Chamomile
Calming Anti-Inflammatory
This plant is known by a variety of common names including: Roman, English or garden chamomile; German, Hungarian or wild chamomile; ground apple, whig plant; and manzanilla (Mexico). Because several species of chamomile exist, the common names for this herb may be used for other related plants. German chamomile is the one preferred for medicinal purposes, and the herb that is described below.
Description: This hardy annual grows in all temperate and warm climates and grows 24 inches (60 cm) high with delicate lacy foliage and white daisy-shaped flowers. The petals surround the yellow cone-shaped center. The plant has a distinct apple-like fragrance with a hint of banana.
Medicinal Properties: Anodyne (mild), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative (anti-gas), diaphoretic (when hot), emmenagogue (assists menstrual flow), external skin rejuvenation/healing, nervine (calmative), sedative, stimulant (mild), stomachic and tonic. The flower is the part of the plant used in remedies. The leaves may also be dried or used fresh in a tea for colds, upset stomachs, colic and general nervousness. Chamomile is also useful for dressing wounds and sores.
Traditional uses: This plant is one of the most versatile herbs known to man. External uses for chamomile include facials, burns, boils, inflammations of all kinds, rashes, superficial-to-deep wounds, and cracked or painful skin. Chamomile has even been used as a deodorant and as an insect repellent.
External applications also soothe earaches, toothaches and reduce inflammation of the eye. For swollen and painful areas of the body, apply this herb as a poultice. As an eyewash, chamomile is used in a compress and/or a clear solution of tea. Preparing chamomile for use in teas must be done carefully to preserve the volatile oil, which is the main active ingredient. The intensely blue chamazulene compound within this oil has anti-inflammatory properties.
Internally, chamomile can calm the nerves, aid digestion, prevent intestinal gas and nightmares. This herb is also a mild antibiotic. Other uses of chamomile include dissolving gallstones and healing jaundice and edema (dropsy). Some herbalists have also used this herb to expel parasites from the body.
Chamomile, one of the nervines, contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing effects. Since chamomile is very soothing, doctors in France and Spain prescribe this herb as a tea for infants and children suffering from fevers, earaches and nightmares.
Chamomile demonstrates a wide variety of other internal uses. Being an antispasmodic, this plant also relieves menstrual and other cramps and is a tonic for the uterus. The volatile oil found in chamomile also protects against peptic ulcers and exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which make this herb a useful aid in fighting yeast infections (candida). Other health problems that benefit from the use of chamomile are insomnia, neuralgia, lumbago and rheumatic problems.
Extensively investigated, German chamomile has been widely used throughout Europe, almost as a cure-all. Extracts of the plant are available in ointments, lotions, vapor baths and inhalations.
As with yarrow, chamomile may cause severe reactions in persons allergic to ragweed, asters or chrysanthemums.
Chamomile is very effective as a tea. One or two capsules can be taken as often as every two hours during acute ailments. For long term use try one capsule one to three times per day.
Sources:
Herbal Medicine, Dian Buchman.
Materia Medica & Pharmacology, David M. R. Culbreth, MD.
The Best Medicine, Kurt Butler, MD.
The New Honest Herbal, Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D.
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal, Terry Willard, Ph.D.
