Chamomile Herbal Infomation
NAME
Chamomile
LATIN NAME
Chamomilla recutita
ORIGIN
England, Europe, Russia and Asia, and is naturalised in Australia.
PARTS USED
The flowers, the essential oils.
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Chamomile is thought of as one of the "Heal all" remedies of the herbal world. It is relaxing, calming, anti-inflammatory, gentle, a natural sedative, and safe for kids.
It is good for insomnia, sleep disturbances, and anxiety as it is a natural tranquiliser. However it is also good for wound healing, burns and is generally good for skin and hair. It can be used in a mouthwash and can treat gingivitis. (gum disease) It makes an excellent sore throat gargle and will sooth and calm nasal membranes during coughs and colds where there is catarrh.
It is thought to promote a healthy immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
It is also recommended for the stomach and digestive system, and can treat dsypeptic pain, aid recovery from ulcers, treat flatulence, indigestion and gastritis. As it is anti-spasmodic it can reduce risk of a premature labour, bring relief to sufferers of arthritis and relieve menstrual pains.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Chamomile was used in the middle ages as an aromatic strewing herb and for its strong and agreeable smell was often planted in formal gardens and green walks. Walking over the plants is supposed to be beneficial for it
'Like a camomile bed -
The more it is trodden
The more it will spread,'
It was looked upon as the plant's physician as it is thought that if any plant is not prospering , then it will if a chamomile is planted next to it.
The greeks called it ground apple because of its smell, and the Spaniards called it Manzanilla translated as little apple.
CONSTITUENTS
0.3-2% volatile oil (including bisabolol); bitter glycosides (anthemic acid); flavone glycosides (anthemidin), coumarins (including umbelliferon and herniarin), phenolic carboxylic acids, polysaccharides, mucilage, choline, amino acids, tannins, malic acid. Blue chamazulene is formed from the sesquiterpene lactone matricin during steam distillation.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
SUGGESTED DOSAGE
1-2 teasp flowers per 1 cup of boiling water up to 3 times a day
Herbal Tincture
Extraction Ratio 1:3
Alcohol Vol. 25%
2-4mls tincture up to 3 times a day
1/2 cup of flowers to 2 litres of hot water to add to the bath tub.
or as directed by a Herbal practitioner
PRECAUTIONS
Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum, so people with allergies may react when they use chamomile either internally or topically. Call your doctor if you experience vomiting, skin irritation, allergic reactions (chest tightness, wheezing, hives, rash, itching) after chamomile use.
Chamomile should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Chamomile contains coumarin, a naturally-occurring compound with anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. It should not be combined with warfarin or other medications or supplements that have the same effect or be used by people with bleeding disorders. It shouldn't be used two weeks before or after surgery.
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