Garden herbs

Herb: Chamomile Matricaria (Matricaria Recutita)

Background: This Chamomile has been used for healing and cosmetic purposes for many years.

Garden herb type: Perennial.

Growing this herb: Sow the seeds or increase by root division in the spring. Keep the seeds well watered until the seedlings develop and when large enough thin them to 15cm apart.

Soil condition and garden position: The flowers are ready for picking eight weeks after sowing. Pick and dry them quickly when the petals begin to turn back. Chamomile likes a sunny position and can be grown in a container. if the flowers are left it will re-seed.

Appearance: Chamomile grows to 60cm and has small daisy-like flowers and a lovely scent.

Uses: Chamomile tea has always been regarded as a restorative. A healing substance called Azulen is extracted from the fresh flowers. An infusion made from the flowers has long been used a a rinse to enhance fair hair and can also be used as a mouthwash. Chamomile has also been used as an inhalant for colds. The dried flowers can also be used in pot-pourri.

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