Chamomile

German Chamomile, or Matricaria chamomilla, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. Once thought to be the sacred plant of the Egyptian god Ra it is now one of the most popular herbs in the world due to the benefits it has on sleep and anxiety.

History

Chamomile flowers are routinely depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics from 2,000 years ago, as it was thought to be sacred to the sun god Ra. It was also valued by Egyptian nobility for its healing benefits.

Chamomile became very popular in Medieval Europe for not only its health benefits, but the bitter flavor it imparted when fermented, and it became a staple ingredient in many beer recipes. It became so popular that monks began to breed the plant to increase its flower production.

Today Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the world, with over 1 million cups of chamomile tea consumed each day.

Harvest

Chamomile prefers sandy to loamy soils with low Ph levels. It is typically sowed during early fall in long rows that are 10” apart. No matter what date it is planted, the flowers will not start to blossom until there is at least 17 hours of daylight, which in the northern hemisphere occurs in the middle of summer. The flowering period will last 50-65 days, and each plant typically flowers 2-3 times during that period. Once most of the plants are in full flower, buds are either plucked with fingers or handheld devices like pluck combs and comb shovels.

Anatomy

Chamomile flowers usually bloom into little white flowers with yellow centers, like mini daisies. The chamomile flowers sit atop long thin stems that shoot up anywhere from 6 to 24 inches from the plant’s base. The German chamomile flowers give off a strong, herbal and sometimes pungent scent. While the Roman chamomile flowers are described as having a sweeter, almost fruity scent.

Etymology

The word Chamomile, which is now used to describe a host of members of the Asteraceae family, including Matricaria chamomilla comes from the Greek word chamaimēlon, or “earth-apple” due to its pungent fruity smell.