Chamomile

by Amethyst

Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis
Family: Compositae
Genus: Matricaria, Anthemis
Species: Chamomilla, Nobilis respectively
Also Known As: Camomile, Anthemis, Matricaria, Ground Apple
Magickal Herbe ... Religious Herbe
Parts Used: Flower
Element: Air
Direction: East
Chakra: Solar Plexus
Planet: Sun
Number: 3
Tarot: The Sun, Knights, and Sixes

Lore

Chamomile is a venerable herbe with a well-established reputation as a healer. Also called Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Perennial Chamomile and Wild Chamomile. A Druid Sacred Herb, this aromatic evergreen has feathery, apple-scented leaves and white flowers with conical golden centres. It was believed that it brought health to one's gardens and promoted healing energies, which were good for all plant species. It is considered a patron herbe for the gardens.

This herb is a highly used cure-all, and every household should seriously consider having it around. It has been used externally to treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and ulcers. Chamomile is also used to relieve menstrual cramps, arthritis, and is an effective sedative.

Warning: People who have previously suffered anaphylactic reactions from ragweed should think twice about using this herb as well as its close relative yarrow. Large amounts have caused some nausea and vomiting.

Usage

The strong association chamomile has with the Sun is an underlying indication of its modern usage. Through incense or ritual drink it is used to assist in the calling upon a Sun god (working with any of the solar deities). Some traditions have also used chamomile at Midsummer to give honour to the Father of Nature. Useful for solar holidays, Chamomile can be used in endless Yule Traditions. Powder Chamomile, then spoon it onto coals to cense the temple area and prepare it for a celebration of solar magick.

Yellow chamomile brings the power of the sun to love potions, money spells and rites of purification. When sprinkled around the house it removes hexes, curses and spells. It can be burned or added to prosperity bags to increase money. Gamblers sometimes use a hand wash of the infusion to insure winnings. It is used in incenses for sleep and meditation. Added to the bath water, it attracts love. Calming effect when added to incense, particularly good for meditation. Use in prosperity spells. It also has powers of sleep, purification if added to incense, and love if an infusion is added to one's bath. Through incense or ritual drink, Chamomile is used to assist a priest's call upon the Sun God or any of the solar deities.

Magickal Properties

Healing, Love, Money, Purification, Sleep/rest, Success/prosperity, Meditation, Calming, God incense, Sun, Water, Luck, Beauty, Determination, Dreams, Harmony, Peace, Tranquillity, Wealth.

References:
a compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl, 1998
http://www.janih.com/lady/herbs/magick/C.html
http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/witchcraft/color-magick.html
http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/bos-herblist.html
http://www.witcheshotline.com/main/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1495

Chamomile Recipes

Relaxing Bedtime Tea

3 parts dried chamomile flowers
2 parts dried lemon verbena leaves
1 part dried English lavender flowers

Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 1 cup of the herbs in a heatproof bowl, and leave to cool. Strain into a screwtop jar and discard the herbs. Leave the tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add 2 tbsp of the tea to a cup of boiling water, and drink before bed.

Sweet Headache Bath

3 cups boiling water
6 chamomile tea bags, or 1-cup fresh or dried chamomile flowers
6 lemon balm tea bags, or 1-cup fresh lemon balm leaves
5 drops rose essential oil
5 drips lavender essential oil
1 cup Epsom salts (optional)

Pour the boiling water over the tea bags or herbs in a heatproof bowl, and leave until cool. Strain the tea into a warm bath, and discard the tea bags or herbs. Add the essential oils and the Epsom salts, if using. Sit in the bath in a semi-darkened room until the water's almost cool.

Chamomile & Oatmeal Soap

2 cups grated pure soap or Lux Flakes
5 tbsp water
5 tbsp finely ground rolled oats
Few drops essential oil (optional)
Ľ-1/2 cup chamomile flowers

Combine the soap, water and oats in a microwave-proof bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir. Repeat microwaving and stirring twice more or until the soap has dissolved. Add oil and flowers. Push the soap into moulds (eg. old muffin pan). When the mixture is set (it may take a few days or even weeks in cold or humid weather), remove the soap pieces from the mould. Wrap each piece in cellophane.

Baby Bath Bags

3 chamomile tea bags, or ˝ cup fresh or dried chamomile flowers
1-cup quick cooking oats
4 x 25cm squares towelling or muslin (or 4 clean handkerchiefs)
4 x 40cm lengths ribbon

Break open the tea bags (if using) and combine chamomile with the oats in a bowl. Mix well. Pour the mixture onto the fabric squares and tie up each square tightly with a length of ribbon. Use a new bag every day for baby's sensitive skin.

Chamomile Toner

2 tbsp (30ml) chamomile infusion (see below)
1-2 drops chamomile essential oil
2 tbsp (30ml) water
1 tsp (5ml) calendula petals

Mix all the ingredients. You may either add the flowers at the end, or add them to the chamomile while it is infusing to gain more of their soothing properties. If your chamomile oil is very high quality, use only one drop, as any more may be overpowering. Great straight from the refrigerator to cool irritated skin on a hot day. If sprayed straight onto the skin, it is a good, calming soother for sunburn or heat rash.

Chamomile Infusion

4 tbsp chamomile flowers

Cover the flowers with very hot (not boiling) water, leave to infuse for at least two hours. Strain. The stronger the infusion the more effect it will have on the hair. (For the toner, only infuse for 10 minutes)

Blonde Hair Enhancer

Apply the above infusion to blonde hair after shampooing, before your final rinse. Leave it on the hair as long as possible. Steam from a hot bath will help the process. You can comb the infusion through the hair and leave on overnight (wrap your hair in a scarf so it doesn't stain your pillow). It will leave a lovely herbal fragrance on your hair.

Chamomile & Calendula Dry Skin Cream

2 tbsp chamomile flowers
2 tbsp calendula petals
2 tbsp base lotion

Cover the chamomile & calendula with hot (not boiling) water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. When cooled, strain and mix some of the liquid into the base lotion. Use as much as necessary to produce a loose consistency lotion, you will not need all. Apply normally. Especially good on dry, rough areas. Suitable for use (depending on base) on the face. Good to treat mild eczema and dry skin conditions.

BASE: A good non-scented cold cream or sorbolene may be used.