Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

 

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hamomile is a tonic, stomachic, anodyne, antispasmodic, vulnerary, antimicrobial, laxative, diaphoretic, analgesic, carminative, mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anticatarrhal and flavorant. The official preparations are a decoction, an infusion, the extract and the oil. The fresh plant is strongly and agreeably aromatic, with a distinct scent of apples. The aromatic fragrance gives no hint of its bitterness of taste.

camomileChamomile is used for spasm or inflammatory conditions of  the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer, flatulent or nervous  dyspepsia, travel sickness, nasal catarrh, restlessness, and  mild sleep disorders. It is used for hemorrhoids, mastitis,  boils, burns, leg ulcers, eczema and irritations of the skin,  skin care (most skin-types), acne, and mucosa anywhere in  the body. It is good for allergies, colds, fever, sore gums,  sore throats, Bronchitis, inflamed skin conditions, earache,  wounds, menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome, headache,  insomnia, nervous tension and other stress related disorders, and digestive. It has a very low toxicity; therefore it is useful for children. It is used commercially in shampoos for fair hair and it can lighten hair color. Chamomile flowers are recommended as a tonic in dropsical complaints for their diuretic and tonic properties, and are also combined with diaphoretics and other stimulants with advantage. It is used in the treatment of anxiety and nervous tension, for the relief of spasmodic pain such as dysmenorrhoea or migraine, and is a safe remedy for children’s problems with a nervous component. The bitter glycosides in chamomile stimulate the appetite and digestive activity, and the herb also helps relieve inflammatory conditions of the upper digestive tract. Chamomile has a reputation as a “female” herb and has been used to relieve morning sickness, menopausal symptoms, mastitis, amenorrhea with a psychological component (e.g. anorexia nervosa), and hysteria.


Tea made from chamomile is use by many people who have trouble sleeping. Chamomile tea is also known to soothe digestion and relax the gastro-intestinal tract. This tea also helps to relax and soothe an anxious mood and is a good stress-relieving tea to drink prior to bedtime. It is rich in essential oil and can help the digestive system function properly.

Chamomile is also very good for your skin and you can wet a cloth in the tea and use it as a skin cleanser or compress. Chamomile also contains several flavonoids, plant chemicals that have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from ragweed allergies, it is best to avoid chamomile tea.

Chamomile flowers are also extensively used by themselves, or combined with an equal quantity of crushed poppy-heads, as a poultice and fomentation for external swelling, inflammatory pain or congested neuralgia, and will relieve where other remedies have failed, proving invaluable for reducing swellings of the face caused through abscesses. Bags may be loosely stuffed with flowers and steeped well in boiling water before being applied as a fomentation. The antiseptic powers of Chamomile are stated to be 120 times stronger than sea-water.

The whole herb is used chiefly for making herb beers, but also for a lotion, for external application in toothache, earache, neuralgia, etc. The root was traditionally chewed to relieve toothache.

Special Cautions
Try Chamomile cautiously if you have hay fever or asthma; it has been known to trigger a severe allergic reaction under these conditions. It can also cause allergic skin reactions when used externally.

Possible Drug Interactions
Chamomile could add to the blood-thinning effect of blood thinning drugs. Because of its tranquilizing properties, it's best to avoid combining it with alcohol and anti-anxiety drugs.

How to Prepare
Chamomile Tea: Pour about one-half cup of boiling water over 3 teaspoonfuls of Chamomile. Cover for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Typical Dosage
The usual oral dosage is approximately 3 to 5 tablespoonfuls daily.

"Maria Treben's Authentic Chamomile Remedies"


Infusion:
A heaped teaspoon to 1 cup of water, infused for a short time.


Bath Addition:
For a full bath use 2 double handfuls, for facial and hair wash 1 handful of Chamomile flowers, pour boiling water over them and infuse.


Compress:
1 Cup of boiling milk is poured over a heaped tablespoon of Chamomile, infused for a short time, strained and used warm.


Inhalation:
4 Cups of boiling water is poured over a heaped tablespoon of Chamomile. The steam is inhaled under a towel.


Herb Pillow:
A linen bag is filled with loosely dried Chamomile flowers and stitched up; warmed in a dry pan and used.


Chamomile Oil:
A small bottle is filled loosely fresh Chamomile flowers picked in the sun and cold-pressed olive-oil is poured in until it covers the flowers. The bottle, well stoppered, is kept in the sun for 14 days; store in the refrigerator.


Chamomile Ointment:
250 gm. of lard are heated, one heaped double handful of fresh Chamomile flowers are added; as it foams it is stirred, removed from the stove, covered and kept in a cool place overnight. Next day it is warmed and pressed through a piece of linen. The best way to do this is to place a sieve with a piece of linen inside over a jug or pot with spout, strain and squeeze out the last bit of lard. The ointment mass is stirred and filled into clean glass jars or pots.

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