Inexplicable Things Blog

Folk Names: Ground Apple, Mayweed, Maythen, Chamaimelon, Whig Plant, Manzanilla, Baldersbrow, Camomyle, Heermannchen

This well rounded and renowned plant has been widely used throughout history for medicinal, as well as metaphysical uses.  When speaking of Chamomile, there are two types: Roman and German, both of which are used almost interchangeably.  Medicinally, Chamomile has been used to treat a seemingly endless list of conditions.  The great thing about Chamomile is it can be used internally or externally.  Because it is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antispasmodic plant, it can be ingested as a tea for calming and soothing the digestive tract and is usually very safe, mild enough to be used in children.  It is exceptionally soothing to the skin and has been known to treat skin conditions like eczema and can relieve itching and irritation from poison oak/ivy. It helps treat gastritis, heartburn, and colic. It can help treat burns and rashes, clear phlegm from your airways, ease the symptoms of hay fever, and even reduce swelling. And finally, it is very well known for its uses as an effective sedative to treat serious anxiety, nervousness, even insomnia.  It even bares the nickname ‘plant’s physician’ – as it seems to grow extremely near ailing plants and helps to perk them right up!

In many Native American cultures, this plant was well used. The Aleut were known to drink teas in order to help rid themselves of gas, while the Cherokee drank tea for ‘regularity’!  In the Mexican folkloric tradition, manzanilla was used to support healthy respiratory function and for soothing the stomach and easing digestion. In the highlands of southern Mexico, the Tzeltal Maya make a chamomile tea containing an orange and a lime leaf to lift the mood.  Common preparations were teas, baths and sitzbaths, gargles, inhalations, and compresses. Germans refer to this herb as alles zutraut meaning ‘capable of anything.’ Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile are similar and have been traditionally used interchangeably to some degree, although differences in taste and action have been noted. _{(Mountain Rose Herbs – Chamomile Flowers, https://mountainroseherbs.com/chamomile-flowers, 2020)}

Metaphysically speaking, this herb is very well rounded.  Because of its planetary alignment of the Sun, it has a very ‘sunny’ disposition – meaning it is amazing at attracting things.  This makes it ideal for attracting love, money, prosperity, protection, and all good things.  It can also help remove curses, induce sleep and meditation, and can help with dream magic.

Now we dive into the Northern European shamanic and folkloric uses of this awesome plant.  As a plant associated with the Sun, it is also associated with the God, Baldur, making it a plant of Asgard, the land of the Aesir. Having such a close connection with the Sun, it was believed that this plant could actually harness the power of the sun – hence the reason the flowers are golden. It was likely burned during ritual to send messages to the Aesir. Because of the uplifting spirit and benefits of this herb, it was used to burn away the darkness and combat depression.  In doing so, it helps one purge themselves of self-loathing thoughts and negative speak. Over time, it has become known as quite a powerful antidepressant, both medicinally as well as metaphysically.  It helps us let go of things, thereby promotes healthy, sound, peaceful sleep – allowing the body and mind to rest and heal.

Some of the best ways to use this herb are to dress candles, photos or even altar tools with Chamomile Oil before spellcrafting. As you dress these items, focus on burning away the darkness and letting go of things that hold you (or your target) back.  You can also grind up the flower and use it along with the oil.  This also works very well for love or money drawing rituals.  On the flip side of this coin, if you dress a black candle, upside down, with this oil, it can promote banishing of negative energies or even toxic people from you (or your target’s) life.  You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of the oil, or dried chamomile flowers in your shoes to help release negativity throughout the day as you walk.  I, personally, have found the oil and the flowers, exceptionally useful when working with or communicating with the land spirits around my home. 

You can also use the oil on your temples and other pulse points to help you ground, relax and begin meditation.  The flowers can also be burned as an incense before and during meditation.  Gamblers, for decades, have been known to use a handwash made from chamomile before a friendly card game.  Carry Chamomile flowers in a sachet in your car for safety when you drive.  Any time you make a tea or infusion of this herb, sprinkle it around your doors and windows for an added boost of serious protection around you and your home.   _{(Wigington, Patti. “Chamomile.” Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/chamomile-2562019)}

If you would like to give our Chamomile Oil a try, please visit our website for it, as well as more of the Northern European Sacred Nine Herbal Oil Collection. You can find a link here: https://inexplicablethings.com/shop/ols/products/sacred-nine-oils

Below are a few simple recipes for using Chamomile in your daily life.  

Steam Inhalation:

(Be SURE you do not have any allergies to members of the Asteraceae family)

Half cup of dried flowers

2L of water

Boil the flowers in the water and inhale the steam

Salve:

1 C Coconut Oil (melted)

2 large handfuls of dried chamomile flowers

Stir to incorporate (the mixture will foam a bit)

Remove from heat and cover.

Allow to cool overnight.

Reheat the next morning and transfer into a glass jar.