Chamomile

This perennial is also known as Roman chamomile and is the one that can be used as a lawn as 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. The annual form of chamomile is also called German chamomile and is the preferred form for medicinal use, although the plants have similar properties. It grows to 20 inches and has feathery foliage with daisy-like flowers.

Cultivation

Roman chamomile is usually propagated by root division, while German chamomile seeds are sown directly in early spring. The soil should be sandy and slightly acid. Chamomile can also be used around the edges of containers with other herbs.

Parts Used

Flowers and stems, either fresh or dried, harvested in flower and dried in the shade.

Uses

Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stomachic, tonic, properties. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent.
Chamomile flower tea is used as a sedative and is good for insomnia and many other nervous conditions. The tea has anti-inflammatory properties, good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings, and is an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains.
Applied externally it has traditionally been used as a wash or compress for skin inflammations and sunburn, and is added to baths for relaxing tired muscles and softening the skin.
The flowers are made into a salve for use on wounds. The dried herb is made into pot pourri and herb pillows. The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent and an infusion of the flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. An essential oil from the whole plant is used as in making perfume.

Chamomile photograph by SteuveFE from flickr under a creative commons attribution licence.