How to Use Chamomile to Treat a Cold

For thousands of years, the Europe's flowering chamomile plant has been used to treat a wide range of sicknesses. It's one of the most commonly used herbs in folk remedies. It's soothing aromatic qualities are particularly effective in relieving the discomfort associated with the common cold.

Things You'll Need

• Ginger root
• Grater
• Coriander seeds
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Allspice
• Water
• Dried chamomile
• Strainer
• Muslin or cheesecloth
• Powdered milk
• Ground oatmeal
• Bathtub

Instructions

Make a Chamomile Chai Tea to Treat Cold Symptoms

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a rapid boil.

2. Grate 3 tsp. of ginger root.

3. Add grated ginger root to the water and reduce heat to a simmer.

4. Add 1 tsp. coriander seeds, 1/8 tsp. of cardamom, 1/8 tsp. cinnamon and a pinch of ground allspice seasoning.

5. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.

6. Remove from heat and add 2 tbsp. of dried chamomile.

7. Allow the herbal mixture to soak for another 10 minutes.

8. Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove all herbs from the water.

9. Drink the tea while still warm. While chamomile teas might make you sleepy, the extra ginger root will do a lot to counteract it.

10. Use chamomile chai tea throughout the day as cold symptoms persist.

Take a Soothing Chamomile Bath

1. Wrap chamomile flowers in a piece of muslin or cheesecloth. Since you won't be ingesting this remedy, specific measurements aren't as important. Use different amounts of chamomile to find the mixture that works best for you.

2. Add extra ingredients to get the most out of your chamomile bath. Powdered milk or ground oatmeal are commonly used to enhance the soothing, healing qualities.

3. Tie the muslin or cheesecloth around your herbs. Make a tight little pouch with it.

4. Brew your chamomile pouch in hot water for 15 minutes.

5. Draw a bath for yourself. Before you get in, transfer the chamomile pouch from its brewing pot to your bathtub.

6. Climb in and relax. Breathe deeply, allowing the fragrant herbs to penetrate your bronchial tubes and lungs. For extra relief, try lighting chamomile candles.

7. Go to bed. In addition to its medicinal qualities, chamomile will help you fall asleep. Good sound rest is one of the best ways to treat a cold.

Tips & Warnings

• While chamomile can be very helpful, it's not necessarily a substitute for traditional medicine or the advice of a trusted doctor. If cold symptoms persist after a period of treatments, it might be the sign of a more serious illness.

• People with ragweed or hay fever allergies should use chamomile remedies with caution. The plants are closely related, and many people report allergic reactions to chamomile treatments, including coughing and sore throats.