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Chamomile,
German
Matricaria chamomile
Other Names: Camomile, Chamomile,
Wild Chamomile, Sweet Chamomile, German Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Mayweed,
Scented Mayweed, Pineapple Weed
Chamomile Herb
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Karen Bergeron Copyright 2003-2007. Permission required to use any
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Herbal Use and
Medicinal Properties
Internal Use
Chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea.
Chamomile Tea is so popular, it is found in most grocery stores in the
tea aisle. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as
well as many other nervous conditions.
It is nervine and
sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been
in a highly emotional state over a long period of time. Except for the
small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.
Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne,
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory.
The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis,
and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include
an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas
pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses
is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and
pains due to colds, flu, and allergies. |
External Use
An infusion of Chamomile
flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers
are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made
into a salve for use on hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made
into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. Applied
externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns,
and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and
softening the skin.
Other Uses
Chamomile tea is used as a liquid feed and plant tonic,
effective against a number of plant diseases. An essential oil from the whole plant
is used as a flavoring and in making perfume. The dried flowers are used
as an insect repellent.
Constituents
The chief constituent of Chamaemelum have been identified as esters of angelic and tiglic, together with amyl
and isobutyl alcohol's. It also contains anthemol and a hydrocarbon anthemene. The
flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes. Upon steam distillation
these proazulenes produce chamazulene, this is remarkably anti-allergenic and is
useful in the treatment of asthma and hay fever.
Habitat and Description
(Matricaria chamomilla) Wild
Chamomile is an annual herb originally from Europe which has escaped to the wild and
is now naturalized on almost every continent. It can now be found growing along
fence rows, roadsides, and in sunny open fields from Southern Canada to Northern
U.S. west to Minnesota. The
branched stem is somewhat erect, round, hollow, and grows to about 20 inches tall.
The leaves are bipinnate, finely divided, light green and feathery. The flowers are
daisy-like about 1 inch across and bloom from May to October. The entire plant has a
pineapple scent (apple to some) and planted in the garden is said to help sickly
plants to grow. Gather the above ground parts as soon as flowers bloom, dry for
later herb use.
How to Grow German Chamomile
How to Harvest and Use Chamomile
History and Folklore
It is said that the Egyptians
dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs for its
healing qualities. Due to its sedative and relaxing properties Chamomile was an
ingredient in some love potions in the middle ages.
Chamomile Herb Recipe
Ideas
The flowers are edible and quite tasty in
salads or made into a refreshing cold or warm beverage.
Relaxing tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 2 tsp. dried
flowers. Steep covered for 10 min.
For Bath: Use ˝ to 1 cup fresh or dried herb tied in
linen bag. Place in tub with hot water let soak for 10 min. then add cold water to
the temp. you like. Do not add soap to bath, as it will coat your skin and not allow
the Chamomile to penetrate.
Also for colds or when you feel really bad, try the
tea while you’re soaking in the bath.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron Copyright
1998-2005
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