Calming chamomile like apples

Calming Chamomile - the Herb

By Sarah Dafoe

Chamomile nobile is one of the earliest documented botanicals with medicinal purposes.

It is best known by herbalists for its ability to be made into a tea, helping with sleep and soothing nerves, as well as relaxing muscles and providing mild sedative properties.

Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful plant which can be given to children as well and is particularly good for 'back to school' time, relieving nervous tummies, anxiety, insomnia and crankiness, both in children and their parents:)

History of Chamomile

In traditional medicine, Chamomile was worked with topically to treat wounds, irritations and infections. Taken internally, it calmed the nerves, promoted sleep, and eased gastrointestinal upset.

The name Chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning "ground apple" as its smell is similar to apple blossoms.

Its history dates back at least to ancient Egypt, where Chamomile tea was prescribed as a cold and fever remedy and was prepared as a skin cosmetic.

The Romans also enjoyed Chamomile as a flavoring in beverages, as well as an incense and medicinal herb.

In the 19th Century an English botanist discovered the plant growing wild in the Roman Coliseum, which was how it received its name "Roman Chamomile".

In Europe during the Medieval times, it's petals were strewn about at gatherings to create pleasant odors and used to flavor beer, prior to hops being discovered. Norsemen would create a shampoo with it, to add luster to their braided locks.

In modern day Spain the flower is called "manzanilla" (also meaning "little apple") and has long been used to flavor a light sherry called by the same name.

Chamomile is not native to the Americas, but was brought over and planted by colonists. Eventually, the seeds made it into the wild. It can now be found in yards and fields, as well as in the garden.

Chamomile Health Benefits

System Action Description

Skin antipruritic, vulnerary Relieves itching and promotes wound healing.

Musculoskeletal Analgesic Pain relief for muscles, tendons and joints.

Digestive digestive Encourages the digestive function, such as the breakdown of fats.

Urinary antidiuretic Helps to control the body's fluid balance by reducing urination.

Immune febrifuge Fever reducing

Nervous/Emotion anxiolytic, nervine, Reduces anxiety and calms nerves, relaxant, sedative relaxes and slightly sedates.

General anti-inflammatory, Modulates inflammation, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic and relieves muscle spasms.

Chamomile for Children

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Chamomile tea is most well-known for its relaxing and soothing properties, often

... with the Scent of Apples

taken before bed to promote restful sleep and is a gentle remedy which can benefit children greatly.

Chamomile has also been shown, in partnership with apple pectin, to relieve acute diarrhea in children age six months to six years.

It is effective when combined with fennel for infant colic, as well as to relieve pain and discomfort during teething, it can also be applied externally to clear up conjunctivitis or 'pink eye'.

Stomach Soother

Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, indigestion, colic, nervous tummies, bloating, flatulence, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination and assists in overall digestion.

It is often found in teas for digestion in combination with peppermint.

Menstrual Cramps

One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms.

Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps. It is also useful for irregular periods, sore breasts and postpartum perineal healing.

Cold and Flu Fighter

Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds and flu, due to its antibacterial compounds.

It relaxes tension and has a diaphoric effect, allowing excess heat in the body to escape through the skin.

Taken as a strong warm tea it can also be sedating, helping to promote rest. Chamomile works well as an antispasmodic for dry, hacking coughs, especially in combination with a demulcent herb such as licorice root, marshmallow root or violet.

Wound Healing & Skin

The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks worked with chamomile flowers in a poultice to speed wound healing.

In one study conducted by scientists, it was found that chamomile extract in drinking water promoted a faster wound healing time. It is also useful for inflamed skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, hives, broken capillaries, acne, fungal infections, skin ulcers, razor burn and itchy skin conditions.

Diabetes Management

Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes.

In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.