Herb library

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile, a gentle, fragrant herb long kept in kitchen cupboards, is used as a calming tea and a soothing household remedy for skin and digestive discomforts. It is kind, mild, and easy to work with in simple home preparations.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a calming tea for unsettled nerves, restlessness, and a quiet bedside drink before sleep.
• •Traditionally used to ease mild digestive upsets and to settle the stomach after richness or overindulgence.
• •Traditionally used as a soothing wash or compress for minor skin irritations, sunburn, or tired, puffy eyes.
• •Long-standing household remedy as a gentle mouth rinse or gargle for sore, inflamed mouth and throat.

Simple preparations.

• •Chamomile tea: steep 1 heaping teaspoon dried flowers per 8 ounces freshly boiled water, cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink up to three times daily, preferably warm and not on an empty stomach if prone to heartburn.
• •Chamomile compress or wash: steep 2 to 3 tablespoons dried flowers in 1 quart hot water for 15 minutes, strain and cool to comfortable temperature. Soak a cloth for a compress, or use as a gentle skin wash for redness or tired eyes, repeat 2 to 4 times daily as needed.
• •Chamomile throat rinse: make a strong infusion with 1 tablespoon dried flowers per 8 ounces hot water, steep 10 minutes, strain and let cool. Use as a gentle gargle or mouth rinse up to three times daily; do not swallow large amounts, and wait until it is comfortably cool.

Cautions.

• !Some people are allergic to chamomile, especially those with allergies to plants in the daisy family, and it can cause skin or respiratory reactions.
• !Use caution if you have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinning medications, since chamomile may have mild effects on clotting.
• !Avoid giving honey-sweetened chamomile to children under one year of age, as honey is not safe for infants.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have ongoing health concerns, check with your doctor before regular use.

Often kept beside.