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 female 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: Stomachache, 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.
All information presented is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to
administer to any
physical ailments. In all
matters related to your health please contact a
qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb
Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA