Chamomile is on my mind today. Have you noticed her springing up recently, in the pathways along the trails, and wildly in the hills? Such a simple medicine, and yet so potent. Chamomile's botanical (Latin) name is Matricaria, which comes from the word for womb- timely for Mother's Day approaching! And doesn't it feel like chamomile is everyone's archetypal mama (unless you are allergic- if so, just use the energetic flower essence)? Taking care of us when we don't feel well or have a tummy ache, soothing our nerves and tucking us into bed with a kiss on the forehead and a sweet dreams? Sometimes under-appreciated, we may not realize all of her powerful ways.
In addition to helping with digestion, sleep, calming, and colds, chamomile can benefit the eyes and skin; protect heart health; balance blood sugar; ease menstrual pain; support the immune and respiratory systems; and has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial properties. Chamomile is also thought of as a symbol of healing rest and the divine feminine, as well as good fortune.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, we are moving from Spring (Wood element) time into Summer (Fire element) time-- Summer Solstice being the midpoint of summer in this system-- and we can also think of Earth element at this time of seasonal transition (see the Elements page for more on these topics). Appropriately, chamomile soothes our congested Liver (Wood) qi, calms our Heart (Fire) spirit, and settles our Stomach (Earth); it is the perfect medicine for right now.
Chamomile reminds us to slooooowww down, even as she brightens our spirits. She reminds us to nourish our yin, to rest and digest and breathe, to feel at home and find our healing in the everyday, ordinary, kitchen-table moments. To take time to daydream and wander, feet kissing the chamomile-strewn earth. To know that just our very be-ing is enough, to know that we are a beloved child of this Life. Chamomile reminds us of a different way of moving in and perceiving time, a timeline that is longer, slower, ancient and eternal. Chamomile remembers that we can feel mothered and nurtured in a simple cup of tea, and that the smallest acts of caring can have profound reverberations.
Sending you a chamomile breath and blessing today~
May you feel loved, soothed, nourished, and well.
With Heart and Earth blessings and love,
Shoshana