The ancient Egyptians dedicated the plant to the sun and to their gods because of its extensive healing properties. It is commonly called Chamomile (pronounced KAM-a-mile), or Mayweed. It looks like a daisy with 18 white rays extending from a yellow center, though the center of the Chamomile flower is flatter. It is a low growing plant, its tufts of leaves and flowers a foot high. Chamomile has a mild apple like fragrance.
The root is perennial, jointed, and fibrous. The stems are hairy and freely branching, covered with leaves that are divided into thread-like segments and grayish green in color. The fineness of these leaf segments gives the whole plant a feathery appearance.
Chamomile prefers dry and sandy soil. In the garden, Chamomile is considered a "nurse plant," which means it tends to strengthen the vigor of plants that are near it.
Chamomile contains coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides (cyanogenic), salicyclates, tannins, valerianic acid, and volatile oils. It is effective both internally and externally. As a tea, it is used as a mouthwash for gingivitis. Recently it has been used to get rid of the nervousness associated with nicotine withdrawal while encouraging ridding the body of the poisons.
Externally Chamomile is used as a wash for treating skin and respiratory irritations and in keeping bunions under control. It is used to treat Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, sciatica, and bone and joint problems through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile is often taken as a tea made from the flower (tea made from the leaves is very bitter). It is used as a tonic to relieve pain and to deal with nervous conditions caused by too much mental and too little physical activity. It also helps to relieve premenstrual tension. Chamomile has a powerful soothing and sedative effect which is harmless. Some use it to deal with insomnia or problems related to jet lag.
Some have benefited from its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic qualities for headaches and muscle pain. Putting Chamomile in a bath may reduce hemorrhoid pain. As a lotion or salve it helps treat asthma, bronchitis, toothache, earache, and neuralgia.
A tincture is used to help children and adults by curing diarrhea, reducing a fever, treating a sore throat, calming restlessness, controlling vomiting, giving mild relief from pain, and soothing children on airplanes or while teething.
Externally, Chamomile can be applied alone or with other herbs as a poultice to relieve pain, swellings, and inflammation including diaper rash. Some claim its antiseptic powers are 120 times stronger than seawater. The herb may be used directly as an eyewash, mouthwash, or in a relaxing bath, and may also be inhaled with steam.
Place one ounce of the dried herb in one pint of boiling water and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes in a covered container. Boiling does cause it to lose its oils. Use one teaspoon of flowers per cup of tea.
Chamomile has been known to cause contact dermatitis and may irritate those with ragweed allergies. Because of uterine stimulant qualities, Chamomile should not be used by pregnant women.
The major effects of chamomile flowers are due to its volatile oils. Therefore, it is imperative that the freshest herb be used before the oils evaporate. More Than Alive is a trusted online resource for Chamomile powder, chamomile flowers, and many other herbs and spices. Click the links to visit us now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joy_Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment