Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Also Known As: German chamomile, Matricaria recutita

by Jennifer Sala

Indications:

• ADD/ADHD, agitation, excitability, nervousness, insomnia or other sleep troubles, anxiety, stress, depression

• Allergies and food sensitivities

• Heart palpitations, pain, tension, headaches, cramping

• Menstrual complications, including emotional

• Skin irritations, lesions, bites, stings, wound healing

• Stomach, liver, and bowel (digestive) complaints

• Eye & mouth complaints

If you’re feeling adventurous, chamomile can be added to any apple pie recipe – whole or ground – for a delicious complementary twist. You may have to compensate a little liquid due to the sponginess of the blossoms.

 Additionally, an eye pillow stuffed with fennel seed, flax, and chamomile can make for a soothing night’s sleep.

            Many people are familiar with chamomile but its commodity status should in no way be taken to mean it is weak. On the contrary, chamomile is profoundly powerful for many essential aspects of the essential functions of the body. It has been recorded since the first century as a digestive and pairs well with ginger for this purpose. It should be noted that to activate the bitter aspect of this herb a long extraction is required, hence how this element of the plant’s prowess is now often overlooked in a world that steeps tea for only five minutes. Chamomile tincture is a lovely mealtime bitter that improves digestion, soothes a nervous belly, and can wake up the appetite. Enjoy regularly for best results.

            Despite its potential for digestive and emotional/psychological wellbeing, chamomile is commonly used for sleep and may or may not actually benefit a particular individual in this manner. As a general rule, if chamomile on its own truly makes you sleepy you simply need more or better sleep, period, and a long-term sleep improvement plan is recommended. To otherwise induce more restful sleep using this lovely plant steep equal parts chamomile and skullcap and half a part of wild lettuce in a tea for at least 20 minutes using honey to taste if desired.

            While it is quite relaxing, soothing, and may induce sounder sleep, it can also make a dramatic shift in the impact of normal stress in an individual over the long haul, especially blended with more enlivening, stimulatory herbs such as rosemary, jaiogulan, cinnamon, astragalus, or rhodiola. This should be consumed throughout the day starting in the morning. The combined nutritive aspects of chamomile with stinging nettle in a long extraction (ei overnight and don’t break the seal until you are ready to start sipping) makes for a wonderfully replenishing beverage that cooperatively supports much of the body and can knock allergies and sensitivities way back. Some tasty companions like tulsi, angelica, the anises, or fennel can help make this combo more pallet pleasing and, naturally even more enriching.

            As such a gentle, friendly herb it is even safe for most infants, children, and elders. In adults it generally can be taken liberally and consistently. It is wonderful in a steam - especially for relieving anxiety, tension, and allergies - or in a yani steam. Chamomile makes a luxurious bathwater or alternatively in a basin soak for tired, afflicted hands and feet. Suggested companions for this purpose are rose, calendula, comfrey, eucalyptus, and the mints. Similarly, a cooled down rapid extract of chamomile can be used as a rinse or compress for eye and mouth afflictions. Naturally, for the eyes a simple extract of chamomile is advised, or perhaps another eye-friendly herb may be permissible but be wise and careful! This fabulous little flower can even be given to dogs via lukewarm tea in the water dish and the effects are observable. Commercially available are herbal doggy treats that use this tiny, mighty flower.

            There is so much that can be said for these dainty little powerhouse blossoms and this herb should not be underestimated or pigeon holed. Even in small amounts it can add such a sweet little burst of sunshine and familiar comfort to herbal tea blends, topical remedies, and even apple dishes as mentioned above. Every herbalist, just budding or the most experienced, should consider chamomile a multifaceted comfort staple.

Resources:

“Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine”
Published by: DK, copyright 2016
By Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH

“Herbal Medicine for Beginners”
Published by: Althea Press, copyright 2018
By Katja Swift & Ryn Midura\

http://heritagegarden.uic.edu/german-chamomile-matricaria-recutita
University of Illinois Chicago Heritage Garden: German Chamomile reference page

Want more herbal goodness?

🌼Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and receive these THIRTEEN herbal freebies!

VIDEO | Most Vital Herb in David Hoffmann’s First-Aid Kit
WEBINAR | Herbal First Aid with Heather Irvine
EBOOK | 86 Page Plant Healer Book
30 DAYS FREE | HerbRally Schoolhouse
EBOOK | Calendula for Radiant Skin by Rosalee de la Forêt
VIDEO | 5 Herbal Events Around the World presented by Bevin Clare
BOOK DISCOUNT | The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine
PRIVATE COMMUNITY | HerbRally Facebook Group
BOOK EXCERPT | 36 Pages from Plant Healer's "Nourishing Foods" Book
DISCOUNT | 15% off all Mountain Rose Herbs products
DISCOUNT | Mushroom Revival
AUDIO | Hour-long Adaptogens Class with Heather Irvine
DISCOUNT | 10% off all HerbRally products

👉 CLAIM YOUR FREEBIES!

Reader be warned...

• This content is not intended as medical advice, it is simply information.

• Please use wisdom, commonsense, and your best judgment.

• Listen to your body, because nobody knows you better than you do.

• Never hesitate to contact a licensed medical professional with your questions and concerns, or before you make any medical decision as you would not want to accidentally compromise your health in the process of trying to get better.

• I am an herbalist, not a medical professional, and certainly not a doctor.

• I am unqualified to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness or symptom.

• I can only speak from my own unscientific anecdotal experience and relay the findings of my personal studies for you to think critically about and study thoroughly for yourself.

• Always strive to be informed regarding your health and be sure any treatment or lifestyle change is safe and advisable for your individual situation.

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution to any symptom or health disorder. 

Hi! I am a crunchy herb-nerd from Downeast Maine. I have been, at times gracelessly, managing multiple chronic diseases at home for over ten years through holistic remediation. It started with kidney supportive dietary changes and eczema friendly food-based skin care in my late teens and now my tea cupboard is overflowing! My understanding is based mostly in western holistic herbalism but I pull a lot of theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine or wherever appropriate or useful at the time – as far as I can tell there is validity to every foundation. I am an aspiring registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, working on the long list of requirements to apply, and student of a couple online herb schools– not to mention years of self-education and self-study. One day soon I’ll be taking clients, probably over tele-meeting. In the mean time, I’m so glad and excited to be stepping out into the greater herbal world to share what I have learned and put my hard work to greater application outside of my own tiny sphere :) I’m grateful to be part of such a beautiful, benevolent subculture and human journey.

Lots of lilacs – Jennifer Sala