"Bodegold" German Chamomile

Matricaria recutita (syn. Matricaria chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita)

A superior selection of German Chamomile with very high essential oil content and high levels of medicinal compounds bisabolol and chamazulene.

The common name, chamomile, and specific name, chamomilla, are English and Latin interpretations of the Greek χαμαίμηλον or khamaimēlon, meaning “earth apple” which describes its low growth habit and sweet apple-like scent. The German type grows a bit more upright, up to two feet tall, than the lower growing Roman Chamomile. Matricaria comes from the Latin “mater/matr” meaning “mother” and later from “matrix” in Late Middle English signifying “womb”. Of its many uses, Chamomile has an important role in gynecological care.

Chamomile is famously known as a relaxant and sedative and other uses include: as an anti-allergic; to relax and sooth abdominal pain, intestinal muscles and irritation; to relieve anxiety; reduce redness, swelling, pain and eye irritation; as an anti-microbial; antiviral; anti-ulcer; neuroprotective; anti-depressive; anti-cancer; hepatoprotective; anti-diarrheal; wound healer.

A fascinating gift of the earth and remarkable plant ally, Chamomile has been revered and used medicinally for thousands of years. Egyptians considered Chamomile a sacred gift of the Sun God, Ra and was discussed in Egypt’s oldest known recorded herbal manuscript. In 10th century Northern Europe, Chamomile was recorded as one of the nine sacred herbs of the Lacnunga, an ancient Anglo-Saxon herbal text. It is practice in some cultures to bow in reverence to Chamomile plants when walking by.

We have also recently learned that Chamomile is used to repel cucumber beetles. We have not applied this in the garden yet— but if you try planting Chamomile amoungst your cucurbits— please share your experience with us!

Medicinal uses of Matricaria recutita listed are for informational purposes and not mean as replacement for medical assessment and care by a qualified practitioner such as an herbalist or naturopathic physician.

Growing Instructions:

We like to start the tiny Bodegold seeds in trays as they can easily become lost when direct sown in the garden. In trays you will have more control with watering.

Sow seeds and lightly cover with soil. Water gently until seedlings emerge!

Space plants 8 inches apart in rows 12-16 inches apart.

Loosely trellis rows with a few sturdy sticks and some hemp twine to keep the numerous wispy stalks upright for ease of harvesting.

Short-lived perennial. Can be grown as an annual. Readily self sows!

Harvest:

Chamomile produces flowers all season long. Keep flowers well harvested to encourage new growth. Lay out flower heads on a screen with adequate airflow above and below. We place our screens on overhead rafters in our home. It has been found that lower drying temperatures and shade-drying resulted in a maximum essential oil content in the dried herb. Therefore we would not recommend oven or direct-sun drying these delicate flowers. Once dried, store in airtight containers out of direct sunlight. Enjoy a warm cup of sunshine all year long!