Chamomile Seeds
Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, is an annual herb belonging to the family of composite plants. It grows today both wild and cultivated throughout Europe and Western Asia but has also started to spread in Australia.
The name chamomile is derived from the Greek "khamaimelon" which means "apple on the ground". This refers to the creeping growth habit of chamomile and its delightful apple-like scent. Chamomile is one of our oldest and most well-known medicinal herbs, still used today in many parts of the world. It is most famous for its antibacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The beautiful flowers of chamomile have been collected for pharmacies since the 18th century and are still included in the European Pharmacopoeia.
Chamomile is easy to grow and thrives in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow early in the spring or in the fall for flowering the following year. It can be started indoors, but direct seeding is best. Keep in mind that chamomile self-seeds very easily!
The flowers are as beautiful in a flower bed as they are in a summery bouquet on the breakfast table. You can also make your own herbal tea from chamomile flowers, which has a calming effect on the body. Dried flowers can also be used in sachets or steeped in hot water and used in a footbath, for example.
