Chamomile Tea

Botanical: Matricaria chamomilla

Origin: Sri Lanka

Health Benefits: This tea contains antioxidants and naturally occurring compounds that
aids sleep, reduce insomnia and can also help with digestion. It also displays anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to reduce the incidence of some cancers
and have been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

Of all the herbs, Chamomile is possibly the most widespread, growing in most temperate countries around the globe. Chamomile has a delightful daisy like flower that can be picked at least three times in a growing season. The buds have a floral, herby bouquet and when brewed the golden liquor releases notes of apple, flowers and herbs. The name has Greek origins and literally translates as ‘ground apple’ suggesting that the herb has been used throughout history. The calming and soothing properties of the tea are well known, but it also can prevent nausea and help with an upset stomach. At day’s end a cup of Chamomile will help you drift off to sleep.

Brewing Chamomile Tea
To get a clean and silky taste with notes of apple and honey, steep 1 teaspoon of Chamomile Tea in a 220 ml cup for about 2-3 minutes.

The Red Spotted Sawtooth Butterfly

Prioneris clemanthe

The Red Spotted Sawtooth is common in
Sri Lanka where Chamomile is grown. They are highly social and flock in huge ‘Kaleidoscopes’ often gathering around water. The edge of a Sawtooth’s wing has tiny serrations like teeth on a saw blade. These serrations reduces sound and improves aerodynamics.