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PREPARATION 503 - GERMAN CHAMOMILE - Matricaria chamomilla



STEINER'S PROPOSITION:
Elements that are necessary for plant growth include potash, calcium and various compounds of calcium. Chamomile draws the effects of calcium. It also contains homeopathic sulphur which enables it to attract the other substances it needs and incorporate them into an organic process. Chamomile works on calcium to develop what can help to ward off the harmful effects of fructification (fruiting) and keep the pant healthy.
HOW TO MAKE 503 ACCORDING TO STEINER:
'The chamomile is prepared by stuffing the little flowers into cattle intestines, burying those sausages during winter in the ground where the snow remains for a long period and where the snow water when the thaw comes seeps into the ground, so that "the cosmic-astral influences work down into the soil where the precious little sausages are buried."'
ESOTERIC COMMENT:
Chamomile has a strong effect on the intestines. It is connected to Mercury, the planet that is strongly active in the intestinal area. Chamomile pacifies chaotic astral elements. 
ABOUT THE PLANT:
Annual herb with fine, ferny leaves and daisy-like flowers on stems about 24 inches high. Apple-scented flowers can be used in tea. The plants fade quickly after flowering. Steam distillation of the flowers renders a yellow essential oil with a sweet, warm herbaceous odour.
Properties:
Chamomile has calming and soothing properties. It is used for nervousness, headaches, anxiety, and hysteria. It is also beneficial for colds and flu. Its antispasmodic properties benefit cramps and spasms, probably due to the easily assimilable form of calcium found in it. Chamomile is frequently used for digestive complaints and taken regularly will gently regulate the bowels. Chamomile has tonic, diaphoretic (causes sweating), and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

PRACTICAL FARMING CONSIDERATIONS:
Method: 
Pick flowers in the morning after the sun has dried dew. Young flowers are best. They can be recognised by their pyramid-like, greenish centres which features a ring of pollen-bearing stamens. Take care to dry the flowers gently in indirect sunlight. Turn them over every day. Residue moisture will lead to mould. When the flowers are totally dry, they  will be slightly crisp and quite fragrant. Store them in a brown paper bag in airy, dark place.
Obtain some fresh cow's intestines and stuff the flowers into the intestines with the use of a funnel and a wooden stick. Don't compress the flowers. In this way create little sausages. 
Timing:
Bury in autumn. Lift in spring.
Potential problems:
Earthworms may eat the sausages and dogs may dig them up. You can place the sausages into a terra cotta flowerpot (filled with soil) and cover it with Hessian. Alternatively you can place the sausages in pit of sphagnum moss to discourage worms. It is important to mark the position properly. 503 is easy to lose if the location is not well marked.
HOW TO APPLY 503:
Bind the preparation in compost or dry grass and drill deep holes into the compost heap. Insert the preparation into these holes and backfill.
Liquid manure: 
Wrap the flowers in cheesecloth or dried grass and tie them in such a way that they float on top of the liquid manure.