Golden Cups

Nina zipped her light jacket and stepped out into the late afternoon sun. The air was warm, the kind that coaxed flowers to bloom and made every step feel like a small renewal. She held a shallow basket in one hand and called to her niece, Ava, who was already skipping down the path.

“Let’s check on the chamomile,” Nina said. “I think it’s ready.”

They walked along the garden beds that lined the edge of the property, wildflowers swaying beside rows of kale, thyme, and calendula. At the far end, a patch of small white-and-yellow flowers glowed in the golden light.

“This is it?” Ava asked, crouching beside the low-growing plants.

Nina nodded. “Chamomile. These daisy-like blooms help with sleep, digestion, and calming nerves. It’s gentle enough for children, too.”

The scent was light and apple-like. Nina showed Ava how to pinch the flower heads off cleanly, just where they met the stem. “We want the full flower — it’s where the oils are.”

They worked slowly, speaking little, listening to the bees hum nearby.

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Later, inside the kitchen, the flower heads were spread out on a tray to dry — not in direct sunlight, but somewhere warm and airy. “They’ll dry in about a week,” Nina said, “but we’ll use fresh ones for tonight.”

She boiled water while Ava arranged fresh flowers in a small infuser ball.

“Do we add anything else?” Ava asked.

“Just a little honey. Chamomile’s best on its own, especially fresh.”

As the tea steeped, a soft, sweet aroma filled the room — like wildflowers and warm hay. They each took a cup to the front porch, where the sun was dipping low and painting the sky with streaks of lavender.

“Try sipping slowly,” Nina said. “It’s not just a drink — it’s medicine and ritual in one.”

Ava took a small sip, her shoulders relaxing almost immediately.

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🌼 Chamomile Tea Facts

• Scientific name: Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile)

• Benefits:

  • Supports relaxation and better sleep

  • Calms mild digestive issues like gas or bloating

  • Eases tension, stress, and mild anxiety

  • Safe for most children and elders

• Harvesting:

  • Pick flowers in full bloom on dry, sunny days

  • Dry flat in a shaded, warm place for 5–7 days

• Brewing:

  • Use 1 tablespoon of dried flowers or 2 tablespoons fresh

  • Steep covered in hot water (not boiling) for 5–10 minutes

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⚠️ Side Effects and Cautions

• Avoid if allergic to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds — all in the Asteraceae family.

• May cause drowsiness — avoid mixing with sedatives.

• Can interact with blood thinners (like warfarin).

• Not recommended during pregnancy in large amounts.

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As twilight settled, Nina and Ava sat quietly on the porch swing, cradling their mugs. It wasn’t just the tea working — it was the peace of the outing, the rhythm of harvesting, the gentle promise of rest.

And in that stillness, chamomile did what it was meant to do.