Chamomile Flowers, Whole

(Matricaria recutita) Chamomile flowers come from an annual plant that can be found growing today in many places throughout the world. A cup of fragrant, apple-like chamomile is a wonderful way to relax after a stressful day. Chamomile Rice Pudding with Tea-Soaked Golden Raisins Recipe from Serious Eats by Kerry Saretsky - serves 4 to 6 - Ingredients: 2 cups water 3 tablespoons of dried edible chamomile flowers 4 cups milk 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup Arborio rice 1 chamomile tea bag 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup sugar Pinch of salt 1/4 cup cream to finish (optional) Honey Procedure 1. Start as though you were making a risotto. In two separate pots, heat the water and the milk. Place the chamomile flowers (not the tea bags) in the water, and allow to steep for at least ten minutes. Strain the flowers out, and return the chamomile water to the pan to keep warm. 2. Melt the butter in a wide pan with sides over medium low heat. Add the rice, and stir to coat, cooking for just a minute in the butter until the rice turns translucent. 3. Use a ladle to add the water bit by bit to the rice, adding more only as it is absorbed, and stirring continuously. Once you have used all the water, switch to milk, and continue to stir. 4. Meanwhile, brew a cup of chamomile tea with the tea bag. Place the golden raisins in the tea to rehydrate. 5. Once most of the milk has been used, and the pudding has reached a thick, porridge-like texture, add the sugar and stir it in to melt over the heat. Add the pinch of salt as well. 6. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in a splash of cream to finish, and serve hot, in separate bowls or ramekins. Strain the golden raisins out of the tea, and top the pudding with them. Serve with honey alongside. Chamomile Shampoo ¼ cup water ¼ cup liquid soap (castile) ½ tsp light vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. dried Chamomile flowers ½ cup boiling water Pour the ½ cup boiling water over the chamomile and steep for 30 minutes and strain. Mix together the ¼ cup water, soap and oil. Mix the shampoo mixture into the chamomile water and shampoo as usual. Chamomile Hair Conditioner 1/2 cup chamomile flowers 1/2 cup olive, safflower or sunflower oil Combine the chamomile and oil in a jar with a lid. Place on a sunny windowsill and shake the jar at least once a day. After two weeks, strain out the herbs. Apply to the ends of your hair (not the scalp) and leave in approximately 10 minutes. Shampoo out. See other recipes for Chamomile Herbal Tea Please Note: The information given here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.