Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita syn. Matricaria recutita)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Asteraceae
• Common Names: German Chamomile, Blue Chamomile
• Parts Used: Flowers

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Description

Chamomile is an annual herb native to Europe and Asia, now widely naturalized around the world. The plant has small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and a yellow center, emitting a sweet, apple-like aroma. The flowers are the primary part used for their medicinal properties.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used for thousands of years in herbal medicine to soothe digestive issues, promote relaxation, and reduce inflammation.
• Widely employed in European folk remedies to treat insomnia, anxiety, and skin irritations.
• Ancient Egyptians revered chamomile as a cure-all for fevers and digestive ailments.

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Constituents

• Essential oils (chamazulene, bisabolol)
• Flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin)
• Coumarins
• Tannins
• Mucilage

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Actions

• Nervine (calms the nervous system)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative (relieves gas)
• Antimicrobial
• Mild sedative

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Support:
Chamomile is a well-known remedy for indigestion, bloating, and gastrointestinal cramps. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and helps relieve nausea and gas.

2. Anxiety and Sleep Disorders:
Chamomile has calming effects on the nervous system, making it effective for reducing anxiety, stress, and promoting restful sleep.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief:
Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help alleviate muscle pain, headaches, and joint discomfort.

4. Skin Healing:
Topical applications of chamomile are used to soothe eczema, rashes, burns, and minor wounds.

5. Immune System Support:
Chamomile’s antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help support the immune system and protect against infections.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1-2 tsp of dried chamomile flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink 1-3 times daily.

Tincture:

• 2-4 ml of chamomile tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Compress or Poultice:

• Apply a chamomile-infused cloth to irritated skin, wounds, or inflamed areas.

Steam Inhalation:

• Add 2-3 tbsp of dried chamomile flowers to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam to relieve respiratory issues.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Generally considered safe in moderation, but consult a healthcare professional for large doses.
• Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed or daisies) should use with caution.
• Medication Interactions: May enhance the effects of sedatives and blood thinners.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Ayurvedic: Cooling and calming, chamomile helps balance pitta and vata but may aggravate kapha in excess.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to calm the spirit, clear heat, and harmonize the stomach.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Support: Combine with peppermint and fennel.
• For Anxiety and Sleep: Combine with valerian and passionflower.
• For Skin Healing: Combine with calendula and lavender.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Flowers should be harvested when fully open on a dry, sunny day.
• Drying: Spread flowers on a drying rack in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Storage: Store dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

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Modern Research

Studies have confirmed chamomile’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, and relieving digestive disorders. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been validated for topical and internal use.

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Chamomile continues to be a versatile herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, offering calming, digestive, and skin-healing benefits.