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Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile
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Photo taken by Calvin De Jong

Description 

Height 20-30 cm

Width 2-15 cm

Leaves 1-6 cm

Flowers 1-5 cm

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Chamomile has white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, chamomile has been used as far back as ancient Egypt. The generic name, chamomile, is derived from the Greek, khamai, meaning "on the ground," and melon, meaning "apple." 

Roman chamomile Chamaemelum nobile is a member of the Asteraceae, or daisy family. It is a hardy, low-growing, perennial. Because of the creeping roots and compact, mat-like growth of this species, it is sometimes called lawn chamomile. Roman chamomile releases a pleasant, apple scent when walked upon. It was used as a strewing herb during the middle ages to scent the floors and passageways in the home and to deter insects. The Spanish called the herb manzanilla, or "little apple."

Distribution and habitat

Chamomile can be found growing throughout North America,  typically you can find chamomile growing in open sunny locations with clay soil. I normally find chamomile growing in the Okanagan near roadsides, old buildings, along fence lines, open meadows and fields. 

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Elevation 0-1200 m

Soil well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH 5.5-7.6

Zones 3-9

Sun full sun

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Uses & Benefits

Chamomile is probably the most well-known herb for calming the body before bedtime. The tea made by the flowers of the plant has been used in traditional remedies for 1000s of years to treat a wide range of health issues.  

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Parts used:

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Flowers

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One can use chamomile to:

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  • Helping with sleep and relaxation

  • Reduce menstrual pain

  • Treat diabetes

  • Lower blood sugar

  • Slowing or preventing osteoporosis

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Cancer treatment and prevention

  • Treatment for mild skin conditions

  • Treating cold symptoms

  • Wound healing

  • Sun burns

  • Teething problems in young children

  • Anti-itch 

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Ways to use chamomile:

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  • Tea

  • Tincture

  • Salve

  • Infused oils

  • Essential oils

  • Shampoos

  • Soaps

  • Cream

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Calvin De Jong

Content Writer/Photographer

I am a naturalist from the Okanagan. My passions are taken photos of nature and foraging all its wonders.

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