Surprising Health Benefits of

Chamomile

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is from the daisy family. Even though it is native to Western Asia and Europe, you will find it all around the world. Chamomile is Greek for Earth Apple, and this herb does smell a little like an apple. There are 2 types of Chamomiles: The German Chamomile, which is used for medicinal ailments like digestive issues, and the Roman Chamomile, which is used as a medicinal herb to fight disease and promote longevity. The Egyptians worshipped Chamomile and dedicated festivals to its healing power. Chamomile has been used for almost 5,000 years in tea, herbal extract, and cosmetic forms. This is an herb that has almost no known negative side effects. It is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to man.

The following is a list of issues that chamomile is used for fever, headaches, liver problems, kidney and bladder problems, muscle spasms, gout, ulcers, bruises, anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, hay fever, colic, inflammations, menstrual disorders, PMS symptoms, skin disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. “The generic name Matricaria, comes from the Latin matrix, meaning womb because chamomile was used historically to treat disorders of the female reproductive system. Germans refer to chamomile as alles zut raut, meaning capable of anything.” (1)

Health Benefits:

Anxiety

Studies have shown that using chamomile has been known to soothe anxiety and may have antidepressant effects.

Digestive Issues:

It is believed that taking this herb helps reduce muscle spasms that are linked to some gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders

Healing Wounds:

There need to be more studies, but it has been shown that applying chamomile to a wound has healed faster due to a substance in this herb that can kill viruses and bacteria including staphylococcus aureus, reduce inflammation and treat, and prevent the growth of ulcers.

Eczema:

Chamomile is used to treat sunburn, sores, rashes, and eye inflammation.

Diabetes:

Drinking chamomile tea may lower blood sugar in diabetics.

Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of dried chamomile herb or a tea bag

1 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water

2. Place chamomile in a cup

3. Add the boiling water over the chamomile

4. Cover and steep for 5 minutes

5. Strain and enjoy

Chamomile Tincture

Fill the jar full of dried herbs.

Pour the vinegar over the herb.

Put the lid tightly on the jar.

Label the jar with what’s in it and the date.

Store in a cool, dark place.

Shake the jar every day.

After 2–4 weeks strain it and pour the liquid into stopper bottles.

Store the stopper bottles in a cool and dark place until you use them.

One year life. Don’t use white vinegar but use the apple cider vinegar that has the “mother” in it.

Gargle/Rinse

Make the chamomile as tea then let it cool.

Then use the liquid as a gargle.

You can also make it as a tincture then add 10–15 drops of the tincture in a cup of warm water to use as an oral rinse.

Dosage:

There is no standard dosage of chamomile.

Side Effects:

If you are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemum then you may have an allergic reaction to taking chamomile, since this is in the same family. Allergic reactions may include vomiting, hives, rash, wheezing, chest tightness, or skin irritations after using or taking chamomile.

Contraindications:

If you have bleeding disorders or take supplements or medications like coumadin (Warfarin), you should consult your doctor first. Chamomile should not be used 2 weeks before or after surgery because of bleeding problems.

Chamomile should be used as a supplement and not to replace medication. Talk to your doctor before taking chamomile in any form to see if it would react to anything you are taking like medications or other supplements.

Disclaimer:

Consult your doctor before using this herb if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. I am not a doctor so this should not be considered medical advice or substituted for medical treatment.