Chamomile - gingivitis, ulcer, flu, colds, sinusitis, insomnia, sedative, stress, anxiety & more

Many people are not aware of the varied medicinal uses of German Chamomile. It is an excellent herb for many digestive disorders, nervous tension and irritability. Externally, it is used for sore skin and eczema. Roman Chamomile, a close relative, is used similarly, but is not as strong.

BACKGROUND / DESCRIPTION

German German Chamomile is a small aromatic plant indigenous to England and western Europe. It is often found in dry fields and around gardens, and is familiar to many tea drinkers. Camomile is a member of the daisy family. It is a annual that will reseed itself well. It ranges from 4 to 12 inches in height. It has finely divided, parsley-like leaves with creeping, many-branched, hairy stems, and a fibrous root. It produces small, daisy-like white flowers with bright yellow centers. It has a light aroma and tastes of apple.

Camomile has been accepted as an herbal remedy for stress and restlessness since the time of ancient Egypt. The Egyptians dedicated chamomile to the sun and worshiped it above all other herbs for its healing properties, while Greek physicians prescribed it for fevers and female disorders. Chamomile has inspired a proverb about energy in adversity, “like a chamomile bed, the more it is trodden, the more it will spread” (Shakespeare). Chamomile was well known for its power to cure chills and fevers. It was also prescribed by many a Greek doctor and is well known as one of the most sacred herbs of the ancient manuscript, Lacnunga.

The English name camomile comes from the Greek word meaning ground apple. Ayurvedic physicians in India used it for the treatment of digestive upsets, cramps and fever. In 16th century Europe, it was used to treat insomnia, neuralgia, back pain and rheumatism and was often used as a lawn instead of grass and was used as a strewing herb and to scent herb seats in medieval gardens. In a gardening book from 1638, William Lawson wrote of the “large walks, broad and long, like the Temple groves in Thessaly, raised with gravel and sand, having seats and banks of Camomile - and this delights the mind and brings healthy to the body”.

German Chamomile has been taken for digestive problems since at least the 1st century AD. Before the invention of refrigeration, meat was immersed in a camomile infusion to prevent spoilage.

Gentle and efficacious, it is very suitable for children. The herb is valuable for pain, indigestion, acidity, gas, gastritis, bloating, and colic. It is also used for hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. German Chamomile is a very strong antispasmodic, relaxes tense, aching muscles and eases menstrual pain. It also relieves irritability and promotes sleep, especially in children.

German Chamomile is useful for hay fever and asthma. The proazulenes in the herb produce chamazulene on steam distillation, which is markedly anti-allergenic. Externally it can be applied to sore, itchy skin and eczema. It also relieves eyestrain.

A cream made from German chamomile was tested in Germany in 1987 for its ability to heal wounds and produced very positive results. In 1993, a trial using German Chamomile and 4 other herbs showed them to be most effective at easing infantile colic.

The relaxing aroma was also inhaled as snuff or smoked to relieve asthma and cure insomnia. At many beauty salons, chamomile tea is often served to relax facial muscles.

COMMON USES

It is the actual flower heads that are used on the German Chamomile plant. They can be used fresh or dried, and should be picked the day they open. In traditional folk medicine, it has been widely used as a sedative and tonic. Camomile has also been used to treat depression, stress, teething and colic, it is said to calm the digestive system, settle nervous indigestion and gastritis, relieve headaches, menstruation, disorders of the kidney, liver and the bladder, hay fever, insomnia, hiccups, stomach cramps, vomiting, appetite loss, spastic pain, arthritis. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent, inhalant for asthma treatment.

In modern medicine, it is used in antiseptic lotions and to flavor pharmaceutical products. Chamomile is also used commercially in a number of personal care products including cosmetics, hair color, mouthwash, and sunscreen. It's also used in shampoos and conditioners to bring out the highlights in blonde hair, and as a moisturizer for dry hair.

Strew a few camomile flowers over a tossed green salad, and season cream sauces, butter, and sour cream by adding small sprigs. Camomile is used commercially to flavor alcoholic beverages, such as Benedictine and vermouth, and confectionery, ice cream, breads and cakes, desserts, and chewing gum. It makes an excellent herbal tea.

For a relaxing sleep at night, add a teaspoon of flowers to a couple cups of boiled water. Leave to steep for 10 minutes before consuming (to let cool and allow to steep). Keep covered while steeping to prevent the evaporation of the volatile oils. Sniff deeply of the aroma of the tea before drinking for additional soothing benefits. Drink warm and relax.

For Eye Problems as a compress to help relieve eye pain, eyestrain and eyelid inflammation. Soak 2 cotton pads in lukewarm tea and place them on the eyes for a few minutes. Warning: Strain the tea thoroughly first, to remove any pieces of chamomile flower that may irritate delicate eye tissue.

For Gastric Complaints pour boiling water over 1 tsp chamomile, 1/2 tsp peppermint, 1/4 tsp caraway seeds and 1/4 tsp angelica. Steep covered for 10 minutes and strain. This tea soothes the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates digestive activity, making it useful for stomachaches or a too-full feeling. ---- Caution: Never give an infant or young child a medicinal tea with peppermint in it. The menthol in the peppermint could have a reverse reaction.

For cystitis pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp chamomile, 1 tsp yarrow, 1 tsp sage. Steep mixture 5 minutes and strain. The anti-inflammatory components of this tea relieve bladder pain and urinary discomfort. Drink as much tea as you wish daily until the inflammation has healed.

For Skin Problems pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp chamomile, 1 tsp dandelion, and 1/2 tsp fennel. Steep this herbal tea 5-10 minutes. This medicinal tea blend stimulates metabolic activity, which helps promote the healing of inflammatory skin conditions , such as rashes, abscesses, boils and acne. A medicinal chamomile tea bath provides quick relief from skin inflammations, restlessness and insomnia. Add 1 quart of chamomile tea to a bathtub full of warm water. For insomnia, take the bath before bedtime.

For diaper rash, combine 5 drops of essential oil with 20 ml of carrier oil (wheat germ oil or sweet almond oil work well) - then apply.

For irritable bowel syndrome, take 1tsp diluted with 100 ml water 3 times daily.

For flu / cold / cough - The germicidal effect of a chamomile vapor helps destroy the germs that cause flu and alleviates coughing. Pour 2 quarts of hot water over 2 cups of chamomile flowers,. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors. Enjoy the tea afterwards, keep in refrigerator in sealed jar up to 24 hours.

A chamomile tincture can alleviate menstrual cramps. To make the tincture, add 2/3 ounce of chamomile flowers to 100-proof alcohol and let it steep for 1 week - use enough alcohol to cover flowers well with a wee bit over. Strain and store in a dark vial. Take 10 drops in a glass of water.

To make a cream for external melt 15 parts emulsifying wax in a glass double boiler. Add 7 parts glycerine, 8 parts water, and 3 parts dried herb while stirring. Simmer for 3 hours. If the process is rushed, the oil and water may separate. Strain the mixture through a wine press or jelly bag. Stir slowly but continuously until it cools and sets. With a small knife or spatula, place the set cream into a dark glass jar. Tighten the lid and label. Store in refrigerator as soon as possible as creams can deteriorate quickly.

To make an ointment, melt 500 g petroleum jelly or wax in a double boiler. Add two handfuls of finely cut fresh or dried herb and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let sit in a cool room for 24 hours. Warm mixture again, then strain out herb. Pour melted ointment into jars before it sets. Place lid on each jar without securing it firmly. When cool, tighten the lids and label.

Chamomile flowers contain: essential oils, vitamins B1 and C, mineral substances (phosphorus, potassium, silicon, iron, manganese, calcium, copper, lead, zinc, zirconium), glucides, lipids and acids. The plant has calming, analgesic, disinfecting and antiseptic, antispasmodic and tonic actions. At the same time, chamomile has an antitoxic action through deactivating the bacteria and carminative toxins, favoring the elimination of intestinal gasses. Externally, chamomile has cicatrizant, emollient and anti-inflammatory effects. Because of its antiseptic and decongestive properties, chamomile also has many applications in cosmetics, being recommended for irritated or damaged complexions.

CULTIVATION / GROWING

German Chamomile prefers full sun or light shade. German Chamomile grows wild and is cultivated in much of Europe and other temperate regions. Seeds are sewn in the spring, and the flower heads are picked in full bloom all summer long. It does best in well-drained soil and should be planted in light shade and kept moist and free of weeds. It can be used as a 'companion plant' in the garden, to help keep neighboring plants free of disease and pests.

I find it easiest to slightly open my fingers, reaching through the plant and as I come up I close the gaps and lift the flowers right off the stems a handful at a time. It’s easy, and fun - and you absolutely must finish the act by bringing them to your nose for a sniff before dropping into your collecting container. It is important to note that chamomile can mold easily if not dried properly - so if not using a dehydrator, you must ensure adequate ventilation and frequent shaking or stirring.

MAGICAL / MYTHICAL USES

German Chamomile is used for luck in gambling, for prosperity; to aid meditation. You can burn camomile as an incense to aid meditation. You can also burn it at night before bedtime to induce sleep and ward off nightmares. Scatter it around your property for use in protection against lightening strikes. Wear camomile oil or place the flowers in your wallet to attract money.

Brew and use as a hand wash before playing cards or gambling. It is said to insure luck and constant winning if used with regularity. Calms the nerves and gives energy in adversity.

Protect your children from any kind of harm by making this herb into a tea and adding it to your child’s bath water. Often used in Uncrossing formulas.

If you are trying to get your mate to propose mix this herb with Marriage Oil and sprinkle onto the sheets of your bed prior to making love.

WARNINGS & endings....

Chamomile is generally regarded as safe.

Fresh plant can cause dermatitis in those that are extremely sensitive, particularly in persons allergic to ragweed. Reported reactions include abdominal cramps, tongue thickness, tightness in the throat, swelling of the lips, throat and eyes, itching all over the body, hives, and blockage of the breathing passages.

Close monitoring is recommended for patients who are taking medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin /Coumadin.

Do not take the essential oil internally except under professional supervision.

Do not use the oil externally during pregnancy.

Herbal link page

Ah yes... and the legal disclaimer - don’t you hate these things? —> The information contained in this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. <– ok, that’s done, hope you find this article useful!!

Gail Ann(573) 470-5806spiritguidedhealer@gmail.com

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