Chamomile
In traditional medicine is used for centuries to calm anxiety and settle stomachs, eases heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Family:
Asteraceae
Species/Botanical name:
- Matricaria chamomilla - often called German chamomile or Water of Youth
- Chamaemelum nobile - often called Roman, English or Garden chamomile
- other species common names include the word chamomile
Parts used:
flowering tops
Plant preparation:
tea, tincture, essential oil, infused oil, hydrosol, steam inhalation
A wild plant with small, daisy-like flowers. Flowers are most used for therapeutic purposes. Chamomile is an aromatic plant.
Chamomile has a long history of use as a physical and emotional soother. Particularly suitable for treating children.
Medicinal Properties
- Calming and soothing
- Antidepressant and stress reliever
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
- Bactericidal
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Sedative
- Digestive - settles digestion, prevents vomiting
- Acts as a liver tonic
- Prevents and eases spasms, relieves pain
- Reduces fluid retention
- Reduces fever
Uses
- Anxiety
- Tension
- Headaches relieve
- Insomnia
- For digestive upset - acidity, heartburn, wind, and colic
- All manner of skin conditions - externally used for rashes, inflammation, cuts, boils, allergies, insect bites (in lotion, cream, bath ...)
- For restless and overexcitable children, most children's complaints like fevers and teething
- Helpful for infants
- Toothache relieve
- Menstrual cramps relieve, balancing effect on the menstrual cycle
- Arthritis
- Neuralgia
Medicinal Properties and Energetics of Chamomile
Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can help to relax and unwind after a stressful day, decrease pain caused by muscle tension or spasm, and strongly reduce inflammation. It can be enjoyed frequently as a tea, a massage oil or a tincture. And because chamomile is gentle and effective, it works wonderfully for adults and children.
Chamomile soothes the nervous system, promotes sleep, helps with digestive problems, and can be used for a variety of symptoms associated with a cold or flu.
Chamomile gently relaxes muscle tension and can help soothe spasmodic or constricted coughs.
Chamomile for Anxiety and Insomnia
Sipping strongly brewed chamomile tea calms jangled nerves, which makes it a great companion after a stressful day or a good preventive measure before a difficult situation.
Herbalists have been relying on chamomile's relaxing properties for many centuries, and science is is now catching up on validating its traditional use.
Researchers found that chamomile, even in a relatively small dose (220mg), was more effective than a placebo in relieving both depression and anxiety in people.
Chamomile can also bring on a deep and restful sleep. It is best to drink a chamomile tea at least an hour before bed.
Chamomile for Pain Relief
Chamomile is an antispasmodic herb, which means that it relaxes muscle tension. As a result, it can decrease pain caused by tense muscles or cramping.
Chamomile relieves menstrual cramps and pain associated with digestive cramping.
A tincture or a strong cup of chamomile tea lessens the worry or anxiety associated with those conditions.
Chamomile for Healing Wounds
Chamomile modulates inflammation, and is antimicrobial, making it a great choice for a variety of inflammatory conditions – such as wounds, burns, and rushes.
For the best results, use chamomile both externally as an oil or wash and internally as a tea or tincture.
The researchers pointed out that using chamomile in place of the steroid cream prevents serious side effects associated with topical steroid use, such as thinning of the skin.
Chamomile is effective in the treatment of bleeding gums caused by gingivitis. Essentially, this condition is an infected wound in the mouth. The study shows that the chamomile mouthwash has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile for Digestion
Chamomile may be the perfect herb for many types of digestive complaints. It powerfully decreases inflammation, making it a great choice for inflammatory digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, ulcers, and irritations from food intolerances.
Chamomile can also bring gentle relief to children and has long been used for colic and children with diarrhea.
Chamomile, when consumed before a meal as a strong tea, help stimulate a healthy appetite. Taken after a meal, it can help ease digestive problems such as bloating, gas, heartburn, and digestive spasms.
Chamomile for Fevers and Infections
Chamomile inhaled as a steam can support the sinuses, help them to drain, and relieve inflammation.
One of the flu symptoms is fever. Herbalists recognize that fevers are a beneficial immune system response, and in most cases , a fever shouldn’t be artificially lowered. Still, when someone is feeling hot, restless, and uncomfortable, chamomile can be used to release tension, promote healing sleep, and bring comfort.
Chamomile is also great at treating conjunctivitis or pinkeye.
Chamomile - Recommended amounts
Using small amounts of chamomile with a short steeping time makes a delicious tea. If using chamomile for more than a pleasing beverage, stronger and more bitter tea will give you more potent results.
The therapeutic amount for chamomile is as follows:
- for tea: 9 to 15 grams per day,
- for tincture (dried flowers): 1:5, 40% alcohol, 3-6ml, 3 times per day.
CAUTION
CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGIC RASH, BUT THIS DISAPPEARS ON STOPPING USE OF THE HERB
