The flowers are the part of the plant used, and may be harvested from May through August. The uses for chamomile are numerous. Externally it can be used as a poultice to heal skin ulcers, burns, infections, and rashes, and as a hair tonic, especially for blond hair. In a sitz bath, chamomile tea sooths cystitis and external hemorrhoids. The essential oil may be use externally for neuralgia and eczema, and steam inhalation is helpful for asthma, hay fever, sinusitis and catarrh.
Chamomile tea is very easy to make and has a mild, pleasant taste.
Tea from wildcrafted flowers usually tastes best. The flowers should still have their white and yellow colors and a fresh smell. Avoid flowers that are brown or old with little smell. Chamomile tea may be given to people of all ages from infants to the elderly. It is especially helpful to reduce the symptoms of colic, fever and teething pain in babies.