Herbology Lesson #1: Chamomille


Okay, class, now pay attention!
Chamomille

Botanical name: Anthemis nobilis and Matricaria chamomilla

Also known as: Camomille, German Chamomille Manzanilla, Roman Chamomille, Garden Chamomile, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile, True Chamomile, Whig Plant, False chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Rauschert, Wild Chamomile, Maythen.

Native to: British Isles, Western Europe, North Africa, Azores, United States, Asia.

Parts used: Flowers (usually dried), and various parts.

Description: The true or Common Chamomile grows in a low, creeping, or trailing way. It has tufts of leaves and flowers, which can be up to a foot high. The root is perennial (5 bonus points for the definition of perennial to be posted below this lesson. Only the first person to post gets the bonus points.), jointed and fibrous. The stems are hairy and freely branching and are covered with leaves which divide into thread like segments. The plant looks rather feathery. All Chamomiles have a tiny, chaffy scale between each 2 florets. The fruit (seeds) are small and dry.

Legend: Back when ladies came down with the "Vapors" (fainting spells), a cup of chamomile te was often prescribed to relived the anxiety. Europeans used it since the 1600s.

Medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory, caminative, antipasmodic, relaxes upset stomach, stimulant, bitter tonic, aromatic, emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow), anodyne, antispasmodic.

Other uses: Herb Beer, Chamomile tea, lotion, external application in toothache, earache, neuralgia, etc., for a golden rinse to highlight blonde or light brown hair, and an apple scented bath.

WARNING: THOSE WITH RAGWEED ALLERGIES MAY BE SENSITIVE TO CHAMOMILLES. THEY MAY DEVELOP HIVES, HAY FEVER OR ASTHMA. IT CAN ALSO HURT THE HANDS IF THOSE ALLERGIC TOUCH IT. IT CAN CAUSE ITCHING, BURNING, STINGING, REDDENED OR BLISTERED SKIN. DO NOT USE THE ESSENTIAL OIL DURING PREGNANCY BECAUSE IT IS A UTERINE STIMULANT.


And that wraps up our class for today! Don't forget, your first homework assignment is due June 15th!

Homework Assignments

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