One of the most popular flowering herbs to grow in a tea garden is Chamomile. This cheery herb not only adds beauty to the garden but has several uses in the kitchen, teapot and medicine cabinet. Easy to grow chamomile is definitely one herb you’ll want to add to your tea garden!
Growing Chamomile for Tea
PLANTING CHAMOMILE
• There are 2 main types of chamomile. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) tends to be a low-growing perennial, while German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a taller, self-seeding annual. Both make an excellent tea
• Chamomile can be planted by seed, transplants, or divisions
• Chamomile is easy to grow and needs very little care which makes it desirable to grow in a tea garden
• Where space is limited or if you are planting the self-seeding variety, chamomile can be grown in containers
• Chamomile grows best in cooler weather and in warm climates likes to be planted in part shade, however once established it is drought tolerant and will tolerate full sun in cooler climates
• Chamomile makes a great companion plant in the vegetable garden as its strong scent will often deter pests
HARVESTING CHAMOMILE
• Chamomile flowers bloom through the summer and can be harvested throughout the season
• Pick chamomile flowers at their peak when they are fully open, and pick flowers in the early morning before the sun heats the blooms
• Chamomile can be enjoyed fresh in teas or dried for use through the winter
MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE
• Chamomile is loaded with benefits including calming the nervous system and aiding with insomnia. It is said to calm nervous-based headaches and aid with irritable bowel syndrome. It is often used to help with digestion and can ease excessive gas and bloating. Chamomile has strong anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. Note: As with all flower or herbal teas consult your doctor before using for medicinal purposes
• Non-culinary uses for chamomile are extensive and include external or topical applications such as salves, lotions, soaps, or as a skin tonic or foot soak
HOT CHAMOMILE TEA
• Use 1 heaped teaspoon of dried chamomile or 3 heaped teaspoons of fresh chamomile for each cup (250ml/8oz) of boiled pure water. Steep for 5-10 minutes or until desired strength is achieved, or add an additional teaspoon for a stronger brew
• Chamomile makes a soothing cup of hot tea to enjoy on its own or can be added to other flowers, herbs and teas to increase flavour and health benefits
• Chamomile blends particularly well with lavender, peppermint, rose and thyme, ginger, lemongrass, lemon verbena or lemon balm, and fresh lemon
ICED CHAMOMILE TEA
• For an iced summer sipper that is refreshingly delicious add a handful of fresh chamomile flowers (for each cup of water 250ml / 8 oz) to a teapot. When fresh is not available used 2 heaped teaspoons of dried chamomile for each cup of water. Pour over freshly boiled water and steep for 10-15 minutes
• Fill a glass with lots of ice. Strain chamomile, sweeten if desired, and pour tea over ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint or thyme
• For a relaxing summer cooler add a splash of gin or vodka
• The medicinal benefit information of chamomile is for interest purposes only and not meant to treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. As with all flower or herbal teas consult your doctor before using for medicinal purposes.
