It's been awhile since we've looked at a plant - so for July we'll talk about Chamomile.  If you have this plant in your garden, it will likely bloom later this month.

Botany. There are two primary forms of chamomile that get talked about in terms of health usage - German and Roman chamomile.  They are very similar and most people use them interchangeably.  However, the German chamomile - Matricaria recutita - is the one that has most the research behind it and is preferred by most herbalists.  As you might guess from the picture, Matricaria is a member of the Asteracaea family - which means it's related to the daisy.  It's cultivated in Europe and North America as an annual plant.  The leaves of the plant are light and feathery and the flowers are small - less than an inch. 

History.  Chamomile has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant.  Egyptians used it for malarial fever.  As early as 1AD it was being used for digestive complaints.  Today it is a very commonly used herb, with 4000 tons produced annually.  And you might recall that Peter Rabbit's mother put Peter to bed with a tablespoon dose of chamomile tea after his challenging day with Mr. McGregor!

Medicinal Actions and Uses.  Matricaria is anti-spasmodic, anti- inflammatory, a nervine & mild sedative.  It also has some properties of pain relief, fever relief and digestive support.  It is not surprising, then, to see that chamomile is often used in conditions of the nervous system.  It reduces nervous irritability, restlessness preventing sleep, and pain - especially when the pain is aggravated by an emotional response.  Many of you probably have had a cup of chamomile tea before bed to help relax yourself and prepare for sleep.  This might be its most common use in the United States. 
   Beside its anti-spasmodic qualities, chamomile also promotes healing of gastric mucosa, making it very useful in all manner of digestive complaints - heartburn, ulcers, gall bladder complaints, constipation, diarrhea, colic and nausea. 
   Chamomile is extremely gentle and has long-lasting effects, making it an excellent remedy for children.  Used as tea or homeopathically, chamomile has provided consistent relief for cranky, irritable tots suffering with colic, teething pain and sleeplessness. 
   Additionally, chamomile can be used externally as a wash for skin irritations and inflammation, in a steam inhalation for upper respiratory problems, as a gargle for canker sores or other mouth irritations, in a bath for relaxation. 
   A tea is the most common way to use chamomile, but a tincture, fluid extract or essential oil (which is a beautiful deep blue!) will also work well.  More commonly in Europe than the US, chamomile is used in creams and lotions too.  You can buy chamomile tea, but it's easy to grow, harvest and make your own.  You'll want to harvest the flower buds only, best just before they open and dry them.  Once dry, store them in an airtight container out of the sunlight.  Be aware that they shrink a lot in drying - so it takes a lot of flowers to get enough to last all year! 

Safety Issues & Contraindications.  Being a member of the Asteracaea family, some people find they have allergic reactions to chamomile.  These are not common, but can include skin rashes and bronchial irritation.  In the US, but not in Europe, chamomile is not advised in early pregnancy.  Concerns about it interfering with implantation are only speculative, but the US errs on the side of caution. 

Matricaria is a lovely plant - pretty in the garden, comforting in the teacup.  Consider adding it to your repertoire!