The flowers of the herb chamomile (or camomile), infused in hot water make a soothing tea. Made famous among readers of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit, children know that this fruity tea served at bedtime will have a soporific effect. However, it has been used through the ages for its many other medicinal qualities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.

Chamomile is frequently paired with peppermint to aid digestion or lemongrass to relax nerves. As a plant, Anthemis nobilis, the Roman variety grows all over Europe as a perennial. A member of the Aster family, it looks like a pretty bush full of white daisy-like blossoms. Another variety that grows wild is German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, with milder but equally medicinal qualities. "Chamomile" comes from the Greek for "ground apple," which is roughly how the crushed flowers smell.

Ancient Egyptians grew chamomile to treat a variety of ailments. They believed chamomile was a sacred herb associated with the sun god, Ra, and would present offerings to appease Him. Although now we associate chamomile with drowsiness, they used it for gastrointestinal disorders and women's ailments. In fact, the Latin "matricaria" means "womb," and communicates how helpful the infusion was to soothe discomforts associated with menstruation and pregnancy. They also treated liver disorders, kidney stones, and sour stomach by drinking tea or taking the extracted oil as a medicine. Rolled up, steeped plant material is even a useful poultice for injuries.

As with any herbal infusion, freshly boiled water poured over loose dried flowers from the plant steeps a strong, fragrant tea. Teabags are an appropriate substitute if loose flowers or an infuser is unavailable. Active ingredients include alphabisabolol, matricin, and bioflavonoids in the flower's light blue oil. Since it has such low toxicity, chamomile tea is recommended for children for colds, insomnia, or an upset stomach. However, as with any plant, some people have an allergic reaction, and the more concentrated chamomile oil should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.