by Quinn K Dyer
Know it:
Although a couple of different plants are known as chamomile, both have very similar properties and can be used interchangeably (I have a personal preference for German chamomile).
Chamomile promotes peace and tranquility and dispels disruptive energies. It’s a natural sleep aid and great for calming nerves.
Good for protection, self-love, and beauty spells. Sprinkle leaves in a bath or use as incense for meditation.
Its magical properties aren’t just for witches either!
When planted near sick plants chamomile helps them to perk up. To ensure that the spirits sleep, plant or sprinkle over graves.
Grow it:
Chamomile prefers sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. The soil should be almost dry between soakings.
Can be grown from seed, but should not be planted deeply as it requires light to sprout.
Once established, chamomile is a very hardy plant. Certain varieties can grow quite large (up to 2 ft), but it does well in containers.
The fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Harvest early morning after the dew has dried by pinching just below the flower head when in full bloom.
They bloom all summer long, so harvesting can continue throughout the season.
The leaves can be harvested and used for tea as well, but they are too bitter for some.
German chamomile seems to be the more prolific flower producer and any remaining flowerheads will self-seed. They can be quite aggressive about it.
Make sure you’re harvesting enough of the flowers or it will take over!
There is an allergy risk with chamomile. So if you develop a rash while harvesting; do not ingest.
Don’t be discouraged from gardening if allergies to a plant prevent you from using it. Try another! Even the greenest witches aren’t in tune with every plant.
Flower heads can be rinsed under water, but are delicate and can get moldy quickly when damp.
Chamomile can be used fresh or dried, but dried is preferred. Once dried, store in an airtight container away from light and they will keep all year.
Use it:
A cup of chamomile tea with milk can soothe a stomach ache, treat insomnia, and reduce anxiety.
Try a cup with milk and honey before bed! Crumble the petals slightly before brewing.
Soothe sore, puffy eyes by placing tea bags over eyes or dipping a rag in tea and placing over eyes.
Chamomile has associations with Leo and the sun.
It can be used in spells to call down the sun or charge magical items with the sun’s energy. Try using it with calendula, St. John’s wort, or sunflowers.
Place fresh or dried flowers in a baby or child’s room for protection and to promote sweet dreams.
Can be used in a protection circle with other herbs to ward off bad vibes and bad magic targeting you. Wash threshold in your home with a chamomile rinse to ward off bad juju.
Use in a pre-ritual bath with lavender, mugwort, and catnip for protection, purification, to induce visions (this is also a great combination for skin care).
A bath with just chamomile and lavender will send you into a deep sleep. Mint and chamomile will help release stress and anxiety and calm the stomach.
A chamomile infusion is a great skin cleanser. It can help bring out natural blonde highlights in hair.
Use it in the bath or as a face wash to increase self-love. Remember there is an allergy risk, so use caution when ingesting or applying to skin.
Bath bombs are a great way to add fresh herbs to your bath too! And they are super simple to make.
Here’s a easy homemade bath bomb recipe:
- 4.5 cups of baking soda
- .5 cups epsom salts
- 2 cup of cornstarch
- 2 cups citric acid
- .5 cups fresh, chopped herbs
- 1-3 tsp of water
- 6 tsp coconut oil
- 20ish drops of essential oils
- 10 drops of natural dye (optional)
First mix the dry ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
In seperate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. I like to use a whisk or a mixer for this as the oils and water take a bit to blend.
Then, very, very slowly you add the wet mix to the dry. It must be done very slowly so the dry ingredients don’t activate.
Otherwise you end up with a not so fizzy bath bomb. The mixture should feel like damp sand and clump when pressed together.
Then press the mix into your mold, let sit for 30 seconds, and tap out. Repeat. Let dry overnight before you use it. This will make about a dozen depending on the mold size.
Molds aren’t too expensive and most craft stores have them, but in a pinch cupped hands or cupcake trays will do.
Store in an airtight container.
IN CONCLUSION
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