Chamomile

. . . and wild chamomile

Chamomile is a common name for a range of several daisy-like plants from the Asteraceae family, so if you’ve been confused, its okay. The one you’re most likely to come across in Alberta is the common German Chamomile. Then of course there is what is commonly called “wild chamomile” (pineapple plant). I know. Relax, we don’t need to over complicate it. Chamomile is really just a simple down-home herb that grows well in poor soil. It is an annual plant and can grow up to three feet in height with hundreds of lovely bright and cheery daisy-like flowers. Its a weed. But don’t be one of those bigots who think that ‘weed’ is a bad word.

The plant is most commonly used as a tea (the correct term is INFUSION* – see below) for it’s calming properties which come from its daisy-like flowers. The flowers contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin) as well as flavonoids (particularly a compound called apigenin) and other therapeutic substances.

The flowers of a chamomile plant are very similar to those of a feverfew plant, and if looking at the flowers only, confusion can be understandable. The difference in in the plants themselves.

Chamomile ‘Tea’

First of all, let’s get the whole ‘tea’ thing out of the way. I always thought everyone knew the difference between ‘tea’ and herbal ‘tea’. I’ve had people ask why it is that as a Latter-day Saint, I drink herbal tea but I don’t drink ‘regular’ tea. answer: They’re not the same. Not by a long shot. And no, it is not splitting hairs.

*TEA is an aromatic (usually hot) drink made from the cured leaves of a ‘Tea’ plant. It originated in China centuries ago and spread to the rest of Asia as a medicinal and recreational drink. Early European explorers, missionaries and merchants introduced it to Europe in the 16th century where it became very fashionable, especially among the English aristocracy. The English took their ‘tea’ so seriously, they began large scale production of it in India, where it is still a very important export. In fact, over 60% of the world’s tea comes from either China or India. It is an actual PLANT. Called “Tea”.

Contrast this to what we call “herbal teas“. We call them’teas’ not because they ARE ‘tea’ (which comes from an entirely unique plant remember) but because of how we ‘prepare’ them. Herbal teas are made from flowers, leaves, or roots of herbs – fresh or dried. They are prepared by pouring boiling water through them and letting the drink steep as it cools. Like regular tea they are drunk hot or chilled. They taste nothing like the original ‘tea‘, and have their own unique properties depending on the plant. If one wanted to be precise, one would not call them ‘tea’ at all, they are actually INFUSIONS. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may choose not to drink TEA (according to our counsel), but often will drink herbal teas. Now you know why.

There. Now that we’ve got that outta the way, lets talk about ‘Chamomile Tea’. As with all herbs, it is safest to start with a weak tea (low dose) till you know how you deal with it. You can work up to stronger tea (larger dose) for more therapeutic value slowly. Chamomile contains chemicals called flavonoids. These flavonoids are a type of nutrient present in many plants, and they play a significant role in chamomile’s medicinal effects.

To make a tea, start with a small handful of fresh flowers or a tablespoon of dried flowers and pour boiling water over top. Let steep for a few minutes and strain as you pour into a cup.

The strength of the tea will depend on the quantity of herb you add of course, but also how long you let it steep. I begin pouring the tea thru the strainer withing two or three minutes of having poured the boiling water over it, leaving some in the pot. The first pouring will be mild, the second pouring will be stronger. As it gets stronger, I often add more hot water to dilute it. Don’t throw left over tea away. Put it in the fridge for a very nice chilled tea tomorrow.

Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, to calm an upset stomach and to soothe heartburn, as well as other ailments. While I know some use the oil of chamomile, I prefer to use the herb in a simple home-friendly herbal infusion – “tea”. Something I can easily harvest and use. I have heard of chamomile being used as a mouth rinse for cankers and mouth sores. I filed this away in my brain for when or if I am ever in need of trying it, but I have no experience at this point.

Without being too wild with claims it is fair to say chamomile is helpful on many levels. It is often used to reduce anxiety and distress, and I’ve read some interesting studies that it helps with the severity of menstrual cramps as well as anxiety and moodiness connected. I’m not confident the studies I read are too scientific, but it is a logical connection so I suggest making one’s own study. Claims have been made that chamomile reduces inflammation and that applying directly to a wound assists in healing. Also, worth experimenting. I’m paranoid about infections with open wounds,

I highly suggest trying chamomile tea as in regular does of one or two cups a day. At the very least, it will simply be an enjoyable and relaxing hot tea, or a refreshing iced tea. At the best, it could offer improvement in your overall health by adding the valuable components with which nature has endowed it.

People who have a history of allergies particularly to pollen should probably avoid chamomile, or experiment in weak infusions at first. People with weakened, compromised or undeveloped immune systems (such as infants), who it is advisable to avoid honey, should also avoid chamomile and many other herbs.

growing German Chamomile

The plants you’ll find growing wild on the side of the road or in the alley will likely flower mid to late July or early August. I’ve tried to grow chamomile in my garden with limited success but I noticed a volunteer plant this year that seems to be doing well. Perhaps the birds helped me. I have no problem foraging for chamomile, but I’m a bit of a control freak and if I can grown anything in the safety of own backyard, I’m always happier.

 German chamomile grows from seeds sown directly in the garden. The seeds are very tiny (almost dust like). They can be scattered on the soil’s surface, then gently tamped down with the flat side of a hoe. Plant early in the spring, about the same time you would plant peas. The young seedlings will withstand a mild frost. The seeds generally germinate in a week to ten days, growing slowly at first, and need to be kept well weeded. I know, this seems counter intuitive when we’re talking about a weed after all. I think that’s why I had limited success in my earlier attempts.

Wild Chamomile or Pineapple Weed

Now this is an herb most of us are familiar with – even though we don’t know much about it. …. Pineapple Weed. The next time you see it, don’t be so quick to just pluck it out and throw it away. Remember: a weed is just a plant growing where it doesn’t belong. Once you understand it, and want it to be there, you can be friends.

Native to North America, pineapple weed is hardy and grows in poor, compacted soils; so you’ll usually see it growing on the side of roads, in cracks of sidewalks and other inhospitable places. The plant grows from 2 to 16 inches in height, and flowers from early spring through September. Although it is called Pineapple ‘Weed’, it is actually considered a wildflower. When foraging for this weed, be mindful to not pick it from an area that’s been contaminated by pollutants. This is something to consider since it grows so well on the sides of roads.

Native Americans used it for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. (I don’t know what they called it – probably not pineapple weed – lol). It is not only edible – its pretty tasty. Similar to pineapple. Could be the taste where it got its name, or could be that the yellow green cone shaped flower head resembles a pineapple. Take note of the obvious lack of petals on the flowers. Since it looks so similar to chamomile, this is a good indicator that it is what it is. Also, if you crush the flower head between your fingers, you’ll notice a sweet pineapple-y smell. Another good indicator.

Pineapple Weed makes a good herbal tea! Reminiscent of chamomile tea (same family), but slightly sweeter. Steep a small handful of young flower heads in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Delicious! Can also use the leaves or even whole plants to make tea, but the leaves have it a slightly more bitter flavour. Add it to your next garden salad. It is nutritious as well as delicious. As with most garden produce, the younger the plant the sweeter, it gets more bitter as it gets older. If you already have allergies to certain plants and weeds, you might want to keep that in mind when experimenting with this one.

It has a mild sedative property similar to chamomile – and is soothing to the tummy.  I am told that the entire plant was used as a insect repellent by the native people, but I do not know how. Maybe just having it around? 

It is an annual plant which means it doesn’t over winter, but comes back from seed every year. If you want to grow more, allow the flower to dry out and go to seed (still in the ground). Crush in your fingers and broadcast the seed all around the space you’d like it to grow next year. I do this with lots of seeds. Then the next spring, I just pull out the ones growing in spots I don’t want them.

Remember, pineapple weed does well in lousy soil, so put it in your least desirable spots. It wants sun though. Both of these plants are easy to forage in most disturbed ground. They are ‘people plants’ as they are wherever people are. But they deserve a place in my garden so that I can ensure they’re clean and green. However you harvest them, I highly recommend you do so. Another good friend from the plant world.

Enjoy! 
I’d love to hear your experience with these different chamomiles.

Cindy Suelzle