore, painful muscles and joints, make a poultice and soak a towel in it and wrap painful joint area. Chamomile also makes for a good hair rinse for blondes-it brightens and lightens the hair! Or you can make herbal bath bags which you added chamomile, thyme, rosemary, and rose petals, too. Give a hyper-active child a chamomile bath--to calm him. Also, if you are pregnant, a herbal practitioner: William La Sassier feels it produces babies who don't whine!

Both varieties have been planted in their own spot in the garden because it will spread! Some have planted the whole yard in chamomile! And then when walked on, it provides a wonder aroma!