Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla, L.

The small daisy-like annual, German Chamomile, planted at MoonVeil, comes form southern Europe, possessing medicinal qualities superior to our native species.. The name, Chamomile, is derived from the Greek, meaning "ground apple"- because it supposedly has a strong aromatic smell of the apple. In preparing chamomile tea, remember it is easy to oversteep the flowers past pleasant and fruity to bitter; equal parts of chmomile, spearmint or lemon balm leaves make a mellow brew, and a scant teaspoon of dried chamomile makes a cup of tea.
Grown near weak or ailing plants, it exerts a strengthening influence. Cooled tea sprayed over a flat of seedlings, or dried chamomile flowers scattered between them, is said to reduce the risk of damping-off, a fungas that can lay low a batch of small plants in short order.
Picking chamomile is like picking wild strawberries, work for a sunny afternoon, when one is content to sit in the chamomile patch, under the shade of a wide brimmed hat. Flowers are harvested when the patch looks to be in full flower, taking all wide-open buds, withing hours it seems, this generous herb is full of blooms again.

Medicinal Part: flowers

Solvents: alcohol, water

Uses:
-Used for childhood ailments such as colds, infantile convulsions, stomach pains, colic, earache, restlessness, measles, etc.
- The cold infusion is suitable for stomach difficulties- especially after eating a hearty meal.
- A poultice of Chamomile will often prevent gangrene and remove it when present.
-For sprains and bruises, the herb bruised and moistened with vinegar is excellent in the pulverized form.
-Made with Soapwort into shampoo, keeps fair hair light and alive.

To Dry Flowers for Tea;
Spread the flowers in a single layer on a screen in an airy, shaded place, stirring and turning every few days until desiccated. Store in a punctured paper bag to ensure drying is complete- they may mould in closed jars.