Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Controversy erupted when a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology claimed chamomile tea might cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction-anaphylactic shock-in people allergic to ragweed. Herb conservatives immediately urged the millions of people with ragweed allergy to shun chamomile. Outraged herb advocates insisted chamomile was villified unfairly.

To settle the issue, researchers compiled every report of chamomile-induced allergic reactions from the entire world medical literature for the 95-year period from 1887 to 1982. The grand total: No deaths and 50 reactions-45 from Roman chamomile and just 5 from the German variety, the one typically used in the United States. Chamomile poses no health hazard. The only people who should think twice about using this herb (and its close relative, yarrow) are those who have suffered previous anaphylactic reactions from ragweed.

That doesn’t mean to say that reactions are impossible.

Large amounts of highly concentrated preparations have caused some nausea and vomiting.

Chamomile is on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, chamomile is safe in amounts typically recommended.

Chamomile should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If chamomile causes minor discomforts such as nausea or vomiting, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

Adds Fragrance to the Garden

German chamomile is an annual that reaches 3 feet. The Roman herb is a perennial groundcover that rarely exceeds 9 inches. Both have downy stems, feathery leaves, and daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white rays.

Most chamomile seed available in the United States is the annual German variety. It grows easily when sown in spring after danger of frost has passed Scatter the tiny seeds on well-prepared beds, then gently tamp down. Seedlings up to 2 inches tall transplant well. Taller plants do not.

German chamomile prefers sandy, well-drained soil in partially shaded gardens and tends to shrivel under full sun. It flowers at about six weeks and produces lush flowers even in the short summers of northern climes. The flowering lasts for several weeks, and if some flowers are left unharvested, the plant will sow itself. Don’t leave too many. This herb may become a pest.

Perennial Roman chamomile comes in two subtypes, single-flower and double-flower. Herbalists prefer the double flower variety, which adapts to almost any soil but favors moist, well-manured loam. The tiny seeds may be sown, but most gardeners prefer to propagate the plant from offshoots. Plant them about 18 inches apart in early spring.

Roman chamomile is quite hardy, but if your winters are particularly severe, protect the plants with mulch.

Oddly enough, Roman chamomile does best when it’s stepped on. In Britain, the plant is often used as a groundcover on garden paths. Walking on it releases the herb’s lovely apple fragrance and does not hurt the plant.

After harvesting, dry the flowers and store them in sealed containers to preserve theirvolatile oil.