Chamomile Plants

( Western Herb )

Matricaria recutita (German) and Chamaemelum nobile (Garden Chamomile)

Chamomile plants are also known as Wild, Common, Roman, and Hungarian Chamomile.

There are three types of Chamomile plants. The two most popular types are Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile and they are interchangeable.

Both plants are annual herbs and grow to about two feet tall. Theyhave divided feathery foliage and small, daisy like flowers. The plants have thesweet scent of fresh apples.

They are native to eastern Europe, but are widely cultivated in both hemispheres and naturalized in North America.

Chamomile is one of the world’s most well known medicinal herbs. Both Chamomile plants are thought to possess similar medicinal purposes and records show that it was used cosmetically for at least 2,000 years.

Today, the plants are a classic remedy, especially in the form of tea. More than a million cups of Chamomile tea is consumed daily.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* anxiety and stress

* reducing fever

* colds and flu

* sore throat

* cough

* colic

* bloating

* flatulence

* indigestion

* irritable bowel syndrome

* gastrointestinal spasms

* premenstrual syndrome

* menstrual cramps

* dissolving gallstone and kidney stones

* ADD

* insomnia

* bladder problems

* peptic ulcers

* headaches

* asthma

* rheumatism, arthritis, gout

* alleviating swelling and irritation of mucous membranes caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Apply externally for:

* skin inflammation

* swelling and pain in joints

* sunburn

* cuts and scrapes

* varicose veins

* hemorrhoids

* sore or inflamed eyes

Use as a gargle for:

* gingivitis

* sore throat

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

Chamomile is available as prepared tea, tincture, capsules, essential oil, and dried andfresh flowers. Chamomile is found in a large amount of products on the market today.

At home:

Herbal bath: Run bathwater over 2 or 3 ounces of Chamomile flowers tied in cloth, or add no more than 2 drops of essential oil of Chamomile to your bathwater.

Parts used: Flowers, leaves and oil

Collection: The flower heads are picked in summer when in full bloom.

Constituents: Volatile oil, mucilage, coumarone, flavone glycosides, There are too many to list, over 120 components have been found.

Actions: Antiseptic, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antihistamine, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic

SIDE EFFECTS:None expected.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:Chamomile is a wonderful relaxant for the nervous system and digestion, and a perfect remedy for babies and children.

Back to Herb Index From Chamomile Plants