Chamomile – Matricaria recutita – Organic flowers

Grown Organically in Egypt

May be Useful for: digestive, anxiety and nervous tension, colic and other digestive disturbances, hayfever, mucous membrane tonic – respiratory conditions, digestive infections, diarhoea, topical infection esp. eye infections, etc

Chamomile is one the most scientifically accepted herbs known and used both as a delightful drink and as a strong medicine for a very wide variety of ailments. Most chamomile teas in the market, however, are very poor quality and will not have these laboratory proven attributes. As a test, when you buy some organic whole flower – compare it to the contents of a chamomile tea bag – and even taste test the two – to really appreciate the difference buying a quality herb can make!

Constituents (major ones are listed):

• chamazulene
• a-bisabolol
• bisabolol oxide
• spiroether
• chrysoplenin
• chrysoplenol
• jaceidin
• apigenin
• flavonoids
• anthemic acid
• anthemidine
• tannins
• matricarin

Actions:

• nervine
• anti-spasmodic
• carminative
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-microbial
• bitter
• vulnerary

Indications:  The list is very long of what this wonderful herb can do! The common ailments helped by Chamomile include insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, all eye infections, urticaria etc… There are many many more conditions it treats – it is very comprehensive as it has so many properties and quite distinct constituents. It is probably the most widely used relaxing nervine herb in the western world. It relaxes and tones the nervous system, and is especially valuable where anxiety and tension produce digestive symptoms such as gas, colic pains or even ulcers. This ability to focus on physical symptoms as well as underlying psychological tension is one of the great benefits of herbal remedies in stress and anxiety problems. Safe in all types of stress and anxiety related problems, it makes a wonderful late night tea to ensure restful sleep. It is helpful with anxious children or teething infants, where it is used as an addition to the bath. Combine with aniseed or fennel for infant colic.
As an anti-spasmodic herb, it works on the peripheral nerves and muscles, and so it indirectly relaxes the whole body. It can prevent or ease cramps in the muscles, such as leg or abdomen. Being rich in essential oil, it acts on the digestive system, promoting proper function. This usually involves soothing the walls of the intestines, easing griping pains and helping the removal of gas. It is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy internally for the digestive and respiratory system as well as externally on the skin. A cup of hot Chamomile tea is a simple, effective way of relieving indigestion, calming inflammations such as gastritis and helping prevent ulcer formation. Using the essential oil as a steam inhalation will allow the same oils to reach inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs.
Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, will kill bacterias such as Streptococcus bacteria.The oil from 0.10g of flowers is enough to destroy in 2 hours three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins as other orthodox treatments! Use the infusion as a compress or use a poultice to treat eye infections without the use of anti-biotics and abrasive washes that can make the eye more likely to get further infections – however, if symptoms worsen or persist, please see a health professional.
As an anti-catarrhal it helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinus area. It may be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hayfever. It does this by reducing the bacteria that instigates the mucous production. Clinical and laboratory research demonstrates statistically what the herbalist knows already; that it will reduce inflammation, colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract. A very well researched and scientifically accepted medicinal herb, used by general practitioners and doctors across Europe where it is commonly grown. Use for both adults and children – whether as a remedy, or as a refreshing calming tea.

Preparation: The herb may be used in all the ways plants can be prepared as medicines, as well as a relaxing refreshing tea, made hot or iced. Used fresh or dried it should be infused to make the tea. The tincture is an excellent way of ensuring all the plants components are extracted and available for the body. 2 -3 teaspoonfuls infused for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Tincture :1-4ml three times a day. For children, please email details to Chirinka for accurate dosage.

In Australia, it is a violation of TGA regulations to list any therapeutic claims for any medication, natural or orthodox prescriptive, without TGA approval. For further information about this herb, we recommend doing your own thorough research, such as using any links provided or reliable researched websites

http://www.rain-tree.com/plistbot.htm

http://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/

http://www.herbmed.org/

Disclaimer:  The information contained here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body and the author, publisher, printer and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. All herbs should be taken with care whether topically or internally. Please skin test if using it topically and discontinue use in cases of rnegative reactions. Unless taken as a food/tea, please always take internally under proffesional supervision & consult your practitioner if symptoms persist or you have any concerns including drug/herb interactions. Please consult with a proffesional herbalist or your doctor if you are taking any medications to check for herb/drug interactions.