Monterey Club Chamomile Powder 1lbs 454grams

**Powdered Chamomile Flower Overview** **Quick Look:** * **Origin:** Egypt * **Plant Part Used:** Flower * **Processing:** Powdered form * **Active Compounds:** Chamazulene, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, and hyperoside. * **Approximate Cups to One Pound:** 6 * **Why Choose Powdered Chamomile:** The powdered form blends easily into cosmetic formulations, teas, foods, and natural remedies. **Storage & Appearance:** Store in a sealed container, away from direct light, in a cool and dark place below 63°F. The powder has a light texture with a gentle floral or fruity scent. **Common Uses:** * **Cosmetic:** Found in soaps, lotions, salves, and balms. * **Culinary:** Can be directly added to foods or infused in teas. * **Personal Care:** Easily tinctured, encapsulated, or blended with oils for aromatherapy and massages. * **Household:** A cooled chamomile tea spray can be used on garden plants to help prevent fungal issues. * **Safety:** Avoid use if allergic to ragweed-related plants. **Flavor Profile:** Mild and pleasant flavor that pairs well with poultry, mild fish, apples, pears, vanilla, parsley, peppermint, lavender, and black pepper. **Background and History:** Chamomile, derived from the Greek word *“chamaimilon”* meaning “earth apple,” has been valued since ancient Egypt where it was dedicated to Ra, the sun god. In medieval Europe, it was grown as a fragrant groundcover to mask unpleasant odors and used as a strewing herb on floors. **Botanical Details:** Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. Common varieties include German Chamomile (*Matricaria recutita*) and Roman Chamomile (*Chamaemelum nobile*). Egyptian Chamomile, specific to the Nile River Valley, is prized for its rich flavor. The plant features feathery leaves and daisy-like blooms with white petals and a yellow center, thriving best in dry, sandy soils. **Culinary Companions:** Pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, bran, fruits, honey, parsley, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, anise, and cumin. **Folklore & Gardening Wisdom:** Often called the “plant doctor,” chamomile promotes the health of nearby herbs such as basil, rosemary, and mint. Spraying plants with chamomile tea is believed to deter fungal growth and improve vigor. **Traditional and Modern Applications:** Chamomile has been used for centuries to flavor soups, sauces, teas, and natural extracts. Its essential oil component, bisabolol, is a key ingredient in soothing skincare products. It’s also used as a natural hair rinse for light tones and as a dye for fabrics. **Safety Notes:** Due to its mild sedative compounds like apigenin, it’s best to avoid combining chamomile with sedative medications. Individuals allergic to ragweed or similar plants should exercise caution. **Summary:** Powdered Chamomile Flower is a versatile and naturally soothing herbal ingredient. From culinary uses to skincare, it embodies centuries of traditional wisdom and gentle effectiveness.