| Chamomile |
| Parts Used : Dried flowers |
|
| Common
Uses |
| Internal Uses |
 |
Sleeplessness |
|
Inflammatory bowel conditions |
|
Anxiety and stress |
|
Poor appetite & indigestion |
|
Irritable bowel |
|
Infant colic |
|
| External
Uses |
|
Eczema, skin irritations, insect bites, poison
ivy & poison oak rashes, and other inflammatory skin conditions. |
|
Mouthwash for irritations and minor infections
of the mouth and gums such, e.g. canker sores & gingivitis |
|
Eye wash for conjunctivitis & strained
eyes |
|
|
How Chamomile works
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties,
both of which are very useful when treating a problem of the gastrointestinal tract. |
When applied topically it
has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes wound healing and also acts as a mild
antibacterial. |
|
Side
effects
Although rare, a few cases of allergic reactions to Chamomile
have been reported. For this reason people with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae
family - ragweed, chrysanthemums, asters, etc. - should not use Chamomile. |
|
Safety Issues
There are no contraindications to the use of dried Chamomile
while pregnant or lactating. However do not use the essential oil during pregnancy as it
is a uterine stimulant. |
| There are no known interactions with commonly
prescribed drugs |
|
History of Chamomile
The Ancient Greeks gave Chamomile it's name, which means
"Ground Apple" because of its apple scent. |
| It has been used for medicinal purposes since
the time of the Egyptian Pharos, when it was dedicated to the sun god Ra for it's ability
to treat fever caused by malaria. The Saxons named Chamomile as one of their nine sacred
herbs. They used it to treat stomach complaints and as a calming remedy. |
| In the Middle Ages Chamomile was scattered
in the hallways of castles and houses to keep away disease - and to mask unpleasant
smells. |
| As the years passed Chamomile's popularity
continued to grow, until in Germany in 1987 it was named "plant of the year". |
| Today in Europe the Chamomile industry is huge.
It is sold in many different forms - dried and in liquid for internal use, and for
external use it can be found in ointments, creams, cosmetics, bath products and hair dyes.
|
| The Germans have used the phrase "alles
zutraut" to describe Chamomile. This means "capable of anything" - a title
that this sweet smelling ground plant well deserves. |
