Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile is a low, creeping perennial of the daisy family, native to Western Europe and the north-west of the Maghreb and naturalised well beyond; in Britain it grows wild in the south of England and parts of Wales. Its feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers, white rays round a yellow centre, smell of apples, which gave it the Greek name meaning 'ground apple'. It is often confused with German chamomile, a quite different plant. Grieve records that the Egyptians dedicated it to their gods, that it was a strewing herb in the Middle Ages, and that it was planted along garden walks, where treading on it releases the scent; the tea of its flowers was an old remedy for nervous complaints and indigestion, and the herb went into herb beers. Today the plant goes into teas, perfumes, cosmetics and aromatherapy, though no medicinal effect has been established. Kynes tells of chamomile thrown on Midsummer bonfires for protection and prosperity, and hung in German houses against thunderstorms and bewitchment. Cunningham gives it to the Sun and water, and to money, sleep, love and purification: gamblers wash their hands in the infusion, and it is sprinkled round a property to lift curses. Kynes adds air, Mercury, Cancer and Leo, and powers that include divination, healing and psychic abilities.