Explore the Healing Power of German Chamomile

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When most people mention herbal teas, we can all agree that German chamomile is one of the first that comes to mind. We could also say that chamomile tea is the best of the best.

Healing Properties of German Chamomile

Chamomile’s most crucial active component is its essence, whose main components are chamazulene (with anti-inflammatory properties) and bisabolol (with soothing properties). It also contains coumaric and flavonic substances and a stimulating bitter principle. The plant has many properties which have been proven by scientific research, such as:

1. Sedative and antispasmodic. It is helpful for stomach and intestinal spasms caused by nervousness or anxiety. Because of its relaxing and soothing properties, it is also used for colic-related issues, especially in the liver and kidneys.
2. Carminative and intestinal invigorating. Although it may seem inconsistent, chamomile also stimulates the movements of the digestive tract. It is thus recommended for post-operative patients and those who suffer from excess gas, which chamomile helps expel because of its carminative properties. German chamomile regulates and balances the functions of the intestine.
3. Eupeptic. Chamomile infusion is recommended for a bloated or upset stomach. It alleviates nausea and vomiting and softly stimulates the appetite. All sour chamomile species have a more decisive eupeptic action.
4. Emmenagogue. This plant stimulates menstrual functions, normalizing its amount and regularity and alleviating menstrual aches. The Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author Pedanius Dioscorides called it Matricaria, from the Latin word matrix (womb).
5. Febrifuge and sudorific. It raises the temperature and promotes sweating, which is recommended for fever, especially in children.
6. Analgesic. Chamomile eases headaches and some cases of neuralgia.
7. Antiallergic. German chamomile’s calming properties on allergic reactions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis, have been proven. It is recommended for healing acute allergic crises and as an ongoing treatment to prevent them. The best results are obtained when combining internal and external applications (herbal teas) (eye drops, nose irrigations).
8. Healing agent, emollient, and antiseptic. In external applications, chamomile renders good results for washing any wound, sore, or skin infection. Chamazulene has been proven effective against hemolytic streptococcus, golden staphylococcus, and proteus. A German Chamomile infusion is an adequate eye drop for eye bathing for conjunctivitis or eye irritation. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory, applied in compresses on eczema, rashes, and other skin afflictions. Anal cleansing with an infusion of chamomile reduces the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
9. Antirheumatic. German Chamomile oil is used to massage lumbago, stiff neck, bruises, and rheumatic aches.

Chamomile is an excellent herbal remedy for nervousness and insomnia. It increases appetite and helps people with weak stomachs. It lessens inflammation and aids with sleep and digestion. Six ounces of chamomile infusion or one to two teaspoons of the tincture at a time is beneficial in treating bladder, spleen, kidney, or menstrual cramps. The herb also acts as a nerve tonic and diuretic and is helpful for anxiety, indigestion, and stress.

Chamomile is a safe remedy for children with nervous disorders, indigestion, and colds. It can help relieve menstrual cycle cramps and hasten the period’s coming. It is also used as a relaxing anodyne bath additive and antispasmodic. Additionally, the plant can treat swellings, measles, kidney problems, jaundice, hysteria, gas, and dizziness. This herb is also suitable for rashes, rheumatic pains, and lumbago.

Chamomile is also used as a mouthwash for minor gum and mouth infections. The herbal tea is a good wash for open sores and sore eyes. Use it as a compress or wash for inflammations and skin problems, primarily for swelling of the mucus membranes. It can temporarily relieve toothaches by keeping a mouthful for a time. Utilize it as a sitz bath to help with hemorrhoids or a hand or foot bath for sweaty hands or feet.

The flowers can be made into an ointment for wounds and hemorrhoids. Children with asthma or cold symptoms can benefit from a vapor bath of the tea. Also, a fomentation can be used for swellings, gas, and cramps.

Note: Do not confuse this German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) with Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), used less but is also an excellent medicinal herb. Roman chamomile is quite different in its applications and properties; however, it is sometimes called chamomile.

In Germany, the plant’s name means “capable of anything.” The dried flowers make a well-known medicinal tea for arthritis, cramps, flu, fevers, colds, headaches, sciatica, gout, indigestion, insomnia, diarrhea, and colic. The essential oil is anti-allergenic, anodyne, antibacterial, and antifungal. The oil contains two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds that combine to reduce inflammation, fevers, etc.

Chamomile is used worldwide for inflammation of the respiratory tract and inflammation or spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The plant can also treat inflammatory conditions of the mouth and gums and bacterial-induced skin diseases.

Warning: This herb should not be used continuously for an extended period because it can lead to a ragweed allergy or constipation. People allergic to ragweed should avoid or use chamomile cautiously (same family). Please do not use it with alcohol or sedatives.

Other uses of Chamomile

• Against insects. Little bags of chamomile in the wardrobe make moths and other insects disappear.
• Relaxing. When adding a chamomile infusion to bathwater.
• Hair cosmetic. Brown or blonde hair, when washed with a chamomile infusion, becomes brighter and more beautiful.

German Chamomile Scientific Facts

1. Scientific name: Matricaria chamomilla
2. French: Camomille.
3. Spanish: Manzanilla.
4. Environment: Common in grasslands, unfarmed soils, roadsides all over Europe, and warm regions.
5. Description: The herbaceous plant of the Compositae family grows from 20 to 50 cm high, with very branched stems and daisy-like flowers that gather in flower heads of about two centimeters in diameter. It has a characteristic aroma and sour flavor.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flower heads.

How to use Chamomile

1. Infusion
2. Eye, nose, or anal washing, with a slightly more concentrated infusion (up to 50 g of flower heads per liter of water). Steep for 15-20 minutes, and strain well before using.
3. Baths. Add two to four liters of concentrated infusion to the bathtub water. These lukewarm baths have a strong, relaxing, and soothing effect.
4. Compresses with the abovementioned concentrated infusion are applied to the affected skin area.
5. Friction with camomile oil. Prepare the German chamomile oil by heating it for three hours in a double boiler with 100 g of flower heads in half a liter of olive oil. Strain the mixture and keep it in a bottle.

Infusion: Steep for ten to thirty minutes. (do not boil flowers). Take six ounces two to three times daily. Tincture: Take thirty to sixty drops three times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ½ to one teaspoon three times daily. Powder: Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) thrice daily.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 364, 365. Print.
2. Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 151.
3. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/german_chamomile.htm
4. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-951/german-chamomile