Chamomile
FLOWERS:
Small daisy-like blooms with cone-like yellow center.
Self-seeded plants will bloom from June onward if kept
harvested.
Rich in vitamins and essential oils, this herb is an
effective anti-inflammatory and overall soothing herb.
Antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic,
digestive system relaxant
(stimulates normal digestion),
calmative
(good to soothe overstimulation and safe for children) and
mild sedative.
Used as a
sleep inducer
and for
anxiety.immune
system.
Beneficial for
hyperactive children
as an aid to
dispel tension
and
calm muscular and nervous systems.
Used for
vertigo, hysteria, stress, and hyper-sensitivity.
As a
digestive aid
is used for
indigestion, upset stomach, colic,
and
tonic
for poor appetite.
Calms the
vagus nerve
(often triggered by attacks of
esophagitis).
Used for
colicky or spasmodic pain, anorexia, dyspepsia, nervous
dyspepsia, spastic colon, diarrhea, flatulence, inflammation
of the upper digestive tract, overactive digestion, ulcers
(as adjunct),
gastritis, nausea of normal pregnancy.
Used for
convulsions, spasmodic pain, painful menstrual periods,
menopausal symptoms, lack of periods, female conditions
involving tension, spasm or pain.
As a poultice or wash is
used for
relief for redness, pain and swelling.
Used for
kidney and bladder problems
as well as fever.
Used as a wash for
skin irritations,
as an infusion and compress for
tired eyes,
used as a wash for
acne
(will sooth make smooth),
sensitive skin, inflamed skin, eczema, and seborrhoea.
Tea is added to bathwater
for
sunburn, migraine, and mastitis.
Tea is also used as a
healing poultice.
Used as a
mouthwash
for
chronic infective conditions
accessible to direct contact, as an
eyebath,
and for
teething.
Used in
steam inhalation
for
catarrh and inflammed mucous membranes.
Anti-allergy
(said to reduce
anaphylactic shock
taken as a steam inhalation).
Wash of the tea used for
wounds and sores.
Tea used for
inflammations, infection, colic, muscle spasms, and tension.
Inhalation of the
vaporized oil
(aromatherapy) used to relieve anxiety and depression
associated with
menopause.
To reduce
inflammation, sores and swellings
apply hot and wet in
paste form.
Add a small amount of boiling water to the flowers and blend
in mortar and pestle - OR - make up a large infusion, steep
for 15 minutes, strain and add to bath to heal body sores
and aches. Removes weariness and eases pain. ALSO: the oil
reduces inflammation on tissues, is wound healing and
antiseptic.
-
OIL
of CHAMOMILE
Place 3 oz of dried flowers into glass jar.
Cover with 1½ pints of olive or sweet almond or
other suitable vegetable oil. Place in sun for 2
weeks or more (till herb is used up); strain and
bottle.
Used for facials, masks, compresses, body wraps,
massage, bath, and hair care.
-
COSMETIC INFUSION
Take handful of blossoms and steep in 1 quart
boiled water for 15 minutes.
Use in bath water, as skin lotion, as mouthwash, or
as rinse for hair. Also: the spent blossoms can be
used as a face pack for oily skin.
-
FACIAL
Pour boiling water over blossoms in large
bowl and let steam drift over face. Use common sense
and caution around boiling water to avoid injury.
-
HAIR
RINSE
Make up large infusion, steep 15 minutes and
use as a rinse to highlight hair. (Works best on
light colored hair.)
