Many of us are familiar with chamomile tea which helps to soothe you. However, the small and daisy-like flowers with white petals and a yellow center of the chamomile plant might just motivate you to start growing them yourself. And it just does not look pretty, it has many health benefits.
What is chamomile?
Chamomile is known for its pleasant, apple-like aroma and calming and soothing properties. It contains various bioactive compounds, including chamazulene, apigenin, and bisabolol, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sedative effects.
Tshwane-based plant pathologist Sibongile Jiyane says chamomile carries numerous medicinal benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative qualities.
She explains that some common ailments that can be treated using chamomile remedies include haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, ulcers, wounds, menstrual disorders, inflammation, hay fever, and muscular spasms.
“In aromatherapy and cosmetics, chamomile essential oils are frequently utilised,” she notes.
“Chamomile oil is used in aromatherapy to ease stress which has an indirect positive effect on digestive health.”
Plant pathologist Sibongile Jiyane
Jiyane adds that, because stress has a detrimental effect on the digestive system, chamomile oil may help keep the digestive tract healthy by lowering stress levels.
Jiyane points out that there are also drawbacks to be aware of when it comes to chamomile remedies.
When blood thinners like aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin are combined with chamomile, there may be an increased risk of bleeding, she cautions.
“Certain medications can be potentiated by chamomile,” she adds. This also applies to medications used to treat insomnia such as ramelteon, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem.
Jiyane further explains that flavonoids are the primary active ingredients of chamomile, according to studies. Among these are luteolin, rutin, apigenin, and quercetin. Among their other pharmacological properties are antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
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Growing chamomile
Kwanele Dlamini, a Gauteng-based agronomist, says the chamomile plant thrives and yields well in temperatures below 37 degrees Celsius. He mentions that provinces with extreme UV light, such as the Northern Cape, may not provide suitable conditions for chamomile growth.
“They [chamomile] are plants that don’t particularly require fertilisation and also do well without any fertiliser application.
However, he emphasises that one of the most important soil requirements is rich organic soil, so applying mulch before planting can help increase soil content.
“It needs to also have good drainage, and you can add compost if you like.”
He adds that chamomile plants aren’t very demanding in terms of soil pH requirements, but acidic soil is not recommended. Chamomile in South Africa can be planted in the spring season, starting from the last week of August, he explains.
“I would recommend soils with a neutral pH. When it comes to watering them, 25mm per week is sufficient when they are still seedlings.”
Agronomist Kwanele Dlamini
Dlamini explains that as they grow and become established, they develop a drought-tolerant character, and in case of extremely hot weather conditions, they would do well with a bit of moisture.
Harvest time
Chamomile is ready to be harvested once the flowers are fully open. By pulling off the flowers and leaving the stem of the bud, it encourages the formation of new buds. He adds that South African growing conditions are suitable for growing any chamomile variety, but of course, your location plays a part.
Dlamini says there are two common types of chamomiles to grow: German and Roman. “I would recommend growing the annual German chamomile because it is easier to grow and produces very aromatic flowers for tea.”
Bakhusele Mathupha, a food forest enthusiast based in kuGatyane, Eastern Cape, says growing chamomile offers a remedy against mold and mildew that affect certain plants, making it a great companion plant for many plants, including tomatoes.
“[When it’s] dried, it can be made into a tea that aids in easing heartburn and other digestive disorders.”
Eastern Cape farmer Bakhusele Mathupha
He notes that brewing chamomile tea can help calm nerves, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
He adds, “Picking chamomile flowers daily, preferably in the early morning, will help promote further growth. Be sure to only pick the mature buds and leave a few flowers for seed-saving for the next season.”
You can dry the flowers by placing them in direct sunlight or, for a more gentle process, spread them out on brown paper and dry them in a cool, dry, airy area, or alternatively, use a dehydrator.
Many different uses
Mathupha advises surface sowing your chamomile seeds in sandy, well-draining soil, in full sun, and watering gently. The best times are early autumn or early spring as they prefer colder climates.
“Do not cover the seeds with soil or anything else as they need light to germinate.”
He adds, “Keep the soil moist, although they are rather drought-resistant, they prefer to be watered regularly.”
Mathupha extracts chamomile oil for skincare, keeping the skin soft and moisturised. He also infuses salve for better skin healing.
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