Properties of Chamomile for health.
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Chamomile, as we already know, is a typical medicinal plant of the temperate zones, characterized mainly by its small white flowers very similar to those of a daisy, with a length of 1-2 cm in diameter, with a stem that can reach up to 70 centimeters high, with a straight and branched growth. Chamomile is characterized by having anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, nervous and skin problems among others.
Your Cultivation
Chamomile seeds are characterized by being very small. We must get a nursery or pot with a soil that has good drainage. If the soils are sandy and without nutrients, we can solve it, applying a good amount of compost, we must also keep in mind the depth of the seeds, which should be 3 times its size, then cover with mixture but without compressing it and finally watering immediately after sowing and maintaining humidity. Then we must be aware of its growth, which will be in about two weeks.
In the same way we should keep in mind when transplanting, which should be done when our seedlings have the second pair of true leaves, preferably in the afternoon, likewise, the distance between plants depends on the variety of the plant of chamomile which should be between 25 cm and 50 cm between each plant. We must remove the seedlings from the nursery with as much soil as possible, since the roots of them are delicate and these roots are usually compressed or entangled. For this reason the ideal is to make the holes in the soil and apply sufficient compost before transplant, when we place it on the ground we must cover it to the first leaves and compress the soil to stabilize the plants, then we water them in a circle without wetting their leaves.
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As we already know, the chamomile field develops in full sun, but it must have a good drainage, the earth must be kept moist but not soaked. As this plant demands many nutrients, it is advisable to apply compost at least once a month so that it can have a good development and growth, always avoiding the escape of soil moisture, which is why it should be irrigated.
This is a resistant plant and is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, we must review it weekly, to eliminate the aphids we can apply water with a bit of biodegradable soap in the afternoon to avoid damage by the sun, the trips cause small white spots on the leaves and the pillbugs feed on the plant. To prevent the appearance of pests and diseases, we must avoid weeds.
To encourage flowering of the chamomile plant, we must remove withered leaves and open flowers, although the harvest of the flowers depends on the variety of the plant, for the annual variety, the flowers are collected at the end of the season or when they begin the frosts. The whole plant is plucked and hung upside down to dry completely, place it inside a paper bag so that the dried flowers do not fall to the ground. The perennial variety, the plants are cut until they are about 5-10 cm high, when most of the flowers are completely open. But in both cases, it is important to collect on dry days and hang them until they dry completely.
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The dried chamomile flowers can be stored in airtight glasses, completely clean and dry. We must store them in cupboards or cool spaces without giving them direct sunlight, because this takes away some properties.
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PROPERTIES OF THE MANZANILLA
Chamomile is a mainly medicinal plant that in the form of tea relieves stomach discomfort, relaxes muscles, helps to sleep and reduces pain due to menstrual cramps. This plant is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, among its multiple properties we can mention that it is used for dermatitis, chickenpox, wounds, gum inflammation, reduce hyperactivity, as a soothing and relaxing, relieves stress, helps in the treatment of anxiety, helps relieve dizziness and menstrual cramps; among many other properties so I recommend them widely for their cultivation and use.
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