Lately I’ve been thinking about emergence and transition, about what it’s like to move out of periods of darkness or change and come into new ways of being, living, and even loving. I’ve been thinking about the grief involved in that, about how necessary grief is as a process, how it eventually leaves a clearing…and about how often we experience a grief process but don’t recognize it as that.
The process is different when we’re able to call it what it is. Grief likes to be welcomed into the room, given a proper seat.
CHAMOMILE :: Matricaria chamomila – her medicine is often taken for granted.
Because we think we know her so well, we dismiss her power. She sits in the cabinet, in that box of chamomile tea you overlook, hearing you complain about things she could help you with: how you can’t sleep at night, how wired and anxious you are, how you’re feeling a little low again today. She longs to share her sweet apple-scented fragrance with you, give you some of her delight and comfort.
Tasting the gentleness in her, we underestimate her strength. Still, she shines of the sun, bright with healing force. She is a lifter, the friend who always has enough joy bubbling over to give you some too; her light brightens your life when you’re feeling down.
I’ve been aided by chamomile for sleep support, anxiety relief, mood lifting, and digestive support. It’s very helpful for easing digestive issues that coincide with – or are triggered by – stress or anxiety, such as IBS. For supporting sleep or reducing anxiety, it blends well with lemon balm or lavender.
For more on chamomile as a medicinal plant, I invite you to check out this guide by the American Botanical Council.
This article is for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease.
