Ingredient
Also called German Chamomile
Small golden-eyed flowers with a honeyed, apple-like scent — soft and soothing.
Small golden-eyed flowers with a honeyed, apple-like scent — soft and soothing.
Chamomile softens sharper herbs and brings a gentle sweetness. It appears in Howl at the Moon.
In the kitchen
Steep 1–2 teaspoons dried flowers per cup, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Longer steeping gets more bitter.
Brew strong and chill, or cold-steep overnight. Lovely with lemon balm and a little honey.
Fresh flowers can be used in tea or scattered over desserts. Their flavor is mild, so they're mostly decorative raw.
Infuse into cream, milk or syrup for custards, panna cotta or cakes; strain before using.
Steep dried flowers in honey, or in oil for a soothing skin oil, for 2–4 weeks.
Avoid if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies or related plants. Check with your practitioner if you take blood thinners.
Garden & lore
Spring
Scatter seed on the soil surface in early spring; it needs light to sprout.
Summer
Pick flower heads every few days as they open fully, in dry weather.
Fall
Let a few flowers go to seed so it self-sows next year.
Winter
Store dried flowers whole in an airtight jar, away from light.
Chamomile carries the Sun's warmth in a gentle form — comfort, ease and a bright, settled heart.
Traditional associations, shared for interest and reflection — not medical advice.
Used in
