Matricaria recutita (German variety of chamomile)
Chamaemelum nobilis (Roman variety of chamomile)
The German variety is found most often in the US. The Roman in the UK.
Chamomile has long been known for it’s healing qualities both internally and externally. But why? Chamomile flowers contain volatile oils (favonoids and essential oils). Essential oils soothe the skin and tissue and actually help irritated skin. These essential oils are often used to help heal bug bites, stings, burns and even acne. Essential oils from chamomile flowers contain including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin. Flavonoids (namely ‘apinegin’ in chamomile) are anti-oxidants that help the body’s natural healing process and combat free radicals. Chamomile acts like a natural stress reliever and sedative because it relaxes the muscles in the brain.
Chamomile is beneficial to children as well as adults. Which is nice because natural treatments for children are often times limited. It’s very beneficial for teething pain and colic spasms in babies. And provides a natural calming and soothing feeling as well. Chamomile is anti-allergenic, anti-spasmatic, anti-fungal, anti-pyretic, anti-peptic, antiseptic and anti-bacterial.
All those little stories that your grandmother passed down about Chamomile are indeed true. From calming the nerves, soothing sore muscles and PMS, relaxing after a long day, soothing a stomach ache – chamomile is a wonderfully natural way to go! Drink two or three cups of chamomile tea daily and you’ll feel better. You can also soak in a warm bath of chamomile and breathe in it’s healing goodness! The subtle scent will work on your olfactory senses and relax your brain and body. Also commonly used in facial steams and natural skin care products such as facial grains!
Here’s a short list of what chamomile can help. You’ll be amazed!
Sleep Aid
Stress Relief
Nausea
Gets your bowels moving
Aids in digestion
Relieves colds, flu and sinus issues
Relieves Allergies
Morning Sickness
Teething
PMS
Cramps
Sore Muscle Relief
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
IBS
Heartburn
Peptic Ulcers
Gas
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s Disease
Colic
Diverticulitis
Skin Irritations (eczema, psoriasis, bites, minor burns, ulcers, rashes, wounds)
Conjunctivitis
Eye Inflammation
Sunburn
Mouth Sores and Gum Disease (use as a mouth wash)
Recipe for chamomile tea:
Boil water to a rolling boil.
Remove from heat.
Put 1/8 cup or a couple tablespoons dried chamomile flowers into the pot. (about 2 teaspoons per 8 oz. cup)
Let the pot steep for 15-20 minutes
Drink.
*Note: You can also use the above recipe for a foot bath, mouth wash, gargle or to soak clean dressings for mild burns.
*Also note: Although chamomile creams are wonderful, you should never use this on a burn, as often times creams contain oily ingredients that actually trap the heat in the skin and making you feel worse. Mild burns should be treated with chamomile tea (must be cooled) applied to a clean dressing.
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