Chamomile: How to Pick and Uses

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Chamomile has a wide variety of uses from tea to soap to face masks. No matter it's use it reduces inflammation and makes a great addition to any herb or flower garden.


HOW TO PICK CHAMOMILE

Try to avoid picking flowers directly after a rain event or before morning dew has evaporated. Picking wet flowers may lead to mold developing on your flowers, while picking drier flowers will allow them to dry out more quickly.

You will know when to pick flowers by their appearance. Petals will be fully extended. This occurs for most flowers in the morning and they begin to close up into  the afternoon. If the petals begin to bend backwards, you may still harvest, however the best essential oils are in the fully extended blossoms.

Pick by gently pulling the head of the flower from the stem below. Continue carefully pulling off the heads of the flowers. If you have waited too long to harvest, let the head turn to seed and you will be able to spread your chamomile garden. Let too many go to seed and the plant will cease to produce flowers. By picking the flowers, you will encourage the plant to continue produces many more flowers to enjoyed in tea or your favorite recipes.

Another option at the end of the growing season is to harvest the entire plant. Dry the chamomile plant in a dehydrator, over, hanging upside down, or laying out (be sure to turn at least every couple days). Leaves will have a subtler flavor than the petals.

USES


Chamomile is a flowering herb and has been said to calm upset stomach and to help with insomnia. Chamomile may reduce swelling and fight off bacteria when used as a dietary supplement or when used in skin treatments. Other ailments in which chamomile may be helpful include diaper rash, colic, eczema, gum inflammation, colds, irritable bowel and gastrointestinal issues, and slow healing wounds. Treatments methods include teas, soaps, creams, and infusions.

Chamomile contains flavonoids and volatile oils. Possible reactions should be noted if you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may also have reactions to chamomile. Check with your doctor before self treating with chamomile. If time is short and you don't have the desire to start a herb garden, dried chamomile can be purchased on amazon.

Place dried chamomile flowers in a tea infuser and place in teapot with boiling water. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Longer steep times with produce a stronger tea. Optional additions to your tea include honey, mint leaves, or sugar. Makes a great evening tea or can be served with desserts. Enjoy!

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