HERBS: CHAMOMILE
Chamaemelum nobile. Synonym, Anthemis nobilis
Action: Nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic.
Systems Affected: Brain, nervous system, stomach, uterus, general effects on the whole body.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowers, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.
One of the best-known of all herbs, Chamomile has been in continuous use since the time of the Egyptians. Its name derives from the Greek chamaimelon, meaning ‘apple on the ground’, since all parts of the plant have a peculiar apple-like scent.
It is a valuable calming drink for anxiety, restlessness, nervous indigestion and insomnia. It improves appetite and relieves indigestion, vomiting and nausea. It is especially recommended for flatulent dyspepsia associated with mental stress.
Chamomile will help relieve pain and cramping associated with the menstrual cycle and will bring on the period.
It is safely used with children in the treatment of colds and flu, digestive problems and restlessness. A teaspoonful of a weak infusion can be given at intervals, according to the age and size of the baby or child.
Chamomile contains the amino acid tryptophan, which works like a sedative in the body, inducing relaxation and sleepiness. (Tryptophan is present also in milk and in the herb Vervain.) It also contains phosphates of calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are essential for regular functioning of the physical, emotional and intellectual nerve centers of the body. Part of the herb’s effect is in calming the vagus nerve, which plays a large part in digestive and respiratory processes.
To make proper use of Chamomile the French herbalist Jean Palaiseul suggests the following formulas:
For indigestion, flatulence, restlessness, insomnia: an infusion (5 grams of dried flowers to 100 ml of water), to be drunk preferably before eating.
For fever, facial neuralgia, influenzal aches and pains, pre-menstrual tension, period pain: a concentrated infusion (5 to 10 grams of dried flowers to 100 ml of water; leave to infuse for an hour).
For cramp, rheumatic pain, gout pain: prepare Chamomile oil by placing 50 to 60 grams of dried flowers in a glass jar with 500 ml of olive oil; seal the jar; expose to the sun or warm by a stove or heater for two or three days; leave for two to three weeks, stirring from time to time; strain and press. Use very hot, as a friction, on the affected areas.
For inflammation of the eyes, skin irritations and infections, pr p an infusion of 50 to 60 grams of flowers to a liter of water and leave to draw for twenty minutes or so; strain through a fine cloth and bat e or apply on compresses to the affected areas. ,
Lastly, ‘blondes can take advantage of a beauty secret known to the women of central Europe’ – shampoo with a liter of water in which a sachet containing 100 grams of flowers has been infused for half an hour. This will impart golden lights to the hair.
As with any herb containing volatile oils, Chamomile flowers should never be boiled, as the volatile oil, which contains many of the active ingredients, will escape in the steam.
Cautionary Notes: Excessive dosages may produce vomiting and dizziness. Chamomile can produce adverse reactions in people allergic to ragwort pollen.
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Tags: Herbal