Chamomile, Closeup
(also referred to as...)
German / Roman / English Chamomile
Camomile, Matricaria, Anthemis, Ground Apple
Latin Name: Matricaria recutita/chamomilla (German / Hungarian),
Anthemis nobilis (Roman / English)
Family: Compositae (other members include Daisy, Dandelion, Marigold)
Description
The ancient Greeks called chamomile "ground apple", due to its smell. In Greek mythology, chamomile was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god, Woden and they called it "maythen".
German chamomile is similar to Roman chamomile in chemistry but has a less pronounced aroma. It is not clear which variety Dioscorides meant when he referred to "chamaimelon". Some herbalists combine the flowers of the two varieties using 2 parts German to 1 part Roman. German chamomile has a slightly higher percentage of volatile oil, containing an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that is particularly effective in healing burns and preventing ulceration and infection. It is also less bitter when used in herb teas. With its bright, cheery colour, chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal hot drinks and was immortalized in Beatrix Potter's "Tale of Peter Rabbit".
German chamomile is an annual while its roman cousin is a perennial. The herbs are indigenous to Europe and Northwest Asia and have been naturalized in North America on "wasteland", farmland, and many gardens. Both were generally cultivated in Europe.
Chamomile prefers light, well drained soil in full sun. Roman chamomile plants may deteriorate in very cold or wet winters, but usually recover. Roman chamomile is often refereed to as "the plant's physician". Ailing garden plants are supposedly cured by planting chamomile beside them and cut flowers revive and last longer with the addition of chamomile tea to the water. In addition, an infusion of chamomile is said to prevent damping off in seedlings.
Flowers are gathered in summer when first fully open and used fresh, frozen, or dried in infusions, liquid extracts, powders, creams, ointments, and skin and hair care products. The oil distilled from fresh flowers. Dried flowers keep for only one year.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Chamomile has a calming, relaxing, sedative effect on the body. The gentle herb is extremely useful and safe for children. Its analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, bitter, carminative (relieves flatulence), choleretic (stimulates bile production), diaphoretic, and vulnerary (healing application for wounds) properties make for a highly versatile herb.
The calming properties help treat anxiety and insomnia. It also helps relieve dyspepsia, gastritis, indigestion, and inflammation by increasing bile secretion and promoting an appetite. Chamomile can be used to induce sweating in a cold. It may also be used as an anti-septic douche.
A compress may be prepared to help heal cuts, bruises, skin lesions, and hemorrhoids. When prepared as an ointment, chamomile can be used to treat insect bites, wounds, itching eczema, and anal or vulvul irritation
Use a cool infusion and gargle with chamomile to treat aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, and a sore throat. An eyewash will help relieve conjunctivitis or eye-strain.
Using the infusion as a hair rinse produces highlights and will lighten fair hair -- completely natural and chemical free!
Prepare an inhalant to help treat asthma, bronchitis, hayfever, or phlegm.
Source
Flowers and buds
Preparations
Compress: Soak cloth in hot infusion and apply as needed.
Eyewash: Add 5 to 10 drops tincture to 1/2 cup warm water.
Infusion: Add 2 teaspoons dried herb to one cup hot water. Drink three times daily. To encourage a baby to sleep, put 1 to 2 cups of strained infusion in the bath water.
Inhalation: Add 125mL of flowers to 2 litres boiling water. Cover head with a towel and inhale steam. Alternatively, use 2 to 3 drops essential oil in warm water. Essential oil is deep blue in colour due to the azulenes it contains.
Ointment: See the dedicated section on Preparations for more information.
Tincture: Take 40 to 80 drops three times daily.
Chamomile may be combined with marshmallow, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), or peppermint to treat all forms of gastrointestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, et cetera.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Do not use the oil during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.
Chamomile can have a sedating effect on the body and can cause drowsiness. Do not use while driving, operating heavy/precision machinery, or performing any other activity requiring a high, acute, level of awareness.
Chamomile causes contact dermatitis in some people, especially when fresh and frequently handled. Compositae in general are allergenic to some people. This includes other common herbs such as dandelion and echinacea.
Long term use may result in ragweed allergy. Do not use at all if you are allergic to ragweed.
Ailment / Situation Listing
