HOUSE PLANT WEEK - Chamomile

This flower is part of my favourite family, the daisy family. I mentioned Chamomile in my previous post, and that I was currently experimenting with It in one of my projects. So, I thought what the harm is in researching this sweet plant a little more, then I wondered if I could grow it in my little summer house… and, I can.

The Chamomile plant (Aka Babune Ka Phal) is native to Asia, Europe, Australia, and northern America. They look like bigger versions of daisies that can grow up to 2 feet and can grow quite bushy, there are two types of Chamomile and each are unique in their own way both in scent, appearance, and medical properties so it is worth researching which one will be better for your purpose.

German (Blue) Chamomile

This type is not ideal for growing inside, they grow about 2 feet tall and need big open spaces to bush. If you do want to give it a go, just make sure you give it a big pot. It branches, it has hairless stems, and will have fewer flowers growing, its described as having a ‘sweet straw smell’.

As well as being different in appearance they are different in the way they reproduce. German Chamomile is reproduced by germinating seeds or from the flower heads dropping their seeds for next year.

This type contains a chemical called chamazulene which will give its oil a deep blue colour. This chemical acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps fight infections and, is suitable to use in products like soap, as it helps calm skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, it also promote healing and help speed up regeneration of damaged skin tissue. Therefore, it is great to use in things like body scrubs, bath bombs, lotions, and creams. It also helps the unseen issues, it can promote liver, kidney, and gallbladder function, remove toxins and aids with the fight against infections. Due to its calming aroma and its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also great for those times of the month that women are blessed with. You could look at it as mothers’ nature’s way of giving back to us, for giving us the cramps in the first place.

Roman Chamomile

The Roman Chamomile is ideal for inside as it is low growing. This one has hair on its stems and will have big flower heads about, 1 Diameter. They also smell different. The Roman Chamomile will have a lighter scent like, fresh apples. (This is the type of essential oil I will be using in my bar).

So, the German Chamomile is propagated via seed whereas with the Roman Chamomile you would use the diversion technique and pull the whole plant out, dust and cut the rhizomes to divide the plant (like the snake plant), then carry on with the planting process. Roman Chamomile has higher levels of esters instead, this creates a yellow-light blue oil that is anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal and calming. It helps aid sleep, relax muscles, ease arthritis, headaches, and migraines. Its calming properties can help relieve symptoms of irritation, rage, mood swings. Many parents/caregivers also find it helps with discomfort in teething, colic, and temper tantrums. I guess if it chills you, it will chill them.

Other benefits both plants offer are.

- Promoting sleep and treating insomnia by soothing the nervous system,

- Boosts immune system and fights harmful bacteria,

- Helps relieve congestion from colds,

- Soothes stomach aches, cramps, and spasms, (can be great for morning sickness),

- Help treat cuts, wounds, and skin conditions.,

- Reduce stress,

- Give you a glowing complexion,

- Helps reduce acne, helps spots fade, eliminates acne scars and fight breakouts.

Planting and care

The best thing about growing chamomile indoors is that it can be planted in the winter, it only needs about 4hours of sunlight per day and will suit best in south-facing window.

When potting the seeds straight into the soil, push down but do not cover. The chamomile seed needs light to germinate and it needs to be roughly 20 degrees (so using a heating pad or keeping near a radiator will aid this little seedling). You could either plant the seed straight into the pot or, do them in individual pots and transfer them into a bigger pot once it has sprouted (roughly two weeks).

Your pot needs to have drainage and have a good draining soil, the chamomile likes to keep moist but do not drown it. Ensure that the soil is ½ inch dry in a 12inch pot, just pop your finger in there to check before watering. It will only need watering once a week and you can harvest them 60-90 days later.

If you are planting from rhizomes, fill your pot about halfway with potting mix, pop the Chamomile in and fill around the edges.

To harvest cut the flower head off, spread them out and let them dry. You can then chop them up and make a tea or, follow any other instructions your recipe tells you.

Here are some cool little projects you can do.

- Detox bath soak

- Body butters

- A fancy tea

Tag me on Facebook and Instagram (@loopyloushomemade) in any little projects you do, I would love to see them!

I hope you have an amazing day today! Stay safe and be kind.

Signing off with a smile. 😊