Chamomile

50g (1.76oz)

Medicinal Name: Matricaria chamomilla

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antispasmodic, relaxant, carminative

Treatment: gas, bloating, constipation, indigestion, digestion problems,

German chamomile, for example, has been taken to soothe digestive problems for thousands of years, and aloe vera was known to Cleopatra as a healing skin remedy

A cream made from German chamomile was tested in 1987 for its ability to heal wounds. The results produced were very positive. In 1993, another trial using German chamomile and four other herbs showed them to be most effective at easing infantile colic.

Gentle and efficacious, it is very suitable for children. The herb is valuable for pain, indigestion, acidity, gastritis, gas, bloating, and colic. It is also used for hiatal hernia, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

German chamomile, which contains spiroether, a strong antispasmodic, eases tense muscles and period pain. It is known that women in ancient Rome commonly took chamomile to relieve menstrual cramps. Chamomile flowers also reduce irritability and promote sleep—especially helpful for children.

An Iranian clinical trial compared chamomile with mefenamic acid for relief of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Both were found effective in relieving the physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, but chamomile proved better in relieving emotional symptoms.

The herb is useful for hay fever and asthma. On steam distillation, the pro azulenes produce chamazulene, which is markedly antiallergenic. Externally, it can be applied to sore, itchy skin, sore nipples, and eczema. It also relieves eyestrain. A poultice can be applied to sore breasts.

Preparation: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonsful of the dried leaves and let it infuse for 5–10 minutes.

• For digestive problems, this tea should be drunk after meals.
• a stronger infusion should be used as a mouthwash for conditions such as gingivitis.
• Half a cup of flowers boiled in 2 litres of water make a steam bath. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam.