Camomile

Anthemis nobilis.

This is a half-hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant, growing wild in various parts of England, by roadsides and in gravelly pastures. Its stems rest upon the surface of the ground, and send out roots, by which the plants spread and are rapidly increased.

Soil and Culture.—Camomile flourishes best in light, poor soil; and is generally propagated by dividing the roots, and setting them in rows a foot apart, and eight or ten inches from each other in the rows. They will soon entirely occupy the ground.

Gathering.—The flowers should be gathered in a dry day, and when they are fully expanded. They are generally spread in an airy, shady situation for a few days, and afterwards removed to a heated apartment to perfect the drying.

Common Camomile.

The flowers of this variety are single. Though considered more efficacious for medicinal purposes, it is not so generally cultivated as the Double-flowering. Its leaves are finely cut, or divided; and, when bruised, emit a peculiar, pungent odor. It may be grown from seeds, or slips, and from divisions of the plants, or roots.

Double-Flowering Camomile.

A variety of the foregoing, with large, white, double flowers. The leaves are of the same form, but milder in their odor and taste. It is equally hardy with the Single-flowering, and much more ornamental. Though generally considered less efficacious than the last named, it is generally cultivated for use and the market on account of the greater bulk and weight of its flowers.

It is propagated by slips, with a few of the small roots attached. Both of the sorts are classed as hardy perennials; but, in the Northern and Eastern States, the plants are frequently destroyed in severe winters.

Use.—"The flowers, which are the parts principally used, have long been in high repute, both in the popular and scientific Materia Medica, and give out their properties by infusion in either water or alcohol. The flowers are also sometimes used in the manufacture of bitter beer, and, along with Wormwood, made, to a certain extent, a substitute for hops. In many parts of England, the peasants have what they call a 'Camomile seat' at the end of their gardens, which is constructed by cutting out a bench in a bank of earth, and planting it thickly with the Double-flowering variety; on which they delight to sit, and fancy it conducive to health."—M'Int.

It is considered a safe bitter, and tonic; though strong infusions, when taken warm, sometimes act as an emetic.