Latin Name: Matricaria recutita
Alternate Names: German Chamomile, Manzanilla
Family: ASTERACEAE
Parts Used: Flower, tops.
Properties: Analgesic, Anodyne, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiphlogistic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Appetizer, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine, Sedative, Tonic
Internal Uses: Amenorrhea, Anxiety, Caffeine Withdrawal, Candida, Colic, Diverticulitis, Dysmenorrhea, Flatulence, Gastritis, Hyperacidity, Hyperactivity, Hysteria, Indigestion, Insomnia, Intestinal Cramps, Irritable Bowel, Jaundice, Lumbago, Migraine, Nervousness, Neuralgia, Pain, Restlessness, Rheumatism, Stress, Tinnitus, Ulcers
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules
Chamomile is an excellent herb for people that complain about every little thing as well as for those who have the urge to urinate constantly. It helps to restore an exhausted nervous system. It is served in some European hospitals to calm patients. Use Chamomile tea to treat the headaches due to caffeine withdrawal. It is wonderful for soothing an upset stomach. Drink it before bed to help prevent nightmares.
Topical Uses: Conjunctivitis, Eye Inflammation, Hemorrhoids, Skin Dryness, Sore Throat, Wounds
Topical Applications: Bath herb for dry skin and to calm cranky children and as a sitz bath for hemorrhoids. Excellent in salves. Add to lotions for skin inflammation. Chamomile accelerates wound healing. Gargle for sore throat. Use as a douche or as an enema. Chamomile is used in many cosmetic preparations due to its ability to reduce inflammation. Eyewash for inflamed eyes and conjunctivitis. Hair rinse for blond hair.
Culinary uses: Desserts, Vermouth, Benedictine
Energetics: Bitter, Warm, Moist.
Chemical Constituents: Essential oils (chamazulene, isadol), flavonoids, levomenol, coumarins, flavoneglycosides, salicylates, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B-2.
Contraindications: Some people may be allergic to Chamomile, especially those sensitive to ragweed. It can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Otherwise, Chamomile is considered very safe.
Comments: The name is derived from the Greek, kamai melen, meaning ‘ground apple’, as its aroma is apple-like. It makes an excellent ground cover plant that survives being walked upon. An old poem is — ‘Like a chamomile bed, the more it is trodden, the more it will spread’.