There are several types of chamomile. German Chamomile/ Matricaria recutita is a tall annual, which grows wild. Roman Chamomile/ Chamaemelum nobile is a low-growing perennial. Another type of chamomile is Moroccan Chamomile, often called the poor cousin.
Chamomile was worshiped by ancient Egyptians, prescribed by many a Greek doctor and is well known as one of the sacred herbs of the ancient manuscript, Lacnunga. Chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning ground apple.
Chamomile has many different applications: sedative, relaxant, depression aid, stress reliever, soothes teething and colic, calms the digestive system, settles nervous indigestion, gastritis, relieves headaches, menstruation, disorders of the kidney, liver and the bladder, hay fever, insomnia, hiccups, stomach cramps, vomiting, appetite loss, spastic pain, arthritis, is an anti-inflammatory agent, inhalant for asthma treatment; lightens, cleans, and conditions hair, used as a rinse for dandruff; skin cleanser; relieves eczema, helps ease itching, acne, burns, infected wounds, ulcers, and facial neuralgia, diarrhea aid, and is an insect repellent.
Chamomile is also a wonderful apple flavored tea that can be enjoyed any time.
Grow chamomile in full sun to partial shade. This herb likes sandy, well-drained, lightly dry soil. Try your hand at growing chamomile. You can find chamomile at most nurseries or garden shops or contact us, we can help you. We stock chamomile flowers and chamomile tea.
Chamomile can be blended with other herbs to enhance its already wonderful scent in sachets, essential baths, etc. It mixes well with: Benzoin, Bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemon, marjoram neroli.
Here are a few approaches for some common ailments:
Eczema
Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to cream to relieve itching.
Earache
Make a poultice with chamomile. Wet the poultice and place on affected area. Cover with a warm cloth.
Restless Children
2 cups chamomile tea in the bath soothes restless infants.
Facial Cleanser
Heat 1/2 cups of dairy cream. Mix in 2 T. chamomile flowers. Infuse 30 minutes (let steep). Strain. Apply with a cotton ball. Remove excess with a tissue. Refrigerate. Use within 1 week.
Facial Rinse
Place 1 1/2 cups of fresh chamomile or 1 oz. of dry chamomile in a bowl. Boil 2 1/2 cups of water. Pour over the chamomile. Cover. Steep 30 minutes. Strain. Cool. Use as a facial rinse. Store refrigerated up to 3 days.
Skin Softening Milk Bath
Place 3 T. powdered milk and 1/4 cup chamomile in a small muslin bag. Place the bag in your bath.
Chamomile Tea
Relieves cramps, dizziness, indigestion, and nervous stomach. Chamomile tea taken at mealtime stimulates the appetite. Taken at bedtime the tea will calm the nerves and help with insomnia.
Tired Eyes
Reduce eye strain and eye inflammation. Soak 2 tea bags in warm water for 2 - 3 minutes. Place the tea bag on the eyes for ten minutes or more.
Under-eye Swelling and Puffiness
Soak the tea bags in cool water. Place the tea bags over the eyes until the eye looks less puffy.
People who have known sensitivities to ragweed may experience reactions to chamomile and should use caution.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, need help finding quality vitamins, herbs, lavender or chamomile flowers, chamomile tea, lemon balm tea, essential oil, or herbal bath products.
* The information in this article should not replace the advice of your medical practitioner.
About the Author Diane Kennedy Snyder is an Herb Specialist and herbal product designer.
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More Info
The best quality Camomile comes from the Nile Delta in Egypt, as does our Camomile tea.
Camomile makes a pleasant aromatic tea with a fruity flavor, enhanced by sugar or honey. It is often sipped for relief of health problems ranging from toothache to nervousness. Camomile has also been noted as beneficial for soothing headaches and is a natural relaxing herb known to assist the restless and those suffering from insomnia. In many circles Camomile is called nighty night tea or sleepy tea on account of its natural properties which promote restfulness and drowsiness. It is also known to assist digestive disorders by settling the stomach and calming the nerves. The plant’s botanical name Matricaria, is derived from the Latin term for womb because it was once used as an herb to treat female troubles. Camomile is derived from ancient Greek and translates as “Ground Apple” in reference to the fruity aroma.
Like many teas and herbs camomile should be consumed without the addition of milk but this does not preclude additives such as honey, lime, lemon, cinnamon etc. One of the fun things to do with a widely used consumer herb like camomile is to make your own blend. Try camomile with peppermint and call it Camomint Soothing Sleeper - camomile provides the ‘sleepy’ portion of your blend and the peppermint provides the soothing part (peppermint is known to soothe upset stomachs).
