Chamomile

My favorite way to take Chamomile is a half hour before bed as a “wind down” tea. Especially if one of us has been moody throughout the day…shhhh. Recently I have been using an infusion of it in my newborns bath as both as it relaxes and is great for her skin and health in general.

 

So most people know this herb as the “sleepy time” tea they find in their local grocery store, which may or may NOT work. HOWEVER, there is so much more to the medicinal properties of this herb when sourced and prepared properly!  

This herb, when used the right way has a strong appeal for the “whining child” that finds comfort when being held. This calms and sedates in a gentle yet effective way. One of my teachers gave it to his child as a night time shot before bed and I will probably make this a ritual of my own in the near future as mine grows into a toddler. I encourage you to try it on a whiney adult too!

 

It has a connection to benefiting both children and adults who have patterns of both emotional and digestive sensitivity. Some woman with reproductive system discomfort have also found chamomile to be very helpful.

 

Emotional and mental restlessness is not the only limit to this herb’s treasures. You may also find it to help with fevers, colds, mild depression, PMS or Menopausal anxiety, irritability, IBS, Acid reflux, indigestion, ulcers, conjunctivitis, and mouth ulcers just to name a few.

 

A big miss is that when you get this tea off the grocery shelves it has been dried and sitting which loses its medicinal properties over time and let’s be honest, who knows how long these teas have been sitting on shelves before making it to your teacup. The way to do it is source organically grown and recently dried flower tops that can be infused, or take a tincture or capsules. I personally infuse my chamomile for at least 20 minutes(if I am in a rush) or over 2-6 hours if I want more medicinal properties to be released in the water to drink and benefit from. Technically 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup should be good. Note that the longer you infuse chamomile the more bitter it becomes which is very beneficial medicinally but some may not enjoy it as much.

 

You can choose to have a tincture on hand for a VERY last minute grab and 2-6 ml is a typical dose for an adult. A wash is used for some conditions of the eyes, mouth, and skin.

 

And for those of you with furry babies…chamomile has been used to help pets with anxiety too.  Just know that every pet is different and may have a different reaction due to allergies or sensitivities.  It is important to consult with a holistic veterinarian when introducing herbal protocols with pets.

 

I recommend talking to a local herbalist if you have questions concerning your own health as they may know of a great blend specific to your needs. Many of the herbs work together to enhance benefits.

 

Safety notes: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn. Anthemis nobilis) should be avoided during pregnancy…German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is fine during pregnancy. Anthemis leaf and stem have a more emmenagogue effect.

When used topically it may irritate the eyes.

Some people warn to be careful when used with warfarin as they are careful using with any blood thinning medications. I have not heard of this ever being an issue and have been taught that chamomile does not have any blood thinning effect but worth noting.

People who are sensitive to plants belonging to the Asteraceae family have a potential to have an allergic reaction; usually symptoms are minor although anaphylactic reactions have been reported.

 

For all you herb nerds:

Chamomile is energetically warming to most (although some have said it is cooling) and moist with sweet, bitter, and mildly acrid flavors.

 

Besides being used as a nervine it is a carminative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diaphoretic, vulnerary, spasmolytic, mild anticonvulsant, and mild analgesic.