tiny happy

making journal

DSC00667

DSC00677

DSC00688

We have a lot of chamomile tangles in our garden. It's been growing really well since Susie gave me my first plant last year. Lots of self-seeded plants and feathery leaves are all popping up all over the herb garden, so I thought I'd make some tea. I have a bunch of these stems drying in a cupboard but I read that you can use the fresh flower heads to make really flavoursome tea…. and you can! So the word 'chamomile' in ancient Greek originates from 'little apple', and when I was steeping the tea it gave a really strong apple scent. And just a few flower heads produce the most amazing yellow colour. I wonder, with a mordant, could it be used for a textile dye, as well? The chamomile flowers and leaves featured in my all-over embroidery for the week, too. 

Hope this finds you well and happy. See you tomorrow!

Posted in

12 responses to “chamomile tea”

  1. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar

    They are so pretty. I especially like your first photograph.

    Like

  2. Jill Wignall Avatar

    oh yes I thoroughly enjoy chamomile
    tea. I buy mine from a shop but yes it’s made
    with flower heads. I don’t know about
    dyeing, Margie will have to answer that one.
    What will you do with the stems Melissa?
    The embroidery looks beautiful as always.

    Like

  3. Isidora Avatar

    Fresh flowers for tea? I always thought they had to be dried… Good information!

    Like

  4. Jennifer Lin Avatar
    Jennifer Lin

    Hi Melissa,
    Check out this webbie:-
    http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tea-dyeing.htm
    It’s got simple instructions on how to dye with camomile tea. To be honest (& I know this sounds shocking from a Chemistry major!), I didn’t realize that alum or cream of tartar could be used as a mordant, to fix dyes. Well, u learn somethg new everyday, I guess.
    Do let us know what the results from your “experiment” are…. ;o)

    Like

  5. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    dyers camomile works very well. It can also be used to make your hair golden especially with a little lemon juice.

    Like

  6. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo Avatar

    It means apple that is down (on the earth let’s say). It is excellent for many problems but don’t overdo it especially if you are low in iron in your blood.
    AriadnefromGreece!

    Like

  7. sonia Avatar

    It’s the first time I write a comment on your blog, only to say that I love your idea to look around you and transfer the world on these beautiful tissues.
    And I love drinking chamomile before going to sleep, it’s sweet, hot and relaxing.

    Like

  8. Nicole Avatar

    Now you have me dreaming about fresh chamomile tea (sounds heavenly) and pretty embroidery…

    Like

  9. GRACIA AND LOUISE Avatar

    Chamomile tangles sound just perfect to me, and I like how you’ve translated your garden to fabric.
    g xo

    Like

  10. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    chamomile is my favourite tes, I adore it.

    Like

  11. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    tea that is…

    Like

  12. coco Avatar

    yeah, i love camomile and thinking about sewing seed next spring. is it east to grow them?
    i wonder what the tip for taking care of that.

    Like

Leave a reply to Jennifer Lin Cancel reply