Chamomile: 3 easy uses
Chamomile is a small white and yellow flower and is one of the more well known herbs. Most people have at least seen the name on a box of tea at the store, but this versatile herb can be used for more than just tea.
Best known for its calming properties, it is also helpful in settling the stomach and expelling gas. Its also safe enough to use with children! Its a helpful remedy for colic, teething, fevers, or just general irritability.
Fresh herbs, or dried ones harvested within the last year, make the best herbal remedies. There is a noticeable difference between teas in the pre-packaged boxes at the grocery store vs making a tea with loose, fresh herbs.
All recipes below can be scaled up or down to make the amount you need.
Chamomile Tea
8oz of hot water
1 Tablespoon of dried or fresh chamomile flowers
Place chamomile flowers in a tea strainer or loose in the bottom of a cup. Pour the hot water over the flowers and let steep for at least 5 minutes, up to 15 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the tea will be. Remove the tea strainer or strain out the loose flowers and enjoy.
Honey, stevia, or cane sugar may be used to sweeten the tea if needed.
Chamomile, Lavender, and Rose Petal Hair Rinse
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried rose petals
2-3 cups of hot water
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4-1/2 teaspoon of coconut or other oil
Place all herbs a tea strainer or loose in a bowl large enough to fit your head and pour the hot water in. Add in the baking soda and oil, stirring until both are dissolved. Let steep for at least 20 minutes, or at least until water has cooled enough to place your head in. Remove the strainer or strain out the loose herbs.
Next you'll need to place your head in the bowl for a few minutes. Find a place that would be okay if some of the tea spilt onto the floor, such as a bathroom or outside. Place your head in the bowl, ideally for at least 5 minutes. If possible, use your hand to gently massage your scalp while it soaks. If you have long hair, try to soak all the strands as well. The back of your head is the hardest to reach, so if it is difficult to soak wait until the next step.
Once you think you've soaked your head long enough, remove your head and bring the bowl to the shower with you. Do not be surprised if the tea has changed color, this is a good thing, it means the rinse is doing its job! Get in the shower to your desired temperature and pour the remaining liquid over your head, focusing on any areas you couldn't reach before. Let this sit for at least another 5 minutes before rinsing out. Again, don't be surprised if the color of the water is dark when you're rinsing your hair. Finish your shower as usual and enjoy how clean your hair feels!
Chamomile Oil
1/4 cup of dried chamomile flowers
Preferred oil - suggested oils are sunflower, jojoba oil, castor oil, sesame oil, or almond oil
Place the herbs in a heat safe jar, and fill the jar with enough oil to cover the herbs by at least 1 inch. Mix up the chamomile in the oil to ensure they're all evenly coated and no air bubbles are trapped. Place a square of parchment paper on the lid and put the lid back on the jar.
In a crockpot or saucepan, place a few jar lids on the bottom and put the jar with chamomile and oil on top of those to protect the base from the heat. Put 2-3 inches of water at the bottom of the pan or slow cooker, and heat on the lowest setting for 4-8 hours, checking often enough to make sure the water hasn't completely evaporated.
Remove from crockpot or saucepan and let cool. Strain through a cheesecloth and strainer- once the jar is emptied, fold up the cheesecloth and squeeze out all the remaining oil. Store in a sealed jar for a few days, letting the small particles settle. Strain once again through a cheesecloth, making sure to not let the particles that have settled back into the oil.
If any of these recipes interest you, consider growing your own chamomile! Its very easy and rewarding, though be cautious that it can spread pretty quickly. Fresh chamomile definitely tastes the best.
We also sell chamomile as an option in our herbal kits- these kits are made for small individual experimentation, perfect for the recipes above and more!