Chamomile is a popular herb that has been used by people for millennia. It has been effective in a range of ailments, such as gas, diarrhoea, stomach upset, sleeplessness, and anxiety, and it can also be used topically for skin lesions. Women also used to use it to ease menstrual cramps before commercial painkillers became available.
Chamomile also has calming properties, and chamomile tea in particular can be beneficial for anxiety and stress. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used in a topical form to soothe problems such as skin infections, eczema and inflamed skin. In past times it was also used by parents of small children suffering from bug bites, diaper rashes, or eczema – they would fill a stocking with chamomile and oatmeal, and let it soak in the tub with the child. In this way, chamomile was effective in soothing the itch and improving the rash. It also used to be given to babies to relieve gas.
Chamomile has a history of being used in conjunction with other herbs. For example, it was combined with shredded liquorice root, fennel seeds, and peppermint to relieve nausea. In addition, chamomile can be used topically on the skin and hair, and some people use it as a hair conditioner and to give natural highlights to blonde hair.
When making chamomile remedies and other preparations, it is the flowering top of the plant that is used. When stewed, this produces a deep yellow-coloured liquid with a pleasant (to most people) taste, which can be sweetened if desired.
Chamomile oil has good anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used effectively for skin problems in topical form. When this oil is isolated, it turns an unusual bluish colour.
Chamomile is generally considered a safe herb, and is in very widespread use in tea form. Even pregnant and nursing women, who are usually advised to stay away from herbs, often use chamomile. However, it is part of the ragweed family, so people with a ragweed allergy shouldn’t use chamomile.
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