German Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
German Chamomile has a long list of uses proven by clinical data.
Try it for stomach problems, anxiety, and skin problems!
This annual herb is a favorite in the
garden
for its dainty white flowers and beautiful scent. In fact, the name chamomile in Greek means "ground apple" because of its scent.
There are two types of chamomile, Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), unsafe for pregnant women, and German Chamomile. Roman Chamomile
is a perennial and low growing. A good way to tell the two apart is to split open the yellow middle of the flower
from the top of the flower to the stem. German Chamomile is hollow and Roman Chamomile is solid.
Chamomile is most known as Peter Rabbit's beverage before being sent to bed. It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which soothe and relax a sore tummy. A study has been done on children with an apple pectin and chamomile treatment for diarrhea and postitive results were noted. It has been used to treat colic in babies as well. This herb is safe for Peter Rabbit and children!
Not only is chamomile tea helpful for tummy upsets but it also helps with
anxiety.
It contains some mild sedative properties, but doesn't affect consciousness. Try a cup of chamomile tea before bed or after a long stressful day!
How about using chamomile flowers and chamomile essential oil in a
sleep pillow
to send you off to dream land!
Skin conditions such as eczema and wounds can benefit from a chamomile ointment. It has been tested on people with eczema and the ointment does as well as hydrocortisone creams. Wounds will heal quicker with a chamomile ointment.
Chamomile has been useful for treating
acne
as well. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties soothe, clean and heal blemishes.
Suggested daily dosage is 4-6 g dried flower heads. This can be infused into a tea or made into an ointment for external use.
This herb is easy to grow or easy to come by down the tea aisle of the grocery store. Make sure you have some on hand as I'm sure you will find many uses for it! If you have allergies towards the ragweed family you may want to avoid chamomile.
Uses:
As a tea
Mouthwash for sore, inflammed mouth
Hair rinse for nice shiny hair
Relaxing effects
Upset tummies
As a compress (just use the used tea bag)
Itchy, eczema skin
Acne
Tired, irritated eyes
As dried flower heads
Relaxing baths
Sleep pillows
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