2025 Herb of the Year

 

The International Herb Association has chosen Chamomile as the 2025 Herb of the Year.

Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia. Over time, it has naturalized in other meadows and fields adjacent to those areas. Chamomile is derived from the Greek chamos and melos, translating to ground apple as the leaves and flowers have an apple-like scent. 

Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile's history: Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used chamomile as a medicinal herb prized for its effect as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat various skin conditions, digestive issues, and allergies. Chamomile has been used in salves, lotions, vapors, and compresses but is known mostly as a tea. 

Daisy-like flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and, ladybugs

Chamomile flowers are a much sought-after tea ingredient to aid in sleep and anxiety-filled dreams. I remember it as the primary ingredient in Celestial Seasoning's Sleepy Time tea. Making a cup of tea was a part of my nightly ritual for years.  

Blend other herbs and spices for delicious and soothing teas

Chamomile has many other uses according to a fact sheet from the Herb Society of America. Chamomile oil, a blue color, is used in shampoos to bring out highlights to blonde hair. Flowers can also be used to create a yellow-brown fabric dye. 

Harvest

The petals are edible and can be used in foods and beverages. Use chamomile to make sleep pillows, potpourri bath blends, and other craft and cosmetic uses. 

Botanical drawing

In the Victorian era, the small, bright white daisy-like flowers symbolized patience in adversity.

Chamomile is grown as an annual in our area. According to the Strictly Medicinal seed packet, "the plant prefers full sun and cool soils for germination. Prepare a fine seed bed, mix fine seed with sand, strew on the surface, and press in hard. Sow in early spring for flowers in early summer. It is unnecessary to thin the plants, they grow fine in close association." 

Recipes for teas, syrup, a sleep pillow, and soothing bath tea are from the Herb Society of America website.

Our seed selection is HUGE

Chamomile and other herbs

Visit our store where we sell Chamomile seeds from Strictly Medicinal and Southern Seed Exchange. We will have herb transplants available this spring.