Matricaria recutita
German Chamomile
Culpeper says the Egyptians considered this Eurasian native a Sun herb,
probably because of the shape of the flowers. To others, however (and I
concur), this is a Moon herb, because it is not warming in the typical
sun fashion but instead brings a Moony relaxation and is especially
good for insomnia. This magick herb is said to help with dreams, especially for
divination through dreams, and to chase away nightmares, which makes it
nice for stuffing dream pillows. In the Wheel of the Year, it is
associated with Midsummer, and in the Middle Ages, it was an ingredient
in love potions, both of which indicate some consideration of it as
Venus. Also, nowadays some people put chamomile flowers in their wallet
to attract money
or wash their hands with a chamomile decoction before gambling. This is
one of the nine sacred herbs of the Saxons. Use in the bath for gentle
relaxation before a ritual, especially
any ritual with Moon associations. Some sprinkle it around the house to
ward of negative magick; in the Middle Ages, it was used as a strewing herb.
Mundane Uses
Although its Latin name connects it with Mother, it is
classically used to alleviate menstrual cramps and so has more of a
connection to the Maiden.
It is also traditionally used against heating pains like athritis. For
me, chamomile tea is the most comforting of all the herb teas. I
use it after a long, jangling day. It is also good for the digestion.
Culpeper recommends a bath of chamomile decoction for easing pains,
especially sprains. Chamomile and yarrow are traditional herbs for
brightening blond hair. The Eclectic movement of botanical medicine,
which dominated American
medicine before the AMA took over and pretty much banned it, prized
chamomile, especially for children. They used it to treat the pain of
teething, stomach ache, and generally colicy children. they used it
particular for people who were not just in pain but were very upset by
being in pain, which can come out as restlessness, impatience,
irritability, and unhappiness, as they put it, "sudden nervous
explosions of irascibility." They also believed that it worked best
when used in small amounts.
Chamomile is called the Plant's Physician, because planting it near
sickly plants
helped them get well. This is certainly true in its present-day uses
with seedlings. Watering seedlings with cooled chamomile tea is great
for preventing damping off and for getting rid of fungus gnats. The
flowers also make a yellow or gold dye and are nice in pot pourri.
How to Grow German Chamomile
Sow the tiny seeds on the surface of wet potting medium and keep moist by misting or bottom watering. It germinates in 7-14 days at 55-60F/13-16C. Transplant to sunny area and space 8"/20cm apart. It gets 18-36"/45-91cm tall and grows in clumps. This annual plant will die back after producing seeds in the summer unless you harvest the flowers regularly--then it will keep making flowers. You can grow this plant in a container if you want. General growing info
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Matricaria recutita
German Chamomile "Bodegold"
200
seeds $3.00
Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:
Dreamwork
Celebrating Midsummer
Love Magic
Money
Charms
Moon/Sun Herb