Chamomile - Natural medicine

02-Jan-2009

Tags: Herb , Tea , Health , Grow , Chamomile

Chamomile is a herbaceous, annual and hibernating plant originating in south-eastern Europe, which nowadays has spread to all continents. The scientific name "Matcaria" derives from the latin word "mater" (mother). The plant loves heat, light (which influences the essential oil contained), and moist soils. The chamomile stem, reaching growing up to 60 cm, is striated and ramified at its base, and each branch has flowers. It makes a very popular and very tasty herbal tea.

Chamomile flowers contain: essential oils (etheric oil: 0.38 - 0.81%), vitamins B1 and C, mineral substances (phosphorus, potassium, silicon, iron, manganese, calcium, copper, lead, zinc, zirconium), glucides, lipids (in small quantities) and acids. The plant has calming, analgesic, disinfecting and antiseptic, anti spasmotic and tonic actions. There are essentially two different species of chamomile that are used for supplements and balms. These are the German and the Roman varieties.

Benefits of Chamomile:

• Chamomile is widely used to treat such gynecologic complaints as menstrual cramps and sleep disorders related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Chamomile contains fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents and is particularly effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps.

• Chamomile reduces cramping and spastic pain in the bowels and also relieves excessive gas and bloating in the intestines.

• It is often used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis.

• Chamomile also can help a child fall asleep.

• It can be inhaled for sore throats, used in baths to soothe anal or genital inflammation.

• The most common use for chamomile supplements is as a muscle relaxant.

• The active ingredients found in the flower of chamomile are volatile oils, also known as essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils act by soothing irritated skin or tissue and are proven to help with skin irritations.

• Chamomile is a relaxing source for adults.

• Chamomile is valued as an antimicrobial agent. A German study found that the herb inactivates bacterial toxins. Small quantities of chamomile oil inhibit staphylococcal and streptococcal strains of bacteria.

• You can drink chamomile tea combined with other antimicrobials, such as thyme, echinacea, and goldenseal, for internal infections.

• Chamomile is also used to treat infections and inflammations.

• Chamomile is used in homemade hair rinses. It is also an ingredient in cosmetics.

How can you grow Chamomile: Chamomile is easy to grow. Chamomiles are grown from seed. Sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants 15-18" apart. They thrive in full sun. They prefer average to rich soils. Regular application of fertilizer will help this plant to grow to its maximum height. Provide sufficient water to keep the soil moist. Harvest the flowers when they reach peak bloom. They can be used fresh, or dried. Spread flowers out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.

Make a simple serving of chamomile tea:

• Steep 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers per cup of water for 15 minutes.
• Drink 1/2 cup up to five times a day for digestive problems.
• For nervous conditions, combine chamomile with equal parts of passionflower, skullcap, oats, or hops.
• For tincture: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, three times per day.

Side Effects:

• Most people tolerate chamomile well, although if you're allergic to ragweed, you may experience allergic symptoms after using chamomile.

• Omit the licorice root if you have high blood pressure.

• Many herbalists advise pregnant women to avoid using any herbs they don't really need, but chamomile is safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• 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.

You must consult your doctor before taking Chamomile for precaution.

Chamomile has always been a popular herbal remedy because of its lack of side effects and its obvious benefits. Two or three cups of chamomile tea every day or two to three tablets a day will usually be sufficient to help most ailments. Chamomile has been proven to show good results in the combating of various illnesses and diseases. As well as effectively helping to combat stress and depression by relaxing the muscles in the brain. Give it a try and feel the difference.

(Sources: gardenersnet.com, liveandfeel.com, health.howstuffworks.com, health.learninginfo.org)

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