Chamomile is a very popular and widely consumed herb. Found in virtually every supermarket, the small golden buds of chamomile give many people relief from mild insomnia. Chamomile is mostly known as a tranquilizing herb and is the principal ingredient in many “sleepytime” tea blends. Chamomile, however, is a very versatile herb with scores of additional medicinal uses, uses that each of us can avail ourselves of if we take the time to learn more. To use chamomile only when we’re stressed out and can’t fall asleep ignores the herb’s considerable range of action. Let’s take a closer look.

The Herb Itself

Chamomile is a low-growing, perennial herb that thrives in dry or sandy soil. Like most herbs, it prefers full sunlight while growing. It is found in many parts of the world, from North America to Europe to Tasmania. Gardeners particularly favor this plant because it is a natural insect repellent ? like tansy, wormwood, and pennyroyal.

We should note here that there are several varieties of chamomile, with two being the most used. Anthemis nobilis, or Roman chamomile, and matricaria chamomilla, or German chamomile, are virtually identical in their actions, with the German variety being the stronger of the two. German chamomile, however, is more bitter tasting than its Roman cousin. The Roman variety is, therefore, preferred for drinking.

What Makes It Work?

Every medicinal herb contains many chemical compounds, or active constituents, which give the herb its unique range of action in the body. Both Roman and German chamomile contain a compound called chamazulene, a potent antiinflammatory. Chamazulene also has analgesic, antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. The Roman variety also contains appreciable amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing effects. The German variety contains variable amounts of the minerals calcium and potassium, and several flavonoids including rutin, a capillary-building agent and all-around strengthener of the cardiovascular system. It is rutin which makes German chamomile useful for strengthening veins. These main constituents, along with other lesser compounds, are what gives chamomile its particular powers.

Uses: External

Chamomile is a wonderfully versatile herb, with both internal and external uses.

For those who suffer from occasional joint or muscle pains, including bruises, swellings, and neuralgia, a hot fomentation of the herb, repeated several times, will usually prove beneficial. Fomentations are easy to prepare. Simply brew a hot herbal infusion by soaking 2 ounces of the herb in 1 pint of very hot water, covered, for about 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs. Make up some cloth strips, soak them in the infusion, wring, and then wrap the wet cloths around the affected joint, muscle, or body area. When the cloth cools, repeat the procedure. Be sure not to burn yourself! The liquid should be as warm as can be tolerated, but not so hot as to harm. Adding the herb mullein (another excellent analgesic) to the brew will strengthen and enhance its action.

Soothing relief from conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva covering the eye) can be had by making an eyewash out of the cooled infusion. Since chamomile has antiseptic properties, it will help eradicate any infection present in the eye. This eyewash is also excellent for tired, inflamed eyes.

Chamomile’s antiseptic properties make it ideal for washing all external wounds. Old-time herbalists would use cooled chamomile infusion as a preventive against gangrene, testifying to the herb’s powerful antiseptic abilities. In this same vein, chamomile can be applied (as a poultice or fomentation) to abscesses and skin ulcers in order to draw out the infection and soothe any pain.

Chamomile infusion can also be added to foot and sitz baths for pain relief. Women suffering from painful menstrual cramps can sometimes find relief by taking a hot sitz bath with a litre of chamomile infusion added to the water. Men with prostatitis will often find relief with this bath as well.

One of chamomile’s least known virtues is its value as a natural hair lightener, especially for blonds or those with natural blond highlights. Simply pour the warm infusion over your head several times and let it air dry. Trust me, it works!

Uses: Internal

Chamomile’s most famous use is for frayed nerves and insomnia. The tryptophan and calcium present in the herb are what give it its soporific properties. These effects are also excellent for restless children or those irritable from teething. While the dose will be considerably less than an adult’s, chamomile can probably help. It should be noted here that homeopathic chamomile (called chamomilla) is the principal teething remedy.

Chamomile also has a well-deserved reputation as a digestive tonic, excellent for dyspepsia, nausea, peptic ulcers and colic. The German variety is especially indicated for weak digestion. Being a bitter herb, it stimulates acid and bile secretion by the stomach and liver, respectively. German chamomile also contains antifungal compounds which make it a must for those with intestinal candidiasis.

Chamomile is also superb for headaches of all types, including migraines. The herb’s pain-relieving qualities also are good for minor rheumatic pains.

Chamomile is also a premiere emmenagogue, or woman’s herb. For blocked or congested menstruation, a cold infusion works wonders. Chamomile is also wonderful for menstrual cramps. Its soothing, diuretic qualities make it invaluable for cystitis, as well as PMS-related water retention and swollen breasts. Chamomile also helps to stabilize the mood swings sometimes associated with PMS. It should be noted here, however, that if PMS or menstrual difficulties are recurring, the affected woman should probe more deeply into what is causing this imbalance. Serious nutritional or physical problems may be at the root of these problems and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Chamomile is also an effective diaphoretic herb. In the initial stages of any fever, a hot cup of chamomile tea will help raise the body’s temperature and induce light sweating. This helps to break the fever faster, but also to assist the body’s efforts at “cooking” out invading organisms, a fever’s real purpose.

Lastly, Dr. John Christopher, author of The School of Natural Healing, advocates chamomile for pulmonary and bronchial complaints, especially chronic, spasmodic coughing. These uses stem from chamomile’s antispasmodic qualities. The herb contains fair amounts of tannic acid, an effective astringent, so chamomile is useful for tightening the mucous membranes and checking mucous secretions.

With all these uses, there is no reason why everyone should not have an ample stash of chamomile in their cupboard!

Preparation & Dosage

When preparing chamomile, it is important NOT to boil the flowers. Boiling will destroy the oils in the herb and the oils are where the active constituents are. For the warm infusion, soak 2 ounces of the herb in 1 pint of very hot water, covered, for about 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs. Take 2-4 ounces (1/4 to 1/2 cup) at a time as needed. (1-2 tablespoons for children.) The infusion should be stored in the refrigerator. For the tea, add one cup of very hot water to 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and steep for 10 minutes. For the cold infusion, soak 2 ounces of the herb in 1 quart of cold water. When the liquid turns yellowish, it is ready.

Tinctures of chamomile and packaged capsules are available at health food stores; follow the label’s instructions for proper dosages. If you have any questions concerning the dosage of any herb, either consult a reliable herbalist or health professional experienced in medical herbalism.

ONE WARNING

If you suffer from ragweed allergy, do NOT use chamomile. Ragweed always grows close to chamomile and during harvesting, some of the weed always gets mixed in with the herb. Do not take any chances with chamomile if you’re allergic to ragweed.

Stephen Byrnes is a Natural Therapist and Nutritionist in Honolulu, HI. Info on his services and latest book, Overcoming AIDS with Natural Medicine, can be found at his web site: www.naturalhawaii.com/byrnes.htm.

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