CAMOMILE

BOTANICAL NAME : Anthemis nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile - Roman Camomile

                                                   Matricaria chamomilla / M. recutita / Chamomilla recutita - German or Wild Camomile, also known as scented mayweed

                                                   Osmansis Mixta -Moroccan Camomile 

SYNONYMS : Chamomile, Whig Plant, Plant Physician, Scented mayweed,

NATURAL HISTORY : Roman camomile is a perennial herb native to most of Europe and which grows wild in southern Britain. It has a creeping rhizome, is low growing with hairy stems and finely divided alternate leaves. The terminal, single flower heads are usually white with a yellow centre, or occasionally double forms occur. These are best for medicinal purposes.

German camomile or scented mayweed is an annual herb growing throughout Europe and in England and Wales, on arable land, waste ground and roadsides. It is rarer in Scotland. It has an erect stem with finely divided feathery leaves. The terminal flower heads have white florets and yellow central disc florets. The whole plant is aromatic.

 LORE : The name 'camomile' is derived from the Greek 'chamoemelon' meaning 'earth apple', because it was considered that the scent resembled apples. The Spanish wine flavoured with camomile 'manzanilla' means 'little apples', The old Saxon name for camomile was 'maythen'.

The former generic name 'matricaria' is derived from the Latin 'matrix' which means 'womb' or from 'mater' which means 'mother', and refers to the herb's reputation in the ancient world for treating women's complaints.

In ancient Egypt camomile was dedicated to the sun and to the Sun God, Ra. Its power as a healer was employed for a variety of complaints including women's problems and fevers.

In 900 BC. its regular use was recommended by the physician Asclepiades, who was so skilled in his use of herbs that he said he would renounce his profession if he ever became ill. He died at a ripe old age as the result of an accident.

Camomile's reputation extends to healing other plants as well as people. It is known as 'the plant's physician' and is said to be able to cure any plant it grows next to and to keep them free of insects. For some reason even bees hate the scent and will not venture near it.

In the language of flowers it is 'patience in adversity', probably from its ability to withstand being walked all over when used as a lawn plant.

The Norse called chamomile, ‘Baldur’s brow’, because the flower was as pure as his forehead.

MAGICAL USES : Camomile is a herb of the sun and as a power plant connects with the sun's power of regeneration, healing and protection. The perfume of camomile is said to resemble the apple. The apple was the major sun plant totem for the ancients and this small 'earth apple' also radiates sun energy. For this reason it was planted on graves as a symbol that the deceased would be reborn, as the sun is reborn each morning.

An infusion of camomile may be taken to connect with these energies, to heal and regenerate the spirit within. The infusion may also be used in the ritual bath, and dried camomile flowers used in incenses to connect with the sun and to invoke Sun Gods. Include in herbal amulets to boost their power.

Camomile is one of the sacred herbs of midsummer and may be thrown onto the festival fire, used in the incenses and garlands or added to the ritual cup.

The dried flowers may be used in an incense to induce relaxation or sleep or to stuff sleep pillows.

Camomile is also a protection plant, the oil may be used to form a magical barrier around doors and windows to prevent negativity entering. Plant in the garden as a guardian herb.

MEDICINAL:

Both Roman and German camomile have similar properties, though the Roman is said to be superior.

Camomile flower tea acts as a sedative and is quite safe, even to give to children. It is a useful treatment for stress and anxiety, can relieve insomnia, gastritis and indigestion. Use the infusion as a mouthwash for inflammations of the mouth and as an eye bath for inflamed and sore eyes. Gargle with camomile infusion for a sore throat and apply externally to promote the healing of wounds and to reduce any inflammations.

READY REFERENCE

PLANETARY RULER : Sun

ELEMENT : Water

FESTIVAL: Midsummer

ASSOCIATED DEITIES : Cernunnos, Ra, St. Anne, Sun Gods,

RECIPES:

CAMOMILE TEA

2 tsp. dried herb

1 cup boiling water

Pour the boiling water over the herb and infuse for 5 - 10 minutes. For digestive problems drink the infusion after meals. Make a stronger infusion as a mouth wash.

INFUSED CAMOMILE OIL

1/2 oz fresh flowers

1/2 pt olive oil

Place in a glass jar and leave on a sunny windowsill for four days. strain and use for massage, bathing etc.