Chamomile is such a useful and versatile herb that I find it difficult to know where to begin when singing its praises.
Should I start by talking about its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response, or should I focus on its use as a digestive bitter? Or should I perhaps, as every Beatrix Potter fan knows well, talk about the usefulness of Chamomile as a sleeping aid for naughty rabbits?
With a little thought, I think I can sum up everything great about Kamille in one word: reassurance.
Chamomile is a calming herb. From the digestive tract to the skin and nervous system: the sweet-smelling flowers of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are the very first thing I think of when there is a condition that requires soothing action. Typically, these types of conditions involve some form of irritation that stems from hyper-reactivity to stress and the environment, and more often than not, this irritation and hypersensitivity can be seen to manifest in multiple ways in the same person.
What exactly does this hyper-reactive and irritable state look like? Imagine the irritable child (of any age) who has worked himself into such a frenzy that he gets stomach upsets or headaches, can’t sleep, and experiences skin irritations or flare-ups. I’m sure we can all imagine several people like this; perhaps we have even found ourselves in such a condition on certain occasions. This is the person you want to give a big steaming mug of chamomile tea to before sending them to bed.
Chamomile works its magic by working at the interface between the gut, immune system and nervous system. We often think of these systems as different, but they are intimately connected through millions of neurons. When we are stressed, our nervous system responds by altering digestive and immune function. Likewise, when the digestive tract is irritated, it alerts the immune and nervous systems and can overwhelm things. In both cases, chamomile helps to return the body to its starting position, both by calming the nervous system with its aromatic essential oils, and by acting directly on digestion – stimulating function with its mild bitter taste and soothing muscle spasms and tissue irritation with its moisturizing and soothing effect.
The combined effect is one of relaxation on all levels. Just as chamomile exerts its effects directly on the tissues of the digestive tract, it can also be used topically to soothe other tissues, namely in the respiratory tract and topically on the skin. Chamomile tea in a neti pot is a great ally during allergy season to provide immediate local comfort for sinus irritation.
Warm chamomile tea bags can also be placed on the eyes to relieve dryness and irritation or used as a compress to soothe and cool a hot, itchy rash. Don’t be surprised if these topical applications also leave you feeling calm and relaxed. So there you have it; When you think of Chamomile, think soothing. Or better yet, if you find yourself or someone you love in some irritable state, think of Chamomile.
WishGarden Herbs’ formulas with Chamomile:
Growing pains disappear in children, sleepy nights during pregnancy and release of stress during pregnancy
Writer Danielle Charles Davies has a BSc in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University and also completed two years of clinical training at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. She has a master’s degree in writing and has written for the American Herbalists Guild and has also served as a food columnist. Her musings and recipes can be found on her blog, Teacup Chronicles.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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