A cup of hot chamomile tea is the perfect way to end to any day, as it helps to calm the mind and relax the spirit. I know that I enjoy it most evenings. Beyond its ability to tame frayed nerves, chamomile has many other benefits, both for the garden and for us. I love growing chamomile for so many reasons! Here are my top ten reasons to grow chamomile in your herb garden.
So far, research into the potency of chamomile tea has shown promise. However, studies vary with some research proving clear benefits compared to alternative remedies, and others merely pointing to possible ones.
For most people, chamomile tea is safe to try as a supplement to other treatments, but it should not replace mainstream medical treatments when people have serious illnesses.
Fast facts about chamomile tea:
- Dried chamomile flowers are used to make chamomile tea.
- Researchers are interested in the benefits of consuming chamomile tea.
- Similarly to any other herbal remedy, it is not safe for everyone.
- The more potent the tea, the more likely it is to offer health benefits.
CHAMOMILE BENEFITS FOR YOUR GARDEN
1. CHAMOMILE IS A WONDERFUL COMPANION PLANT:
Chamomile is a great companion plant because not only does it keep fungal infections away from your fruit trees and bushes, but also helps protect those plants against aphids.
I always recommend planting chamomiles around brassicas such as broccoli or kale; they will be more protected that way! If you put some down near other herbs like mint for example then this too makes them produce oils better than before.
2. CHAMOMILE DRAWS BENEFICIAL INSECTS AND POLLINATORS TO THE GARDEN:
Not only does it make your plants more attractive to beneficial insects and pollinators, but chamomile also helps discourage invertebrate pests by emitting a natural scent.
3. CHAMOMILE TEA IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST UNWANTED PESTS:
The chamomile plant is like a magnet to both beneficial insects and mosquitoes. Brew double strength tea, then add it into your garden for protection against fungal infections as well as aphids or other unwanted pests!
Spray this mixture onto seedlings before they grow up so you can keep these harmful bugs away too- after all, healthy plants are happy ones!
4. CHAMOMILE TEA IS AN EFFECTIVE FERTILIZER:
Chamomile is an excellent organic fertilizer. Just make sure to cut the chamomile plant back when it reaches about two feet tall, and then break up its leaves so that all of the pieces can absorb water like a sponge!
Afterward place everything in an old pillowcase (including stems) and add it into a 5-gallon bucket full of water.
After two weeks, your tea mixture will be ready for use! Just dilute it with clean water and you’ll have a 3:1 ratio. You can reuse the plant parts to make another batch or two which means less waste overall.
5. CHAMOMILE PLANTS MAKE EXCELLENT MULCH:
At the end of every season, cut down and grind your chamomile plants for use as mulch or add them to garden waste piles.
The flowers can also help keep pests away because they’re high in minerals like calcium!
6. CHAMOMILE IS A LOADED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS:
It turns out that chamomile is not just for your stomach! It’s also been shown to improve immune function, reduce pain and swelling in the body as well as healthier hair, skin eyes or teeth.
You’ll be happy to know this plant can lower rates mood disorders too so it will have you feeling better than ever before soon enough with its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. CHAMOMILE MAY KEEP YOUR HEART HAPPY:
Research has shown that chamomile is great for lowering your risk of dying from heart disease. It’s the flavonoids in this plant, which are related to lower death rates among older men!