CHAMOMILE

Chamomile, part of the asteraceae or sunflower family, known more commonly as a wonderful tea. It gets it’s name from the greek words “chamai melon’’ which means ground or earth apple.But it has a floral sweetness that smells like comfort in a cup -  the noun not the fabric softener. Another anciently cited, in fact one of the most ancient remedies, it is now better known as a a home sleep aid. It contains Apigenin which is a bioflavonoid - that appears to reduce anxiety, affect immune health, and modulate hormones. Which alongside it’s anti-inflammatory properties are great for a myriad of other ailments that inflammation can both cause or exacerbate, pms, heart disease, diabetes, it can aid digestion. - Although some at higher doses than your average cup. Nevertheless a lovely little plant that attracts many predatory insects which are great for bio pest control in the garden, whilst repelling a few nasty ones - both in the garden and on you if so inclined to use it’s scent. Bonus is, it's also safe for the bees! What more could you want. I picked my main crop over the space of a few days and have been using both their scents and shade tactically in the garden which I will share in a future post with other various recipes. But to collect for tea simply pop off the flowers with your nail so there is no remaining stem, spread evenly on some baking paper and leave in a well ventilated area or in your oven on the lowest setting for as long as they take to dry. You can also use them fresh from the plant like most flowers, simply increase the amount from 1 tsp to 3. You can also use the leaves though slightly less sweet just as useful, I picked off the youngest and dried in the same way, both to be stored in jars for year round goodness. 

I finally made some chamomile syrup from some of the fresh flowers. 1 to 1, jar, done.