Chamomile is the herb of the sun and of calm strength. The ancient Egyptians dedicated it to their sun god, Ra. The Anglo-Saxons counted it among their nine sacred herbs, and the Victorians gave the flower the meaning "energy in adversity." Practitioners work with chamomile today for peace, luck and money, restful sleep, purification, and gentle protection, and because it is sold everywhere as tea, it is one of the easiest magical herbs to keep on hand.
Chamomile Correspondences
These are the correspondences most practitioners work with.
| Correspondence | Chamomile |
|---|---|
| Latin names | Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile, formerly Anthemis nobilis) |
| Element | Water and air |
| Planets | Sun and Mercury |
| Zodiac signs | Leo and Virgo |
| Gender | Masculine |
| Deities | Ra, Cernunnos |
| Chakras | Solar plexus and crown |
| Day | Sunday |
| Tarot | The Sun, The Hermit |
| Crystals | Citrine, clear quartz, amber |
| Colors | Yellow, gold, and white |
| Sabbat | Litha (Midsummer) |
| Magical properties | Peace, luck, money, sleep, prophetic dreams, purification, love, protection |
Where the Name Comes From
Chamomile comes from the Greek khamaimēlon, "earth apple," from khamai, on the ground, and mēlon, apple. Crush a handful of the flowers and you will smell why. The fresh flowers have a sweet, apple-like scent, and Roman chamomile grows low enough to walk on.
Chamomile in History and Folklore
Chamomile has been honored for a very long time. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, the Egyptians dedicated chamomile to their sun god, Ra, which is where its solar correspondences come from. The Anglo-Saxons counted it among the nine sacred plants of the Nine Herbs Charm, a healing charm written down in the tenth-century Lacnunga manuscript alongside mugwort, plantain, nettle, and fennel. In the Middle Ages it was a strewing herb, scattered over floors so that every step released its scent.
Gardeners have their own chamomile folklore. They called it the physician herb because plants growing beside it were said to stay healthier. In the language of flowers, Kate Greenaway's 1884 Language of Flowers gives camomile the meaning "energy in adversity." It echoes an old saying that Shakespeare gave Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 1: "the more it is trodden on the faster it grows." And in Beatrix Potter's 1902 The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Rabbit doses Peter with chamomile tea after his narrow escape from Mr. McGregor's garden.
Chamomile Flower Meaning
In the Victorian language of flowers, the chamomile flower stands for energy in adversity, and that meaning still guides how it is given today. A small bunch of chamomile is a fitting gift for someone going through a hard season. It says that you see their strength, not only their trouble. Its bright yellow center and white petals also make it a little sun of its own, which is why it sits at the heart of so much solar magic.
Chamomile's Magical Properties
- Peace. Chamomile is the classic herb for calming a tense home and quieting arguments.
- Luck and money. In Scott Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (1985), gamblers wash their hands in chamomile tea before they play, and it is added to money sachets.
- Sleep and dreams. Sachets and pillows of chamomile are used for restful nights and dreams that come true.
- Purification. Chamomile washes and baths are used to clear away heavy, lingering feelings after a conflict.
- Solar magic. As Ra's herb, chamomile is used in sun rituals, on Sundays, and at Litha.
- Love. The petals go into love sachets and baths to open the heart.
- Protection. Dried flowers sprinkled along the edges of a property are used for gentle protection.
How to Use Chamomile in Witchcraft
Chamomile tea bags work for most of these workings. Whole dried flowers look better on an altar and in sachets, and they are easier to strain.
Chamomile tea ritual. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers, or one tea bag, in 1 cup of just-boiled water for 5 minutes. Hold your hands over the cup and breathe your intention into the steam, whether that is for calm, clarity, or a quiet night, then drink it slowly.
Gambler's hand wash for luck. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and let it cool. Wash your hands in it before a game, a negotiation, or a job interview, and let them air-dry.
Money sachet. Fill a small green or gold bag with 1 tablespoon each of dried chamomile, mint, and basil, add a small lodestone, and carry it in your purse or keep it near where you handle money.
Sleep and dream sachet. Mix 1 tablespoon each of dried chamomile, lavender, and hops in a small white cloth bag and tuck it inside your pillowcase. Keep a notebook by the bed for any dreams worth remembering. Our lavender and chamomile dream eye pillow works the same way.
Peace incense. Crumble dried chamomile onto a lit charcoal disk in a heatproof dish, alone or with a few grains of frankincense, and carry the smoke through each room after an argument. Open a window as you go.
Purification floor wash. Steep 1 cup of dried chamomile in 4 cups of just-boiled water for 15 minutes, strain it, and add it to a bucket of warm water. Wash the floors from the back of the house toward the front door, then pour the leftover water outside.
Chamomile bath. Steep 1 cup of dried flowers in 4 cups of just-boiled water for 15 minutes, strain it, and add it to a warm bath with a handful of sea salt. Soak before an important ritual or after a hard day, and picture the day's tension washing off. Skip the bath if you are allergic to ragweed or daisies.
Sun ritual. On a Sunday at noon or at Litha, set a yellow candle on a plate ringed with dried chamomile flowers and a piece of citrine. Light the candle and name one thing you want to grow in the bright half of the year. Our candle color guide has more on yellow and gold candles.
Guided meditation. For a longer practice, try our chamomile relaxation and empowerment guided meditation script.
German vs. Roman Chamomile
Two plants share the name. German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is the annual sold as tea and as the whole dried flowers most shops carry, including our whole Egyptian chamomile flowers. Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, is a low perennial that spreads into lawns and paths. Both carry the same magical meaning, so use whichever you can find.
Chamomile Safety
Chamomile belongs to the daisy family, so people allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds may react to it, in tea or in the bath. Roman chamomile is not considered safe during pregnancy, and chamomile can interact with blood thinners and other medicines. If either applies to you, keep chamomile on the altar rather than in your cup or bath.
Chamomile FAQ
What does chamomile mean spiritually?
Chamomile is the herb of the sun, peace, and calm strength. The Egyptians dedicated it to Ra, and practitioners use it for peace, luck, sleep, and purification.
What does the chamomile flower symbolize?
In the Victorian language of flowers, chamomile stands for "energy in adversity," the strength to keep growing when life presses down.
What is chamomile used for in witchcraft?
Chamomile is used in tea rituals, luck hand washes, money and sleep sachets, peace incense, floor washes, baths, and sun rituals.
Is chamomile good for luck and money?
Yes. Scott Cunningham records gamblers washing their hands in chamomile tea before playing, and chamomile goes into money sachets with mint and basil.
What planet and element rule chamomile?
Chamomile is ruled by the sun, often with Mercury, and most practitioners give it to water, sometimes with air.
Can you burn chamomile?
Yes. Dried chamomile can be burned on a charcoal disk in a heatproof dish, alone or with frankincense. Burn small amounts with a window open.
Which chamomile is best for spells, German or Roman?
Either works. German chamomile is the one sold as tea and dried flowers, and Roman chamomile is the low plant grown in lawns and paths.
Who should not use chamomile?
People allergic to ragweed or daisies, and anyone pregnant or taking blood thinners, should keep chamomile out of teas and baths and use it only on the altar.
