Chamomile – the GOAT

Few botanicals are as universally loved by herbalists as chamomile. Whether it’s German (Matricaria recutita) or English (Chamaemelum nobile), this flower is way past just sleepy time teas. It’s an accessible herb with a long list of uses, and unlike some others (looking at you, Carolina Geranium), it actually tastes good. While you can technically use the leaves, it’s the flowers that are usually used and they have a pleasant apple-like flavor.

Chamomile is best known for its ability to calm things down, inside and out. It’s my go-to for all sorts of digestive complaints—from bloating and indigestion to gastritis. A warm cup of chamomile tea after a heavy meal is one of the oldest and most effective tricks in the book. Some people even make an after-dinner aperitif with it, which I can get behind. Legit tasty – should I do a DIY on this? Let me know.

Its soothing properties extend beyond the gut. It’s fantastic for relaxing spasming muscles. A strong tea or even a bath soak can help ease tension. It’s been used for generations to calm fussy babies, and a bath soak is a great, gentle way to use it for colic.

Of course, a lot of people turn to chamomile for sleep. A cup of tea or a tincture before bed can help your mind and body settle down, making it easier to drift off.

But it has other, more surprising uses too. For eye issues like pink eye or conjunctivitis, a cooled, strong chamomile tea makes an excellent eyewash. And for respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, or even just general congestion, a steam treatment with chamomile flowers can work wonders to help open things up. For skin issues like eczema, you can find it added to salves or use the essential oil.

There is one very important thing to remember: if you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums, you should steer clear of chamomile, as it’s in the same plant family.

How to Grow and Harvest Your Own

Chamomile is an easy plant to grow. Both German and English chamomile are annuals in most climates, though English chamomile can sometimes act as a perennial. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.

The best time to harvest the flowers is when they are fully open, just before the petals start to droop downwards. Simply pinch or snip off the flower heads. You can dry them on a screen or in a dehydrator for later use. Harvesting regularly will encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season.