Seeds arrived! + spotlight on German Chamomile (Metricaria recutita)

Abundant seeds arrived today, although without the pole beans. So I contacted them to let them know, yet I hope they believe me. So here I am interpreting the pretty seed packages. Also at work I was chatting with a parent from Germany, and we looked up a map of where my grandmother grew up (I can't believe I hadn't done that before). She loved sunflowers, and I've shared a cup of tea or two with her. Chamomile also happens to be the tea of most abundance at my current home, here before I arrived, some which was sent from Latvia, so I can't read the packaging. But the look and smell can't be mistaken. So I am happy to grow this plant for Dita when she returns in the summer.

[Photo taken from Abundant Life Seeds website]

Of any tea to have in abundance chamomile is a wise choice. I'm sure it's in the house of every tea drinker. When I was first introduced to the tea I was told it was a relaxant and sleep aid, and good to drink when you are sick. I now understand there are better herbs for easing these ailments, but still I am attached to chamomile like a best friend. Because it's so gentle. I'm currently drinking it in a blend with St Johns Wort, Peppermint, Spearmint and Gingko, I'm calling "Dream Dance" (carminitive, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bitter, nervine, tonic, vulnerary, hypnotic, astringent, anti-spasmodic). If you are wondering what these terms mean check out this resource: healthy people, healthy planet.

But I should say more about this wonderful plant. As an "hypnotic", the flowers are indeed a sleep aid, and a relaxant counteracting anxiety. Modern research can defend this diagnosis and treatment (although more research is always needed), while among folk therapy it's rarely disputed. In one study from University of Pennsylvania, 57 participants diagnosed with generalized anxiety received chamomile extract over 8 weeks. Compared with placebo, chamomile-takers demonstrated a greater reduction in anxiety (HAM-A scores) - in a way that was "clinically meaningful and statistically significant". Go figure centuries of traditional plant medicine could prove to be meaningful and significant in these modern times.

Still I'm not sure how I will grow chamomile. Direct sow is not advised, except in soil temps between 60-75 degrees. For best germination, I'm supposed to use a seedling tray, and expect something slow and erratic. On top of that the seeds are said to need a 4-6 week period of "cold stratification" in soil temps of 33-35 degrees. Basically I need an indoor grow lamp for that initial heat, than should leave them outside in their seed tray covered. I'm praying that my friend's offer for use of grow lamps at her house actually pans out.