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The leaves of it are highly dissected, almost filmy or lacy and the blossoms have a cone-shaped, yellow middle with the petals growing
downward as it matures. The warm tea has helped for colic, gas, indigestion, colds, and alcoholic d.t.'s. The cold tea has a tonic effect. The tea is good for gas, colic, fevers and restlessness in children.
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In addition to being a popular fragrant strewing herb around the house and
at wedding celebrations, chamomile was also boiled with orange peel to make scented washing water. Chamomile was used for lightening and brightening the hair, and was a favorite flower to include in herb bouquets, or tussie mussies. In England, for example, it has been customary for centuries to carry herbal posies at coronations, and when Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, she was handed a tussie-mussie containing chamomile.
Often grown on banks and in raised beds in old herb gardens to delight the
senses, this herb was also made into carpet walks and lawns. The country
name, herb of humility refers to the plant's ability to thrive when walked
on. It is said that Sir Francis Drake was enjoying his customary game of
bowls at Plymouth on a chamomile lawn when the Spanish Armada was sighted in the English Channel in 1588. This herb was an ingredient of herb beer, and in the 19th century, it was used in a popular tonic called chamomile bitters.
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Planting Chamomile
To grow chamomile, scatter the chamomile seeds and do not cover them with soil. If you start with chamomile plants, plant them in your garden only after the last frost. This herb likes to spread itself (sometimes rather easily), so it doesn't favor containers.
Two main types of chamomile exist: German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The first is an annual that grows to about 2-3 feet, while the second is a perennial that grows to be about 4-12 inches. Both varieties of chamomile reseed themselves, so you don't need to plant too often. Chamomile also enhances the growth of any nearby plants. This herb also loves full or partial shade or sun and moist, well drained earth.
Source Unknown
Chamomile
Live each day as if it were your last,
and garden as though you will live forever. - Author Unknown
Geranium budworm is a small, green worm that chews leaves and buds of geraniums and, if severe, can reduce flowering. Hand pick worms or apply the organic spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on the leaves.
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