Herb of the day
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Flower day: by tradition the part of the plant to gather today
A fragrant herb at home in meadows and on salty grasslands; its flower heads are gathered.
Description
An annual daisy-family plant, 20–40 cm tall. The receptacle of the flower head is conical and hollow, which tells it apart from similar but scentless mayweeds. It contains an essential oil (chamazulene, bisabolol) and flavonoids.
Traditional use
Traditionally used as a tea for mild stomach and bowel complaints and as a calming evening drink, and externally as a compress or gargle for irritated skin and mucous membranes.
Preparation
Tea: pour 200 ml of hot water on a tablespoon (about 2–3 g) of flower heads, cover, steep for 5–10 minutes and strain. Two to three cups a day.
Caution
May cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to the daisy family (for example ragweed, mugwort, arnica). Not recommended as an eye compress.