Chamomile: facts & folklore

• Chamomile’s Spanish name is manzanilla (meaning little apple) referring to the apple-like scent of the flower.
• Several cultures have a ritual of bathing newborn babies for the first time in chamomile water (a dilute tea form of the herb). This tradition is a therapeutic practice that is both medicinal and enchanting for the baby and the bather. Many old world religions performed blessings in flower water.
• In medieval times, chamomile was scattered across the floors to revitalize the air indoors.
• It was an essential plant in monastery gardens; planted for pleasure and medicinal uses.
• Slovakian folk-lore says you should always bow when facing a chamomile plant out of respect of its curing power.
• Ancient Egyptians believed chamomile to be a sacred gift of the Sun God (Ra). They used the herb for fevers, heat strokes, and to “cure” malaria. Chamomile was also utilized during the mummifying process of the dead.
• Hippocrates, Pliny, Dioscorides, and Galen wrote of the many uses of this herb hundreds of years ago.
• The German name for Chamomile is alles zutraut (capable of anything).
• Chamomile has received the nickname the “plant’s physician” because of its ability to have positive effects on surrounding plants that are growing nearby. It is also a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Chamomile is a gentle medicine, so it is perfect for kids. Parents have given their children chamomile before long car rides to keep them calm; and to help prevent car-sickness.
• Chamomile has been used as a natural hair lightener. It is said to have a more gradual effect than lemon juice, and therefore better for brunettes.
• In the “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, Peter’s mom gives him chamomile tea after he finally gets back home (obviously stressed and exhausted) from barely escaping McGregor’s garden alive with a very over-stuffed, upset tummy.
• In color floral magic, the dainty white flowers of chamomile are used in spells for purification, protection, peace, and new beginnings.
• According to flower folklore, chamomile has power for strength in difficult situations. It has been placed in many charm bags and dream pillows.
• In the language of flowers, when you give someone chamomile flowers, it means “I admire your courage” or “may all your wishes come true”.
• Burn chamomile incense to attract love or for rest. Several love potions call for chamomile as a main ingredient.
• Burning chamomile daily is believed to bring wealth from your work.
• Drinking chamomile tea is thought to instill positive energy and bring prophetic dreams.
• Grow chamomile in your garden to attract money.
• Chamomile pairs well with lemon balm for sleep aid, peppermint for headaches, and rose or mimosa for sadness or grief.
• Chamomile flowers can be interchanged with mimosa blossoms in herbal recipes.
• The chamomile plant is a nutrient accumulator; it draws specific nutrients (such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus) from the soil and concentrates them in the plant its self.
• During the Civil War, chamomile was a medicinal herb used for treating soldiers for upset stomachs, diarrhea, gout, fevers, and flu symptoms.
• On the Santa Fe Trail (1821-1880), chamomile was used as a carminative in flatulent colic, to treat headaches, and to treat mild fevers.
• Dyer’s chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria) can be used as a natural dye. The flowers produce yellow and gold colors; while the leaves and stalks produce light green to gray green dyes.
• For a healing “amulet” –add chamomile, a peeled garlic clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, sage, and a pinch of saffron together; then place the herbs in a blue cloth or bag and sprinkle with sandalwood oil.
• Referring to “herbs of the elements”, chamomile is of water. Water herbs have the power of love, all types of relationships, negotiations, beauty, recuperation, meditation, healing, ancestors, and home/family.
• Chamomile’s basic powers are prosperity and meditation, according to “herbal magic”.
• Chamaimelon is chamomile’s folk name.
• The bright and brave nature of chamomile has been used to combat curses and spells.
• In Victorian Floral Vocabulary (1845) it represented energy in adversity
• The Sun is the planetary correspondence of chamomile according to the magic community.