Roman chamomile (Chamaemeleum nobile), simply as a cup of tea or infused in a warm bath helps to quiet the mind and dissolve nervous tension in the body, not necessarily to sedate, but to promote calm discernment. With an affinity for digestive issues, Roman chamomile helps to balance the solar plexus, our seat of personal will, self-worth, and nurturance. Gabriel Mojay writes in Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, “The chamomiles help us let go of fixed expectations, calmly acknowledge our limitations, and more readily accept the help and support that others can manage to give.” Day by day, chamomile helps us to access the humble courage to simply show up and offer our true selves.

* Some other poet, some other saint in reference to “Integrity” found in New Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton (New Directions Books, 1961)