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Appearance
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Chamomile grows freely in pastures, cornfields,
roadsides inAmerica, Europe
andAsia.
It .
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can grow to three feet and the leaves, twice divided, can grow to four
inches long. The daisy-like flowers have a small yellow solid cone surroundedby white rays.
History
Chamomile
has been used over the centuries for both an internal and external healer. Chamomile
was one of nine sacred herbs of the ancient Saxons. The Egyptians valued the
herb as a cure for malaria and dedicated it to Ra.
Therapeutic
properties
Chamomile is
one of the few medicinal plants that still have a prominent role in traditional
medicine. Recent research has confirmed
that the essential oil or extract of miniature daisy has anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, anti-spasmodic, sedative and analgesic properties.
The
chamomile tea has been used internally to help quiet an upset stomach, to
relieve acid indigestion and intestinal gas, to bring a restful night's sleep, to
treat toothache, to reduce inflammation, to prevent peptic ulcers, to lessen
cold symptoms and to ease baby colic. The
infusion can also be used to calm premenstrual tension and menstrual cramps.
The
decoction has been used externally as part of hot compress to soothe burns and
scalds, skin rashes and sores to relieve strained muscles and aching joints.
The infusion can be used as a gargle for mouth ulcers or as eye wash for
conjunctivitis. In shampoos and rinses, chamomile is alleged to keep blonde
hair at its golden best.
Herbal
remedies using Chamomile
Athlete´s foof: Add chamomile to the bath water or apply directly to the toes.
Conjunctivitis Mix 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to 1 cup of boiled water and when it
is cool, use it as an eyewash.
Corns and Calluses Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of dried chamomile, andone crushed garlic clove and then apply directly to the corns or calluses.
Gastritis: Use 1 teaspoon of chamomile dried leaves per cup of boiling water and drink this
tea daily. Chamomile contains apigenin
that inhibits H. pylori.
Insomnia: Use 2 teaspoon of chamomile dried leaves per cup of boiling water and drink this
tea before bed.
Stress: Do a teawith one teaspoon of chamomile, a cinnamon stick and one cup of water for 5
minutes.
Menstrual cramps: Take 15 drops of chamomile tincture in water three times a day.
Rinse hair and refesh body: Brew about a
tablespoon of flowerheads per cup of water, then sip. When cooled, the solution
can also be used as a refreshing. You can also make your own body oil by
steeping an ounce of flowers in olive oil for several days, then straining the
oil.
Precautions
Chamomile
has been considered a safe herbal remedy even for children and pregnant women. However, persons who may be allergic to pollen-rich
flowerheads should use it with caution.
The moderate internal use of chamomile preparations has no known side
effects. However, if it is used in
excessive doses, can induce vomiting and dizziness.
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