A WELL KNOWN AND COMMON REMEDY, THIS HERB IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BECAUSE OF IT’S SIMPLICITY, BUT IT DESERVES A SECOND LOOK.
Used medicinally for thousands of years since the times of ancient Greece, chamomile is still a popular treatment for many ailments.
A favorite for upset stomachs and trouble sleeping, this herb is gentle enough for people of all ages, yet powerful enough to have a true and noticeable effect.
Chamomile is also an herb of many uses, which makes it an excellent remedy to have on hand at all times, for when in doubt, try it out!
Some of the most common conditions that may be treated with chamomile include trouble sleeping, anxiety, digestion/intestinal issues such as cramping, bloating, and nervous stomachs, skin infections/inflammation (especially eczema), colic in infants, teething pains, and diaper rash among many others.
In magical traditions, chamomile is said to attract love and prosperity.
MATERIA MEDICA: CHAMOMILE
Latin Name: Anthemus ( or Chamaemelum) nobile (Roman Chamomile), Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
Parts Used: Flower
Energetics: Bitter, sweet, neutral, moist
Actions: Analgesic, anodyne, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emetic (in large doses), febrifuge, nervine, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary
Key Constituent: Coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, sesquiterpenes, tannins, quercetin, volatile oils (Chevallier, 2000; Hoffmann, 2003).
Preparation & Dosing:
- Tea: Steep 1 tbsp in 10oz hot water for no more than 10 minutes (it can become quite bitter when steeped too long) Drink as often as needed.
- Tincture: 30-90 drops in the mouth or in water as often as needed.
Uses:
- Relaxes the nerves
- Reduces inflammation
- Clears toxins
- Promotes Tissue Repair
- Antibacterial Activity useful against strep, E. coli, and staph
- Restore an Exhausted Nervous System
- Anxiety
- Arthritis Pain
- Candida
- Colic
- Convulsions
- Crankiness in babies
- Digestive Distress, Intestinal cramping, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn, Dyspepsia, Diverticulitis, Flatulence, Gastritis, Indigestion
- Eyewash to get rid of conjunctivitis and sties
- Fever
- Gargle for sore throat, mouthwash for gingivitis, poultice to alleviate toothache
- Gout
- Headache
- Hives
- Hyperactivity
- Hysteria
- Insomnia
- Itching skin, soften dry skin, treatment of burns, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, psoriasis, external ulcers, and healing wounds
- Liver Stress
- Menstrual Cramps
- Migraines
- Nervousness
- Morning Sickness
- Rheumatism
- Sciatica
- Teething
- Ulcers
- Incessant Urge to Urinate
Learn even more with the Monographs inside the Herbarium
Cautions: Chamomile is generally considered safe but may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy, a simple cup of tea is fine.