[This post covers the benefits of using Chamomile for digestive, skin, and anxiety troubles- and explains the most common ways to use it. Recipes included]
Chamomile is one of the most common herbs there are. It’s cooling and drying with anti spasmodic, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, carmine and nervine actions- which means it can be used to heal skin irritations, relieve digestive discomfort, reduce inflammation, aid with muscle spasms and cramps, and lessen infections. It’s commonly used in bedtime teas because of its mildly sedative effect, and helps to relax overworked nervous systems. It can be taken internally in drinks, food, tinctures, or supplements, or applied topically in a bath, or used to infuse oil for lotions and salves.
Internal uses for Chamomile
Digestive aid
Chamomile can be used to relieve gas, indigestion, colic, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea because it contains the oil bisabolol, which is capable of reducing pepsin, the digestive enzyme that can cause most GI discomfort. It’s used in natural medicines to create a soothing protective coating.
Sleep & anxiety aid
Apigenin, a flavonoid found in Chamomile, works as a mild sedative in our overworked brains, this helps with insomnia, headaches, and anxiety. Chamomile is commonly found in bedtime teas and helps to relax our nervous systems.
External uses for Chamomile
Muscle pains
Spiroether is a volatile oil found in chamomile, helps to relax tense and overused muscles and relieve cramps and spasms.
Skin trouble & wound healing
Because Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial it can promote healing for cuts, burns, infections, and sunburn. Along with giving relief for conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Eye strain
Chamomile’s soothing and cooling properties are perfect for helping puffy and tired eyes, and headaches.
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) in people or pets can be relieved by placing or taping a soggy, warm tea bag of chamomile flowers on the closed eye. Chamomile contains tannins (astringents) and flavonoids (antioxidants) that reduce inflammation and fight infection,
[Chamomile is considered a really safe herb, unless you're allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed or sunflower) or if you're taking medication, consult a doctor before trying it. Allergic reactions to chamomile are always mild, so just be on the lookout for itchy eyes, nose, and throat after trying chamomile.]
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Being a perennial plant, Chamomile is really easy to grow at home and it’s most commonly used in teas. The flower heads are picked while they bloom and can be dried and kept in a paper bag. If you purchase dried chamomile or prepackaged teas choose stuff that was grown organically so you get the most health benefits.
Homemade Chamomile tea for digestion, sleep, and anxiety
(The other herbs are optional, they add flavor and aid in calming us. All the herbs used are dried and crushed unless otherwise mentioned.)
2 tbsp Chamomile flowers
1 tbsp Lemon Balm leaf
1 tbsp Catnip
2 tbsp Linden leaf
1 tbsp Mint or Peppermint leaf
2 tbsp Oatstraw
Mix and store in an airtight container. Use 1 - 2 teaspoons of tea mix per serving and steep for at least 3 minutes in a reusable tea bag or tea diffuser.
The longer you steep Chamomile flowers the more bitter the tea becomes, that bitterness is caused by tannins that aids in digestive help. You can add honey and cream to flavor the tea or pour it over ice once it’s done steeping!
Homemade Chamomile salve for cut, burns bruises, and muscle pains
In a double boiler melt:
¾ tbsp beeswax pellets
½ cup natural carrier oil (like Coconut, Castor, or Apricot oil)
½ cup Chamomile flowers
Once the beeswax has melted turn the burner to low heat and let the Chamomile infuse for at least an hour. Then strain the flower heads out using cheesecloth or a reusable tea bag and poor the oil into a small, air tight container and mix in 7 drops of Lavender essential oil to work as a preservative (or you could squeeze a couple vitamin E gel capsule in, either of which will aid in repairing skin and work as a natural preservative.) Use the salve once it’s cooled and store it out of direct sunlight. If kept clean it will last for up to 6 months (but hopefully you’ll have used it up before then!)
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