Chamomile Calm
By Lynn Kirkland for 15th December
Ten sleeps to Christmas and for those
with children excitement and anticipation
will be building. In some cases nerves
may be getting a little stretched.
Chamomile is the herb that can help bring
a sense of calm and peace into the household.
There are two types of chamomile which
you can grow in the garden.
One is German Chamomile which is an annual
which flowers prolifically in the summer.
The flowers can be picked and dried to
use for a calming and sedative tea.
This is the chamomile Peter rabbit’s Mum
used as a calming tea after his near death
experience in Farmer McGregor’s garden.
Chamomile tea can relax anyone from fretful
babies to anxious adults.
The other type of chamomile is a perennial
ground cover called Roman Chamomile.
It grows close to the ground and forms
a dense cushion to sit on or walk over.
This is the beautiful green mat that our
elf is lying on while he relaxes and writes
his Christmas wish list.
Roman Chamomile has a lovely aroma which
is released when you press on it.
Children usually say it smells like chewing
gum and Juicy Fruit is usually how they
describe it. Herb books usually describe
the fragrance as apple scented. It definitely
makes you feel calm when you inhale the
aroma.
If your children want to make their own
gifts this year they may like to make
“Stress Free Pots” for family and friends.
It is as easy as one, two, and three.
Step One: Buy a Roman Chamomile herb plant
and a small pot.
Step Two: Pot up your chamomile.
Step Three: Write a sign saying: “PAT,
INHALE AND RELAX”
What could be simpler and a hand made
gift is always well received.
Grove
Road, RD10
Ashhurst
Manawatu
New Zealand
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