Chamomile. Voronezh region

Chamomile, symbolizing tenderness and beauty, finds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants of the Voronezh region.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by cultivation both for decorative and medicinal purposes. In the Voronezh region, it grows in the wild, but is also actively cultivated in personal and commercial farms.

In medicine, chamomile is used to treat gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers, dysentery, liver diseases, kidney, bladder, nervous system. Chamomile is used for malaria, insomnia, colds, scrofula. Chamomile relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines, has a beneficial effect on the condition of mucous membranes, helps with ulcers, boils, gout, eczema, toothache, migraine, bruises. Flowers of chamomile are used to prepare infusions, decoctions, lotions, teas.

During the blooming season, which lasts from May to June, the fields and meadows of the region are covered with a snow-white carpet of chamomile, attracting tourists and artists.

Chamomile is closely linked to local culture and traditions. It is often used as a decoration for national holidays and is a popular gift for women on Family, Love and Fidelity Day and the official symbol of the holiday. Chamomile tea epitomizes hospitality in the homes of the Voronezh region.

According to a local legend, there lived a kind forest fairy. When she appeared, flowers bloomed, trees turned green, and withered plants came to life. Once she saw a young shepherd in the meadow and fell in love with him. The fairy revealed to the shepherd the secrets of healing, the properties of herbs and flowers, and he began to heal people. But the shepherd took money for his help, he became rich and completely forgot his beloved. And the beautiful fairy was still waiting for him in the meadow and cried from grief. Where her tears fell, chamomile plants grew. Chamomile flowers grow and drop their tears: loves me - loves me not, will come - will not come. People come to the chamomile, asking for help, and flowers, feeling people's pain, help those who are pure in heart and soul. But the shepherd lost his gift with every tear, and strength and luck left him. The shepherd remembered about the forest fairy, ran to the cherished meadow, and there was only a chamomile field.

Another, this time a real story, connects Voronezh with chamomile. As you know, tuberculosis in pre-revolutionary Russia, especially among children, was recognized as a national scourge. However, the tsar's government did not allocate any funds to fight it. Funds for this fight were drawn exclusively from voluntary donations during the so-called White Chamomile Days. This was the prototype of the current White Flower Day. The base center of this event was usually the city garden, and bouquets of chamomile, white ribbons with the inscription "Fight against Consumption" and a mug for collecting donations were invariable attributes of the holiday.

The famous Voronezh architect, Professor N.V. Troitsky and his son recalled how this charity event was held: "Another memorable event - White Flower Day - is connected with the city garden".

The most famous people in Voronezh joined the League to Fight Tuberculosis: doctors A.H. Sabinin and K.V. Fedyaevsky, V.I. Kolyubakin and V.A. Goldenberg, E.F. Veretennikova and F.I. Khrushchov. Dozens of activists took the initiative to raise money for the terrible disease.

Chamomile in Voronezh region is not just a plant, but a part of cultural and economic heritage. This flower remains an important symbol in the life of the region, a carrier of historical and cultural meanings.