Joy in the Garden
and Chamomile Tea
The flowers are beginning to bloom in my garden. I have many chamomile plants with tiny white fragrant flowers. And bluebonnets, big red poppies and larkspur are showing their pretty faces. The spring color is beautiful!
Chamomile flowers make a mild tasting tea that is good for: - Digestive complaints like gas, colic, even ulcers.
- Helps calm the nerves and treats insomnia. It's antispasmodic
- Supports the liver and is anti-inflammatory.
- Helps with ease menstrual cramps. Add in some ginger juice to chamomile tea to be most effective
- In Ayurveda, the medicine of India, it is considered tridoshic, meaning it is good for all body types
- it is a sattva herb, meaning it promotes peace of mind
In the Garden Chamomile is a Mediterranean herb so it likes a warm and somewhat dry climate. There are two types: German and Roman. I have the German kind, which is more available and less bitter. This herb is a nutrient accumulator. It brings up minerals from the soil into its foliage. The leaves make a good natural fertilizer and will help to build the soil. This herb grows in full sun to partial shade, with medium to light watering. I does not attract bees, but small moths like it! It takes a while to harvest the small flowers. As I harvest, I thank the flowers for their beauty and healing. I think bonding with plants is helpful for healing the earth. Many herbalists say that each plant has a personality, and we can learn their personality by spending time observing and listening to the herb. A good exercise in mindfulness.
A Soothing Cup of Tea Put 1-2 tea bags in hot water and cover it for 10 to 20 minutes to let it steep and release its goodness. When using fresh flowers, use about 1 Tbsp per 1 cup of water. To make an infusion:
Herbal Infusion: 1 Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried flowers 1 cup water Put flowers in a mug. Boil water in a small pot. Pour hot water into the mug over the flowers, cover with a small plate or lid, and let steep 15 to 20 minutes. Strain with a small strainer and drink. This herbs goes well with other herbs like mint, fennel, lemon balm, cinnamon, or ginger. Have the tea 2-3 times a day to soothe your nerves and tummy. Caution: some people allergic to ragweed may react to chamomile. And pregnant women should not use it, as it is too relaxing to the uterus. May you enjoy some soothing tea, and the flowers of spring! Mountain Rose Herbs is a good quality source for chamomile.
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