What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a plant that grows wild in Europe and the United States, though it originated in Europe. Its flowers have been used for centuries as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming herb, digestive aid, stomach tonic and blood vessel dilator, according to allnature.com. It is readily available in most stores that sell herbal teas. It has a mild flavor with a slight lemony taste. It is safe for children.

Internal Use

Chamomile tea can be used as a sleep aid with no side effects. It is also used for rheumatism and arthritis. It can relieve gas and will help menstrual and intestinal cramps.

External Use

Chamomile is used externally as a shampoo for blonde hair, or can be made into a salve for hemorrhoids and wounds. It can also be used as a wash to soothe tired feet, or as a compress for skin inflammations, sunburn and burns.

Types

There are two types of chamomiles, German and Roman. According to altnature.com, German chamomile grows in the United States from Southern Canada to the northern United States west to Minnesota. Chamomile can be gathered as soon as the flowers bloom, then dried for later use.

How to Use

For tea, altnature.com recommends adding 2 tsp. of dried flowers to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 10 minutes. For a bath, put a cup of the dried flowers into a linen bag and let it steep in the hot bath water for 10 minutes. Add cold water, if you like, before soaking in the bath.

Warnings

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine notes that rare allergic reactions have been experienced by people that have had contact with the plant. Reactions can range from skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) and are experienced mostly by people allergic to plants in the daisy family, including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.

References

• National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
• Altnature.com