By: Charlene Rennick
Chamomile is an attractive addition to any garden. It is a tiny, shrub-like plant that sprouts an abundance of delicate white and yellow blossoms similar to a daisy. Its tendril-like leaves are soft and feathery. Chamomile is a good candidate for early germination in hydroponic gardens. It can be moved outdoors when the weather is warmer and harvested as needed. Chamomile has been cultivated for its medicinal properties since the beginning of the first millennium.
Sharing the Medicine of Chamomile
German and English chamomile flowers and leaves are used externally for a variety of ailments. Its oil has been popular for its antiseptic properties. Dried chamomile can be made into an infusion and applied to the skin. It is said that the infusion soothes skin irritations, speeds up the healing process and helps to get rid of some types of mites. The active ingredient in chamomile oil is bisabolol; this contains alcohol and acts as an anti-irritant and an anti-microbe (kills bacteria and parasites). It can be used as a mouthwash. Bisabolol also assists with the reduction of external swelling and can have a lightening effect on blond hair.
German chamomile flowers can be dried and taken internally as a tea. It can be bitter-tasting, so mixing it with peppermint or adding a little honey takes the edge away from it. When used this way, its natural muscle-relaxant qualities calm the digestive tract, sooth cramps and alleviate menstrual pains. Its mild sedative effect helps to induce sleep and calm the mind before night-time.
Because chamomile contains coumarin, an anti-coagulant, people taking blood-thinners should avoid drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile is a member of the chrysanthemum (Asteraceae) family. The infusion can be sprayed on other plants as a natural pesticide. Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should avoid consuming the medicine from the chamomile plant. Chamomile is similar in structure to the ragweed, so it may cause an allergic reaction in people with that particular allergy.
Where Chamomile Will Thrive
Chamomile prefers full or partial sun. The soil should drain well and have a constant source of moisture; therefore, chamomile lends itself readily to being grown in a hydroponic system. The plants propagate themselves via runners which make them an economical herb. They can be split and used in additional locations the following year. It also gives them the propensity to be invasive; controlling their growth early is a proactive plan for cultivating chamomile.