Growing Chamomile
The Start of your very own tea garden

By having made a decision to start growing chamomile you have started with one of the most important tea's in the herb world for it's healing properties.

This is an excellent start to establishing your very own tea garden.

Imagine the absolute joy of walking into your own back yard or onto your verandah and been able to select the type of tea you would like to brew.

We are going to help you start that tea garden by learning about the basics of growing chamomile.

Botanical Name for Chamomile

Matricaria recutita

The basic requirements for growing Chamomile.

• Chamomile is an annual plant which means it will germinate, produce flowers and die all in one season.
  
  
• Chamomile likes partial shade and has no expectations from the soil apart from been well-drained.
  
  
• Grow from seed and keep fairly moist.
  
  
• When the seedlings are big enough to handle, plant out in partial sunshine about 20cm apart.
  
  
• Chamomile will grow up to approximately 40cm in height.
  
  
• Chamomile will seed itself every spring.
  
  
• This herb is an excellent companion for most plants, and they love to grow near onions.

Growing Chamomile for Herbal Home Remedies

• Pick the flowers when they are fully open and use to make infusions (see preparing herbs), it helps relax both the nervous and digestive systems.Chamomile can be used for colic remedies and is also useful for home remedies for teething infants.
  
  
• The beneficial effects of chamomile on the digestive system and the healing properties of chamomile have been known to herbalists since ancient times.
  
  
• Make an infusion of chamomile flowers, add a peppermint sprig and drink as a natural home remedy for constipation.
  
  
• Make a compress from the chamomile flowers and leaves and use to treat eczema and also for home remedies for psoriasis.
  
  
• An infusion of chamomile flowers can also be added to bath water to treat sunburn.
  
  
• Use your leftover chamomile tea as a tonic spray for ailing plants.
  
  
• And check this one out.Another first rate reason for growing chamomile, is for your pet. If your dog gets over excited, give him or her some chamomile tea, water it down a bit and your "best friend"will calm down.
  
  

Cosmetic uses of Chamomile

• Preparing herbs will show you exactly how to make a steam infusion from the flower of the chamomile plant, which can then effectively be used for facial steaming And then when cooled you can use the liquid to soak your hands which will soften and whiten the skin.
  
  
• This very same infusion can be added to your bath water for a relaxing soothing bath.
  
  
• Make a compress of the flower infusions and place beneath your eyes to reduce puffiness and dark shadows.
  
  
• Want to lighten your hair a little? Then use this infusion, not only will it lighten your hair, but will condition your crowning glory at the same time.
  
  

Chamomile can be grown in pots as it gets along with most plants,and it really looks great when combined with lemon balm and marigolds.

As an interesting and fun feature, plant your chamomile seedlings in some well chosen old tea pots!!

So a very big welcome to you and the start of cultivating your own tea garden.

As we progress we will add other plants that make delicious and sometimes exotic drinks that have excellent healing qualities.

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Take a moment to check out some of our most popular home remedies.......

Natural Anti-histamines

Natural Diuretics

Natural Antibiotics

Home Remedies for Ear Infections

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