by Eve Redstone

Created on: January 06, 2008

Chamomile has long history of use in herbal medicine. The chamomile used in herbal medicine is actually a group of plants. The different members of the group, and the medicinal oils extracted from them are often sold under different names such as German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile and Blue Chamomile.

The use of the herb spread through Europe with the Romans and it is listed as one of the Anglo Saxon sacred herbs. Culpeper's famous herbal lists its use. It is traditionally used for many purposes, internally and externally, including skin and hair lightening, as a sedative, as an anti-inflammatory, as an antibacterial and as an aid in the treatment of colic, kidney stones and fevers.

The Plant

The plant is a low growing one producing small daisy like flowers. The different varieties of chamomile are similar in their uses. The flower heads are gathered from the plant when they are dry in summer and used as they are, or the essential oil is extracted from them. Cold extraction results in a yellow oil and steam extraction in a blue oil. The chemical composition of both the oils and the flower heads is complex and it is not clear exactly which compounds are responsible for the medicinal activity.

Skin conditions

Extracts of Chamomile flowers are added to many cosmetics and shampoos. They are mainly added as a lightening agent. For home use you can buy the flower heads and steep them in boiling water for fifteen minutes before using as a rinse on blonde hair to brighten it.

Chamomile creams are soothing and healing. Commercially available preparations have been shown to improve healing in dermatitis and eczema, as well as commonly being used to sooth cracked nipples. Studies have shown its benefit in wound healing. It is often combined with Calendula in these preparations. Chamomile cream is effective in nappy rash.

Sedative

Perhaps the most common use of chamomile is as a sedative. Tea can be made from the flower heads, or a few drops of essential oil placed on the pillow. Extracts from chamomile are known to bind to the same parts of the brain as benzodiazepines.

Gastro-intestinal

Chamomile tea is used for digestive upsets. It has an antispasmodic and sedative effect aiding in stomach cramps, dyspepsia and flatulence. It is very useful for settling a nervous stomach or in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, particularly where diarrhoea predominates. The relieving action of the tea is rapid, within a few minutes, so it can be used on an as needed basis. To make

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