One of the treasures of my slightly wild looking garden is a patch of chamomile. I love brushing my hands through it and getting that light, intoxicating, appley scent. In a fact, that apple fragrance is what gave this bright and chipper plant it's name. Chamomile comes comes from the Greek term for "ground apple."

Most people think of Chamomile as a sleepy time tea. In tea form, it is soothing and relaxing for your nerves. But, as with most herbs, it has so many more uses.

Not only does Chamomile act to relax nerves, It also reduces inflammation and has anti bacterial properties. It helps clear toxins from the body and promotes tissue repair. That little tiny white flower soothes burns and helps heal wounds as well.

What else can the enchanting flower do? It's a wonderful home remedy for pink eye. Make a cup of chamomile tea. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then remove the tea bag or strain and let it cool completely. Use it as an eye wash to sooth and heal your eyes. Or you can make it into a compress to use for pink eye, bug bites and burns.

It's healing properties add to the power of our Dó Gréine Spray. Not only does this spray soothe sun burns, or any burn, it helps relieve the itch of bug bites and poison ivy. Chamomile also brings its brightness to light colored hair in our Lemon Bright Hair Rinse Mela Tae. The antioxidant qualities and ability to reduce skin inflammations are what make it a key ingredient in our Face Toner. You'll also find Chamomile in many of our Body Butters and our Soft Skin Soak Bath Salt.

This garden beauty is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum. If you have allergies to these plants, use some caution when using chamomile.

Chamomile is one of those pleasures that not only enhance your garden, but brightens your whole life. Add some to your bath, infuse honey with it's light fresh goodness... or just sit back and sip a cup of tea.