German Chamomile Flower Seeds

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Also known as True Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, or Chamomilla recutita. This variety is an annual plant that grows to heights of 1 to 2 feet. It features distinctive flowers with pronounced raised centers and classic white petals surrounding yellow centers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it very easy to grow. Its beauty makes it a valuable addition to herb gardens and windowsill planters. Plant in a sunny location during spring or autumn for best results. I find that it always returns every year for me from volunteer seeds.

The dried flowers are commonly used to make tea and can also be used to condition fair hair. Favoured for its slightly sweeter taste and robust aroma, German chamomile is commonly used in commercial tea bags. It serves as a calming agent and is useful in treating various nervous conditions. This chamomile’s calming and soothing properties are ideal for bedtime teas as it helps to aid digestion, reduce stress, and promote sleep.

This herb is known as the ‘plant’s physician’ because its presence can benefit neighbouring plants. A tea made from its leaves is used to prevent the ‘damping off’ disease in seedlings.

German chamomile tea also offers properties that can be beneficial in anti-aging regimens. The tea is rich in antioxidants, which are vital in fighting off free radicals—molecules that contribute to the aging process. Regular consumption of antioxidants helps mitigate damage to your skin’s elasticity and overall health, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to aging, both internally and in terms of skin appearance. Chamomile tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm internal inflammation, promoting a healthier, more youthful body and appearance.

Chamomile has been used traditionally in topical applications to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, but drinking chamomile tea might also contribute to skin health due to its compounds that may help improve skin hydration and reduce roughness.

Stress can accelerate the aging process. The calming effects of chamomile tea are well known, and it is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Better stress management can contribute to reducing the physical signs of aging.

German chamomile is highly valued in skincare for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: The most notable component in German chamomile is chamazulene, an aromatic chemical compound that provides chamomile its characteristic deep blue colour. Chamazulene has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This makes it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Healing Effects: German chamomile is also known for its healing effects, particularly because it contains the compound bisabolol. Bisabolol is known for its skin-healing properties, helping to soothe, restore, and protect the skin barrier, accelerating the healing process of skin damage.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: It possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal abilities, making it useful in treating acne and other skin infections. It helps to cleanse the skin while reducing bacterial growth that can lead to acne outbreaks.

Skin Soothing: Chamomile extracts are often included in products meant to calm the skin, such as after-sun lotions, daily moisturizers, and face masks. These products help to soothe the skin after exposure to harsh environmental conditions or cosmetic procedures.

Natural Cleanser: Its extract can be used in facial cleansers or makeup removers due to its gentle and soothing properties. It helps remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, maintaining skin hydration.

Anti-aging Properties: Chamomile contains antioxidants which help protect the skin from free radical damage, a leading cause of premature skin aging. Regular use of chamomile-infused skincare products can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.

How to make your own chamomile oil from plants you’ve grown.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create chamomile-infused oil, which captures the essence and beneficial properties of the plant:

Materials Needed:
Fresh or dried chamomile flowers
A carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil)
A glass jar with a lid
A strainer or cheesecloth
A dark glass bottle for storage
Steps to Make Chamomile Infused Oil:
Harvest Chamomile Flowers:

Pick the flowers when they are fully open, typically on a sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated. You can use either fresh or dried chamomile flowers. If using fresh flowers, let them wilt for a day to reduce their moisture content, which can help prevent the oil from going rancid.

Prepare the Flowers: If you’re using fresh flowers, ensure they are clean and free from dirt and insects. Gently pat them dry if needed.

Fill the Jar: Place the chamomile flowers in the glass jar, filling it to about three-quarters full.

Add the Carrier Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the chamomile flowers until the jar is almost full, making sure the flowers are completely submerged to prevent mold formation.

Infuse the Oil: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot like a windowsill. Let the jar sit for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every couple of days to mix the contents.

Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into another clean glass jar to remove all the plant material. Ensure all bits of chamomile are removed to extend the oil’s shelf life.

Store the Oil: Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil over time. Label the bottle with the date and type of oil.

Storage: Store the oil in a cool, dark place. When stored properly, homemade chamomile oil can last up to a year.

Usage: Chamomile oil is gentle and can be used for various purposes, including skincare applications to soothe and moisturize the skin, in hair care formulations to condition and add shine, or in massage oils for its calming effects.

By making your own chamomile oil, you control the quality and concentration of the final product, ensuring that you get the most out of its therapeutic properties.