Chamomile

Written by Brittany Russell |

When the day seems longer than usual and you cannot get to sleep, try a cup of chamomile herbal tea. In addition to its calming properties that help ease anxiety and insomnia, chamomile has a long history in serving as a digestive ailment, anti-inflammatory and easing spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract.

The chamomile flower, from the sunflower family, is most often consumed in the form of a bitter herb tea infusion, and can also be found in liquid form and pills. The infusion can be applied externally to reduce minor skin irritation because of its mild antiseptic effect. Ingestion of the dried flowers has an emetic effect, possibly inducing vomiting when administered orally or by injection. An emetic is used medically where a substance has been ingested and must be expelled from the body immediately.

The list of ailments that the herb can assist with seems to go on and on: indigestion; canker sores; colic; conjunctivitis, eye irritations; Crohn’s disease; diarrhea; eczema; gingivitis; hemorrhoids; menstrual disorders; migraine; irritable bowel syndrome; peptic ulcer; skin irritations; ulcerative colitis; minor wounds, to name several.

There is some conflict whether chamomile is safe to use during pregnancy. Some women find it safe in moderation to quell nausea caused during pregnancy, relieve heartburn and help with discomfort during sleep. The controversy, though, is that the herb is known to be a mild emmenagogue, an herb that can stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. For women who are not pregnant, chamomile may be helpful in stimulating menstrual flow when it is absent for reasons such as hormonal imbalance.

Because chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum, people with allergies may react when they use chamomile. The herb also contains coumarin, a naturally-occurring compound with anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. It should not be combined with other medications or supplements that have the same effect or be used by people with bleeding disorders.

Those allergic to ragweed may also experience an allergy to chamomile. A common reaction is an itchy mouth and swollen throat. To test this allergy, chew a pinch of chamomile then spit it out. If your mouth feels itchy or irritated, you should most likely avoid this herb. Of course, consult a doctor with any further concerns.

Chamomile Chai Tea

You will need:

3 tsp fresh ginger root, grated

1 tsp coriander seeds

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp cardamom

1/16 tsp allspice

2 tsp chamomile

Combine everything except chamomile in water and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add chamomile. Steep for another 10 minutes. Strain out herbs and serve hot.

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamomile

2. http://herbgardens.about.com/od/medicinalherbs/p/Chamomile.htm

3. http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/pregnancy_herbs.html

4. http://coffeetea.about.com/od/herbaltearecipes/r/chamchai.htm