Learn the Traditional Uses and Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomilla

Chamomile is an ancient remedy still in use today. Its longevity testifies to its usefulness and effectiveness. I think of it as a calming plant, and it doeshave sedative properties.
Plant Identification
The plant has daisy-like flowers with a hollow, cone-shaped receptacle, and
tiny yellow disk flowers covering the cone. The cone is surrounded by more than ten (probably 10 to 20) white, down-curving ray flowers, giving it the ultimate appearance of a miniature daisy.
You can distinguish the plant from similar flowers by the pattern in which the flowers grow, each flower on an independent00stem. The most common way of identifying the Chamomile is by plucking a small amount of the blossom and crushing it in between your fingers. Chamomile has a faintly fruity scent.
It thrives in open, sunny locations like roadsides, pastures, cornfields, and in well-drained soil. It will not tolerate excessive heat or dry conditions.
Matricaria chamomilla is German chamomile. English chamomile is similar and has similar medicinal uses. The two plants can be distinguished by their leaves.
German chamomile leaves appear to be very thin and hairy while those of the English Chamomile are larger and thicker.

Harvesting Chamomile
Harvesting of the Chamomile should be done as soon as the flower petals are full, and they lay flat around the center of the flower. Each bloom must be picked at its peak for the best flavor and benefit. I prefer to pick chamomile
in the early afternoon, after the dew has evaporated and before the real heat of the day. Select flowers that are fully open and pinch or clip the flower head off at the top of the stalk. Dry the leaves and flowers for future us

Edible Uses
I collect both flowers and leaves for medicinal use, but the flowers make the best tea. The flowers have a milled apple flavor, while the leaves have a delicate grassy flavor. I also make a delicate liqueur with dried chamomile flowers and
vodka.
Medicinal Use
Most often, chamomile tea is used as a treatment. although you can also take the remedy as a
tincture or as a dried herb. To give chamomile as a dried herb, 2 to 3 grams of dried chamomile into 3 to 4 capsules
for the divided daily dose.
Digestive Issues
Chamomile relaxes the muscles, including the digestive muscles. This makes it a good treatment for abdominal pain,
indigestion, gastritis and bloating. It has also been used with success for patients with Crohn’s disease and irritable bowelsyndrome. Recommend chamomile tea for digestive issues: 1 cup, 3 to 4 times daily.
Colic
Chamomile is safe for use with babies and is my preferred treatment for colic. I recommend adding a cup of tea to the
babies bath at night to soothe colic and help the baby sleep.
Muscle Aches
The antispasmodic action of chamomile relaxes muscle tension. It soothes aching muscles and body aches.

Insomnia
Chamomile is soothing and contains sedatives. One cup of chamomile tea, taken at bedtime or during the night, works as an aid to sleeping. If more help is needed, use the tincture.
Eyewash, Conjunctivitis, and Pinkeye
For eye problems, use an eyewash made by dissolving 5 to 10 drops of Chamomile tincture in some boiled and
cooled water. This mixture relieves eye strain and treats infections.
Asthma, Bronchitis, Whooping Cough, and Congestion
I prefer a steam treatment for congestion and other respiratory conditions. Add two teaspoons of chamomile flower petalsto a pot of boiling water. Inhale the steam until the phlegm is released or the condition is improved. Alternately, add 2 to 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil to a vaporizer and use in the room overnight.
Allergies and Eczema
For allergic conditions, including itchy skin and eczema, I prefer to use Chamomile Essential Oil remedies. The steam
distillation process alters the chemical properties of the remedy, giving it anti-allergenic properties. Use the diluted essential oil directly on the skin or inhale it. (Ta\blespoon of Avocado or Almond oil, add 5-10 drops essential oil)
Warnings
While it is uncommon, some people have an allergic reaction to chamomile. Patients with allergies to the Asteraceae
family, including ragweed and chrysanthemums, should not take chamomile.
Recipes
Chamomile Tea
Ingredients: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or leaves and 1 cup boiling water.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the chamomile flowers or leaves. Let the herb steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, if desired and enjoy.
Chamomile Tincture
Ingredients: 1 pint loosely packed dried chamomile blossoms, vodka 80 proof or higher.
Place the blossoms in a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour 80 proof or higher vodka or brandy over the herbs to
cover them completely. Cover tightly and place the jar in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every 2 to 3 days. Watch the
alcohol level and add more if needed to keep the herb completely covered. Soak the blossoms for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Squeeze out all liquid. Discard the herbs.

Place the alcohol extraction in a cool place, undisturbed overnight. Strain again through a coffee filter or decant to remove any remaining herb residue. Store the tincture in a tightly capped glass bottle in a cool, dark place. Use 4 to 6 ml per dose, three times daily, between meals.
Chamomile Liqueur
Ingredients: 1 pint of 80 proof vodka, 1 cup chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons honey or to taste and zest of one lemon.
Combine all ingredients in a tightly covered jar and allow the mixture to steep for two to four weeks. Strain.

Camomile Lotion/Cream

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