HERBAL CHAMOMILE
Much more than a tea!
Herbal chamomile home remedies are some of the safest and gentlest of all. There are a couple types of chamomile that have very close to the same beneficial properties but this page deals with German chamomile specifically. Matricaria recutita or German chamomile, also spelled camomile, is an annual plant of the family Asteraceae.
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an herbal plant that is very aromatic. It also has a slightly bitter taste which is reminiscent of the taste of apples. The flavor of herbal chamomile tea is known to tea drinkers worldwide but less known are the various medicinal uses to which the herb can be put to work in the treatment of different disorders and conditions. It is gentle enough to use for both children and pets. Remember to buy organic chamomile whenever possible!
Possible side effects Chamomile is a relative of ragweed and can cause allergy symptoms and can cross-react with ragweed pollen in individuals with ragweed allergies. It also contains coumarin and thus care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions with blood thinners.
CHAMOMILE AS AN HERBAL ALTERNATIVE
German camomile is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial and an analgesic herb. It is very versatile and can treat many ailments but is probably best known as a home remedy for stomach ache, anxiety, insomnia and digestive disorders.
A simple chamomile tea or tincture can relieve
- Indigestion
- Colds and Flu
- Excess gas
- Motion sickness (Ginger may work even better for this!)
- PMS
- Anxiety attacks - Carry chamomile tincture with you!
- Insomnia
- Improve mood
- Aching muscles (Try a magnesium supplement too!)
- Stress
- Colic
- Stimulate appetite
Don't forget that chamomile is a safe children's home remedy for any of these ailments also!
Used other ways herbal chamomile can help common ailments:
- Earache - Use teabags as a compress
- Sore throat - Use as a compress on neck and drink tea
- Warts - Warts are caused by excess lime in the body. Drinking 2 cups of tea daily can neutralize the lime.
- One of the great Conjunctivitis home remedies (pink eye) - Use cool tea as an eyewash and/or use cool teabags as a compress for eyes.
- Remedy for Puffy Eyes - Use cooled teabag compress on eyes for 10 minutes.
- Asthma, Colds, Nasal congestion - Use a few drops of chamomile essential oil in your vaporizer or do a steam inhalation by putting a few drops in just boiled water, place a towel over your head and breathe in steam until water is cooled.
- Dandruff and Scalp Conditions - A chamomile rinse is a great conditioner for the scalp and hair. Use a cooled tea or infusion as a final rinse.
- Highlight Blonde Hair!
CHAMOMILE BATHS
A chamomile bath can relieve many symptoms also. To make a camomile bath use ½ to 1 cup fresh or dried herb tied in linen bag. Place in tub with hot water let soak for 10 min. then add cold water to the temperature you like. Do not add soap to bath.
*Make a chamomile infusion and add to bathwater.
*You can also add a few drops (10-20) of chamomile essential oil to your natural bath salts or to a small amount of vinegar then add to your bathwater.
A Chamomile bath can help:
- Eczema
- Colds and Flu (Elderberry is also an excellent herb for fighting colds and flu!)
- Relaxation
- Improve mood
- PMS
- Itchy skin
- Calm children or yourself
HOW MUCH HERBAL CHAMOMILE TO TAKE
Doses of the German chamomile when consumed in the form of an herbal tea can be a cup of tea, taken three to four times every day, in between meals. Instead of the herbal tea, you can use alternatives such as herbal tablets, herbal capsules, or the chamomile tincture. Doses for these alternatives can be about 2-3 grams of the capsules or tablets every day or about 4-6 ml (1 ml = 15 drops) of the herbal tincture 3 times every day in between meals.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PETS USING HERBAL CHAMOMILE
This is a great cure to a cats or dogs upset stomach! In fact you can use chamomile on your pets for any of the same human symptoms. It can even help with pet anxiety.
It's best to use a non-alcohol based tincture for your pets as they will take it more readily. These are usually glycerin based and called glycerites or glycerides.
The usual dosage for pets is:
.25 - .50 milliliters per 20 pounds of body weight.
(1 ml = 20 drops of tincture)
You can also try giving your pet some chamomile tea.
The following excerpt is from The Tale of Peter Rabbit
originally written for children in 1893.
"I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter! 'One teaspoonful to be taken at bed-time.'"
Beatrix Potter
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What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors of this page...
Chamomile tea is good for cramps when having your period and for the gas after surgery.
When I had my hysterectomy I drank this tea and the nurses asked why I did not suffer from pain.
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HERBAL INFUSED RECIPE FOR BABY OIL
This is a wonderful body oil either for baby or yourself! Soothing, pampering and all natural!
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