Herb Of The Year:
1995 Fennel
1996 Monarda
1997 Thyme
1998 Mint
1999 Lavender
2000 Rosemary
2001 Sage
2002 Echinacea
2003 Basil
2004 Garlic
2005 Oregano and Marjoram
2006 Scented Geraniums
2007 Lemon Balm
2008 Calendula
2009 Bay Laurel
2010 Dill
2011 Horseradish
2012 Rose
2013 Elderberry
2014 Artemisias
2015 Savory
2016 Peppers Caspicum ssp.
2017 Coriander/Cilantro 
Coriandrum sativum
2018 Hops
Humulus ssp.
​2019 Agastache
Foeniculum 
2020 Rubus ssp. (Blackberries,
Raspberries et al.)
2021  Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

2022 Viola (Violet, Johnny Jump Ups)

Family violaceae

2023 Herb of the year - Ginger

2024 - Yarrow

2025 - Chamomile - Matricaria




Herb of the Year for 2025 Chamomile


Chamomile is certainly a Herb most of us are familiar with as a calming and refreshing tea, even if we have not seen it growing.  It is a plant that has proved itself useful to humans for thousands of years.


There are two distinctly different plants of Chamomile - German chamomile and Roman chamomile.  While these are two quite different plants they are similar in appearance but different in size, life cycle and uses.


Let us look first at German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) a self-seeding annual (will grow back if it self seeds) plant with small daisy like flowers over ferny fragrant foliage growing to about 30 inches tall.  Both flowers and foliage can be used to make a soothing sedative tea and the foliage can be either dried or fresh.  It is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and sedative properties. 


Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a hardy perennial (grows back each year) with small daisy like flowers growing over fragrant apple scented foliage.  It is much smaller than its cousin growing from 8-10 inches and can be used to grow a beautiful "chamomile lawn" in temperate climates.  It also can be used for tea and is said to have medicinal properties to reduce fever, stomach upset, headache and inflammation.   The foliage contains fragrant essential oils used as scents in perfumery and in aromatherapy as a calming sedative.


Both types of chamomile lend themselves as flavoring agents in jams, candies and many types of liqueurs and vermouth,  Remember that it is the flowers, buds and foliage that are the usable part of the plant, NOT the roots.




Ways to use chamomile

As an infusion (tea)

Add to bathwater

Inhale by steaming to clear sinuses

Made into a tincture, cream or salve


   











Leslie Bingham April 2025


​Herb of the Year Criteria​


The  International Herb Association established National Herb Week in 1991 and every year since 1995 they have chosen an Herb Of The Year.  The Herb Of The Year must fulfill its mandate by being useful in 2 out of  3 categories:  Medicinal, Culinary or Decorative. 

 The original use of herbs was for medicine.  In ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Assyria the treatment of diseases was performed by the use of herbs and spices either ingested or used as a poultice, salve, balm or the ancient word 'nard.'   Arcane herbal knowledge has come down to us through the generations and today we look to the past finding out  how our ancestors  used herbs on a daily basis to keep their households healthy and happy.  Here in San Antonio we are part of an ancient native American culture that used herbs for healing and in food preparation daily. There is no substitute for clipping a handful of  fresh herbs from your garden  or a pot on your kitchen window adding flavor and freshness to your dinner table and in so doing improving our health and linking us to centuries of herbal knowledge.

What Is An Herb?  According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, an herb is defined as a "(1) seed plant that lacks woody tissue and dies to the ground at the end of a growing season.  (2) A plant or plant part valued for medicinal or savory qualities."  The value of the plant can be in its leaves, stems, seeds or root.  They are valued and harvested for their flavor, healthful qualities, fragrance or dye.  Examples such as mint, oregano, cilantro and basil are harvested for their leaves which we primarily use in our kitchens.  Spices are the woody parts or seeds of herbaceous plants. Examples are caraway, fennel, sesame, black pepper and cinnamon.

Come and help us celebrate Chamomile as

Herb of the Year 2025 at October's Herb Market

Watch this page for updating information....

One of the newer varieties