Chamomile
(Antemis nobilis)
(Chamomila recutita)
(Compositae)
(Matricaria chamomilla)
(Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile is also known as Roman chamomile, Garden chamomile, Low chamomile, Gound apple, Whig plant, or Rauschett. It is one of the most commonly used herbs, and has been used since ancient Egyptian times. There are really two types of chamomile, but they look very much alike. Both have feather-like foliage, late-blooming, daisy-like flowers, and are like apples in fragrance and flavor. Roman chamomile (antemus nobilis) is a a perennial that usually only grows to about nine inches. Its scent is stronger than that of German chamomile, maricaria nobilis. German chamomile is also known as Wild chamomile, Sweet false chamomile, or mayweed. German chamomile usually reaches a height of two or three feet, and is generally preferred over Roman chamomile for medicinal uses.

Some people believe that chamomile is capable of anything: it can be used in baths, poultices, cosmetics, hair rinses, air fresheners, insect repellents, dyes, potpourri, wines, and more. It has many medicinal properties as well; it is a stimulant, tonic, anti-microbial, anti-catarrhal, ammenogoue, antisposmadic, and aodyne. Because of these properties, it can be used to cure anxiety, insomnia, menstrual pain, loss of appitite, the flu, jaundice, worms, hemorrhoids, teething, migraines, dyspepsia, diarrhea, indigestion, motion sickness, ulcers, colic, muscle cramps, gastritis, gout, sciatica, and for the relief of asthma.

Chamomile tea has many uses. It can be used to bathe sore or weak eyes or swellings. It also relaxes the body and mind. Tea can help the body to remove mucus buildup associate with colds, sinus infections, and hayfever. When ground ginger is added to the tea it helps alleviate distates of food and loss of appetite.

As well as in tea, chamomile can be used in a poultice to prevent gangrene. it is supplied commercially in capsules. Chamomile tea plus a chamomile bath will calm a teething infant. A bath or steam inhalation will relax the body and mind. When it is combined with bittersweet it can be used externally to cure bruises, sprains, callouses, and corns. Research has shown that chamomile in addition to prescribed medicines may be helpful in treating cancer and polio. Chamomile can be used in an ointment, lotion, inhalation, or vapor bath as well.

CAUTION: Do not use while pregnant.
Do not use for long periods of time.
Do not use if allergic to members of the compositae family such as ragweed and chrysanthemum.

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