CHAMOMILE

Gentle, strong, soothing embrace
To calm the anxious child in everyone
Aromatic plant lives in the path
Protection and luck with the Flower of the Sun

My first experience with chamomile was on a farm that was new to me many years ago.  We had just moved in and that spring, a feathery leafed plant sprung up beside the paved path.  This plant soon had small buds that opened up into a daisy-like flower.  Every time I brushed the plant or stepped on it, it gave off the most heavenly aroma.  A bit of research gave me the story of this plant.

Chamomile is a plant that is both medicinal and gentle.  This plant of the daisy and sunflower family is best known as a gentle, calming tea that helps ease the anxieties of the day.  And yes, it is that.  It is gentle enough that when I had a young child that had trouble sleeping, I steeped a few chamomile buds in some warm goat's milk and sweetened it with a bit of honey.  Thirty minutes after this bed time treat, she was usually sound asleep.

This delicious herb that is used for flavoring drinks, baked goods and jams, has other medicinal uses as well.  Most of these are somewhat related to its calming effect throughout the body.  It seems to work on the nervous system, the smooth muscle system, and the digestive system.  It is one of the herbs that is mentioned for its therapeutic effects in some of the most ancient herbal texts.

The energetic properties of chamomile should come as no surprise.  It is associated with the Gods of the Sun, including Ra and Helios.  It is often seen as an herb of purification and protection.  Some people use it to manifest good luck and prosperity.  If you want to protect your house, plan chamomile around it.

As one of the nine sacred herbs in the Anglo-Saxon Lacnunga, it was often planted in walkways and cottage gardens to lift the spirits of those who traveled those paths.  It has been used to bring love, peace, and money.  When it is added to incense, chamomile brings calm, rest, and deep meditation.  Many people believe that chamomile is an herb of divine energy that brings with it inner vision and ancient wisdom.  It is used to encourage tenacity, strength, and courage.

No matter how you interact with chamomile, this is an herb that is worth getting to know.  It is gentle enough for most people to use every day to calm the nerves and strong enough as a medicinal and energy herb to be the Ancient Egyptian's heal all.

As always, before working with an herb for the first time, consult with your health care provider or herbalist.  One other note:  Fleabane flowers look similar to chamomile flowers.  Make sure that you do not confuse the two.

Here are some of the other sources that I used for this article:
nccih.nih.gov
healthline.com
learnreligions.com

Here is my recipe for bedtime chamomile
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