Plant of childhood, of the Sun and apples, of freedom:
Chamomile. When I carefully set your smooth green stems apart, and pluck your flower heads with a pop!, those little yellow suns I call them, my late Bisnonna Luigina appears. You see it! Heaps of flowers on the table. She offers to take over, her hands working with you in an old way, the eternal plant that you are. I only know her through you, and you through her, out of Time. In the way, we know each other as kids so. She’s funny, my Nonna Alicia is funny. I’m funny. May working with you help us all remember that. May singing to you mirror our nature back to us. May the fertile yellow wind move what has hardened, carry what is stuck, share what must be shared. Help us to remember that which we already know about being free.
DIY: Chamomile Herbal Infusion
Herbal infusions are a lot like teas, and they are a wonderful way to enter a relationship with plants. Unlike teas; however, herbal infusions require larger amounts of loose herb to make and steep for much longer, at least four hours or overnight. This makes them stronger in flavour and things like vitamins and oils. I like to prepare herbal infusions before I go to bed, then wake up and strain. Sip throughout the day, or save in the fridge for a couple of days (you can drink the infusion warm or chilled). This recipe uses the folk method (ie. inexact, feel-it-out method) of herbal infusions.
What you will need:
- Glass jar with lid (ie. quart)
- Boiling water
- Big handfuls of chamomile
Steps:
- Toss chamomile into glass jar
- Fill the jar to the top with boiling water
- Seal the jar with lid (alternatively you can use a small plate to cover)
- Let sit for at least four hours or overnight
- Strain and enjoy!
Part of the Daisy/Sunflower family: Chamomile’s many benefits often include help with stress, digestion, and sleep. Plants are also more than their uses and actions. Notice what comes up for you while making and drinking. Have fun!
Fiorella Morzi is an Oakville, Ontario-based library worker and writer. Her work has been published in Fat Girl Food and Shameless.
Andrea Manica is an artist living in Toronto. She works as an illustrator, mural painter, and tattooer. Her work has been exhibited in Toronto, Detroit, Yogyakarta, and Tokyo among other places.
andreamanica.com