Herb of the Week :Chamomile

Photo from deliciously organic 

The herb Chamomile is the flower herb of the month of October. It is a  lovely and sunny herb with a wonderful taste and smell. This herb has a long medical past and is also used in beauty. I had a hard time choosing which herb to do this week but the versatility of this herb is more that i can cover in a week. On to the information . We are going to be working with German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) , which Roman or English Chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile) can also be used in these recipes as it is very similar to its cosine.  German chamomile is the most used and studied. I has also be approved by the Commission E ( a heath organization) to be used on the skin to reduce swelling and to fight bacteria. It has also been used as a tea or supplement sot stomach cramps. 

In recent on going studies, chamomiles  has been identified as: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic and sedative properties, validating its long-held reputation. These studies have in conducted over the last 20 years and have provide the traditional uses of the plan. 

Chamomile has bee used to treat 

• irritation from chest colds
• slow-healing wounds, 
• abscesses, 
• gum inflammation, 
•  skin conditions such as :psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash

In theses conditions chamomile is used in an infusion, or bath, or even as a tincture. 

Roman chamomile is great for intestinal tract issues, sleeping problems or menstrual pain. 

Chamomile may:

• As a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes.
• As a salve, be used for hemorrhoids and wounds.
• As a vapor, be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma.
• Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
• Relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
• Aid in digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
• Relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
• Speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
• Treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
• Reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.
• Be used as a wash or compress for skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue.
• Promote general relaxation and relieve stress. Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop taking prescription medications, however, without consulting your doctor.
• Control insomnia. Chamomile's mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
• Treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems and various gastrointestinal complaints. Chamomile's reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.
• Soothe skin rashes (including eczema), minor burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or added in oil form to a cool bath, chamomile may ease the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation. It may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
• Treat eye inflammation and infection. Cooled chamomile tea can be used in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes and it may even help treat conjunctivitis.
• Heal mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A chamomile mouthwash may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
• Reduce menstrual cramps. Chamomile's believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramping.

The Essential Oil is extracted from the  flowers of the plant. The oil is best used for relaxation. It has a calming effect on most people and can help induce sleep, ease frayed nerves, and promoted s sense of clam. It can also be applied to the skin  to help clean wounds, and to protect them form infections.  Ti can also be used to relax muscles, like back aches, cramps. and sore and tight joints. This oil can be blended with creams a to provide relief form rashes and irritated skin. 

Please consulate with your doctor in all case about your health.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-chamomile-oil-for-skin-health-and-hair/