| Back in the days when
women often came down with a mysterious malady called "the vapors",
a cup of chamomile tea was often prescribed to relieve anxiety. Known for its
calming effect on smooth muscle tissue, chamomile is still a popular remedy for
nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, and other common problems often related to
stress. Since 1600, Europeans have used chamomile as a cure for insomnia,
neuralgia, back pain, and rheumatism. They were not the first to discover this
herb; the ancient Egyptians included chamomile in their arsenal of herbal cures.
Used externally, it is also good for skin
inflammations and hemorrhoids. Used as a mouthwash, it can relieve the
pain of toothache. Chamomile is put in shampoos to enhance golden highlights of
blond hair. A cup of chamomile tea is the perfect nightcap!
Caution:
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and anyone who is allergic to other
members of the daisy family, including ragweed, should not use the chamomile
herb. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or allergist.
Part Used: Flowers
Common Uses: Stomachic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and tonic; Anthelmintic
(expels worms); Anxiety, insomnia; Eyewash; Diaphoretic and carminative, gentle
for children.
Dr. James Duke, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
in his Handbook of Medicinal Herbs lists a variety of applications for
the chamomile flower. Internally, it works to relieve and prevent spasms and
relieve abdominal gas. It also has diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant
and tonic properties. It is also a botanical that can dispel worms. Externally
it is used and a counterirritant liniment for bruises, hemorrhoids,
inflammations and sores. Dr. Dukes adds that the hot aqueous extract of the
whole plant is said to cure digestive tract tumors.
Much of scientific understanding of chamomile healing effects has come from West
German studies. A noted West German mataoligist treated several dozen patients
suffering from stasis dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by erythema (a
redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries) and scaling of the
legs. The patients applied a chamomile cream and experienced a "rapid
improvement along with a regression of the inflammation ...within just 2
days."
At an international chamomile research conference in Frankfurt, scientists
reported significant relief from burns, diaper rash, and serious leg ulcers
using chamomile. For burns or diaper rash, use cool chamomile tea or add
chamomile flowers to bath water. Chamomile is also useful for soothing babies
with upset stomach or colic and for helping them to sleep.
The active components of chamomile include alpha bisabobol, chamozulene,
polyines, and flavonoids. No single factor has been shown to possess all the
major healing properties of whole chamomile. The consensus is that each major
constituent is effective f or specific conditions, and plays a supportive role
in others.
A special commission appointed by the Federal German Health Office has stated
that chamomile flowers contain a complex of active principles that when used
together "combat inflammation, stimulate the regeneration of cell tissue,
and promote the healing of refractory wounds and skin ulcers."
Chamomile may cause allergies in susceptible people because it is a flowering
plant. However if you can open a box without suffering allergic symptoms, you
will probably be fine.
Chamomile is also known as:
Anthemis nobilis, Ground apple, Wild
chamomile
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