CHAMOMILE

CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)

(Chamaemelum nobile)        Top Pick

Other Names

Anthemis, Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Ground Apple, Maythen, Roman Camomile, Whig Plant.

Description

Chamomile is a perennial plant native to Europe.   It is also widely cultivated.   It is a low, thick plant growing to 3 inches, producing fresh flowers with bright yellow centers, that look like miniature daisies.   Because Chamomile grows rapidly it is often used as ground cover.

Classification

Moist

Taste

Bitter

Balance Yin/Yang

Warm

Humor

Fire  ê Water   ê  Air   Û

Uses/Applications

Chamomile is famous for its medicinal uses.   It is an excellent and gentle sedative when used for anxiety and insomnia.   Use for indigestion and inflammations such as gastritis.   Use as a mouthwash for mouth inflammation, a gargle for sore throats, an eye bath for sore eyes, and inhaled over a steam bath for nasal congestion.   Externally it will speed wound healing.   As a carminative with relaxing properties it will ease flatulence and dyspeptic pain.

Flowers

Eyewash

Use for conjunctivitis or strained eye.

Flea   Powder

Chamomile makes an excellent flea repellent for felines.   Dust the cat and the cat’s bedding with it.

Hair Rinse

Chamomile is excellent for maintaining honey colored hair.

Infusion

Take for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, poor appetite, and indigestion.   Drink a cup at night for insomnia, anxiety, or stress.   Add to a baby’s bath water at night to encourage sleep.   For digestive problems drink after meals.   For insomnia drink before bedtime.

Inhalation

Use for phlegm, hay fever, asthma, or bronchitis.

Ointment

Use for insect bites, wounds, itching, eczema, and for anal or vulva irritation.

Tincture

Use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, insomnia, and tension.

Essential Oil

Inhalation

Use for bad nasal mucus, asthma, or whooping cough.

Lotion

Use for the treatment of eczema.

Combinations

Chamomile combines well with many herbs. 

For a feline flea repellent combine with Pennywort.

Constituents

Volatile Oil, Mucilage.

Action

Anti-Spasmodic, Carminative, Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Antiseptic, Aromatic, Diaphoretic, Emmenogogue, Nervine, Sedative, Tonic.

Food Values

Zinc, Calcium.

Part Used

Flowers and Leaves.

Collection

Harvest the flowers at their peak by cutting at ground level.   Remove the stems and dry the aerial parts in the sun.

Preparation

Capsule

Take 1 capsule three times per day.

Extract

Take 10 - 20 drops in water three times per day.

Hair Rinse

Boil dried blossoms in water for 20 minutes.   Cool and strain.   Use as a final rinse.

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. of dried leaves.   Infuse 10 minutes.   For digestive problems drink after meals.   For insomnia drink before bedtime.

Steam Bath

Boil 1/2 cup flowers in 2 liters of water, then inhale.

Eyewash

Dissolve 5 - 20 drops of tincture in warm water.

Growing Directions

Chamomile grows easily when sown in the spring.   Scatter the seeds on a well prepared bed, then gently tamp down.   You may transplant plants up to 2 inches tall.   Chamomile is self propagating.

History

The Ancient Greeks called Chamomile “Ground Apple” because of its aroma.   Chamomile was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the God Woden by the Anglo Saxons.   The two species used medicinally are Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile.   They have almost identical medicinal properties.   In Europe it was used extensively as a carminative to aid digestion and as a bitter to stimulate the appetite.

Additional Information

1.   Home dried flowers will usually give more flavor than a bag of commercial tea. 

2.   Since medieval times the oil has been distilled from fresh flowers. 

3.   The oil is extremely expensive and is a deep blue because of the azulenes it contains. 

4.   Many studies have supported its use as a digestive aid.   Its long history as a tranquilizer has also been proven in scientific studies.

Cautions

1.   Do not use the essential oil during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.

2.   Chamomile can cause contact dermatitis.

3.   Watch for allergies - if you have allergies in the daisy family, including ragweed, use caution.

4.   Large amounts can lead to stomach upset.

Magick Information

Gender:

Masculine

Planet:

Sun

Element:

Water

Deity:

None

Powers:

Love, Meditation, Protection.

Magickal Uses:

Use Chamomile in meditation incense and in your bath to attract love.   It is also a protective herb.   Sprinkle around your home for protection.