Calming Chamomile

Chamomile nobile is one of the earliest documented botanicals with medicinal purposes and is best known by herbalists for its ability to be made into a tea, helping with sleep and soothing nerves, as well as relaxing muscles and providing mild sedative properties.

Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful plant which can be given to children as well and is particularly good for 'back to school' time, relieving nervous tummies, anxiety, insomnia and crankiness, both in children and their parents:)

History of Chamomile

In traditional medicine, Chamomile was worked with topically to treat wounds, irritations and infections. Taken internally, it calmed the nerves, promoted sleep, and eased gastrointestinal upset.

The name Chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning "ground apple" as its smell is similar to apple blossoms. Its history dates back at least to ancient Egypt, where Chamomile tea was prescribed as a cold and fever remedy and was prepared as a skin cosmetic. The Romans also enjoyed Chamomile as a flavoring in beverages, as well as an incense and medicinal herb. In the 19th Century an English botanist discovered the plant growing wild in the Roman Coliseum, which was how it received its name "Roman Chamomile".

In Europe during the Medieval times, it's petals were strewn about at gatherings to create pleasant odors and used to flavor beer, prior to hops being discovered. Norsemen would create a shampoo with it, to add luster to their braided locks and in modern day Spain the flower is called "manzanilla" (also meaning "little apple") and has long been used to flavor a light sherry called by the same name.

Chamomile is not native to the Americas, but was brought over and planted by colonists. Eventually, the seeds made it into the wild. It can now be found in yards and fields, as well as in the garden.

Chamomile Health Benefits

System Action Description

Skin antipruritic, vulnerary Relieves itching and promotes

wound healing.

Musculoskeletal Analgesic Pain relief for muscles, tendons and

joints.

Digestive digestive Encourages the digestive function,

such as the breakdown of fats.

Urinary antidiuretic Helps to control the body's fluid

balance by reducing urination.

Immune febrifuge Fever reducing.

Nervous/Emotion anxiolytic, nervine, Reduces anxiety and calms nerves,

relaxant, sedative relaxes and slightly sedates.

General anti-inflammatory, Modulates inflammation, antifungal

antimicrobial, antispasmodic and relieves muscle spasms.

Chamomile for Children As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Chamomile tea is most well-known for its relaxing and soothing properties, often taken before bed to promote restful sleep and is a gentle remedy which can benefit children greatly. Chamomile has also been shown, in partnership with apple pectin, to relieve acute diarrhea in children aged six months to six years. It is effective when combined with fennel for infant colic, as well as to relieve pain and discomfort during teething, it can also be applied externally to clear up conjunctivitis or 'pink eye'.

Stomach Soother Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, indigestion, colic, nervous tummies, bloating, flatulence, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion. It is often found in teas for digestion in combination with peppermint.

Menstrual Cramps One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps. It is also useful for irregular periods, sore breasts and postpartum perineal healing.

Cold and Flu Fighter Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds and flu, due to its antibacterial compounds. It relaxes tension and has a diaphoric effect, allowing excess heat in the body to escape through the skin. Taken as a strong warm tea it can also be sedating, helping to promote rest. Chamomile works well as an antispasmodic for dry, hacking coughs, especially in combination with a demulcent herb such as licorice root, marshmallow root, or violet.

Wound Healing & Skin The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks worked with chamomile flowers in a poultice to speed wound healing. In one study conducted by scientists, it was found that chamomile extract in drinking water promoted a faster wound healing time. It is also useful for inflamed skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, hives, broken capillaries, acne, fungal infections, skin ulcers, razor burn and itchy skin conditions.

Diabetes Management Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.

How to Make Therapeutic Chamomile Tea

• Pour some water into a small saucepan and set to boil. Meanwhile, rinse and clean the chamomile flowers in cold running water.

• When the water comes to a boil, turn off the element and add in the fresh chamomile flowers (3-5 tablespoons for every 16 ounces of water) cover and steep for 20 minutes. If working with dry flowers, half the amount.

• Strain the liquid into a cup, add white sugar or honey according to taste as its bitter principles will be present. This strong preparation is ideal for relaxing muscle tension, soothing acute anxiety and promoting sleep. Chamomile is slightly diuretic though, so it's best not to take directly before bed.

Chamomile can also be infused into oil by filling a jar 3/4 of the way up with dried flower heads and then adding your choice of oil, (olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil etc.) Label with the date and ingredients and leave in a cool dark place for up to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally and removing the lid to release any build up of air. Strain the plant material off and use on the skin as needed, or combine with melted beeswax for a healing salve.

Precautions

Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile.

Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion.

People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.