Diamon Naturals

Alaena Charlotte Diamon

alaena@diamon-naturals.us

Chamomile, German (Chamaemelum nobile)

Name: Chamaemelon translates as "apple on the ground" and describes the sweet, apple scent given off by all parts of the herb.

Common Name:  Wild Chamomile, Ground Apple by the Ancient Greeks because of the smell.

Parts Used: Flowers and aerial parts.

Description:  Miniature daisy-like flowers and delicate leaves.  Stems about 2 feet long.  Will continue to blossom throughout the summer as long as you remove blossoms regularly.  Petals fold down at night, opening in the morning sun.

Habitat:  Prefers dry sandy soils and grassland, although it grows all over.  Likes direct sun.

Cultivation: Chamomile adapts to most soils, likes lots of water and full sun. It grows up to 20 inches tall.

Grows With:  Other sun-loving plants.  My Chamomile and Peppermint wind around each other!

Propagation and Reproduction:  Annual, self-seeding.

Constituents:  Volatile oil.  Important flavonoids have been found that include quercimeritin, which is involved in the reduction of capillary fragility. Other relevant constituents are valerianic acid, coumarins, salicylates,  anthemic acid, anthemidine, tannin and matricarin. 

Uses:  Nervine, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, bitter, vulnerary, sedative, prevents vomiting.  The syrup made of the juice with the flowers in white wine is a remedy against the jaundice and dropsy.   It lowers nervous excitability and is useful to relieve toothache, earache and neuralgia if taken internally or used as a poultice. Children throughout the world hear how Peter Rabbit’s mother gave him Chamomile tea to calm him down after a tense night of eating Mr. McGregor’s garden. It will contribute its relaxing actions in combination with many other herbs and is popularly used for anxiety and insomnia. One clinical study noted that 10 out of 12 patients who drank Chamomile tea instead of their regular pain medications went into a deep sleep within 10 minutes, even while undergoing a painful procedure. It has been recommended for hundreds of years to ease nerves and muscle pain, sciatica and menstrual cramps. Indigestion and gastritis are often eased with Chamomile, especially emotion-related digestive problems such as peptic ulcers, colitis and spastic colon. It can be used as a mouthwash for mouth inflammations, a gargle for sore throats and an eye-bath for sore eyes. As an inhalation over a steam bath, it will speed recovery from nasal catarrh. Its relaxing properties will ease flatulence and dyspeptic pain. It also promotes tissue regeneration following operations on the intestinal, urinary and genital systems. Chamomile decreases histamine, implicated in ulcers, and the skin swelling, puffy eyes and headaches brought on by allergies. It is given to children for digestive and hyperactive problems, to discourage nightmares and to prevent the convulsions that sometimes accompany children’s high fevers. It binds and inactivates bacteria, fungus and toxins, including staph and candida, even in low quantities. Chamomile poultices have been placed on cancers, and have shown immune-system-stimulating and anti-tumor activity. The fragrance is used in massage and bath oils for those who are emotionally oversensitive or depressed. A Chamomile rinse brings out the highlights on dark hair. Two Chamomile tea bags, steeped in hot water a couple of minutes, can be placed on the eyes to relieve strain. The old herbals call Chamomile "the plant’s physician" and say it will revive an ailing plant when planted nearby.  Can be used in tincture or in tea.   An infusion of Chamomile and Ginger Root may relieve menstrual cramps.  Add 1/4 to 1 cup to baby's bath water to encourage restful sleep. 

Miscellaneous: One of nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god Woden, Chamomile is used in prosperity charms to attract money. Added to incense, it's said to produce a relaxed state for better meditation, while burned alone it can induce sleep. Added to a ritual bath, it will attract love. Sprinkle it around your property to remove curses and bad spells. One home-dried flower contains more flavor than a commercially prepared teabag!  

Caution:  Do not use during pregnancy.

Flower Essence:  For those who are moody, easily upset, irritable, impatient and angry, it soothes inner tension, helping one stand back from the little things that annoy, and restoring a sunny, serene disposition.  Calms the stomach muscles and helps one 'digest' life's moments as they happen.