Camphor - A great healing herb

Chamomile, also known as German Chamomile, is a low growing annual that produces small white flowers with a yellow cone in the middle. The flowers are strongly scented, edible, and often used as an ingredient in herbal teas. It grows well in temperate climates and can be found everywhere from North America to Asia. Although it is frequently planted to produce flowers for herbal tea, chamomile is sometimes considered an invasive species. It has a tendency to grown in disturbed soil, such as around landfills and farmland, but can be found all over in appropriate climates.

One of the most common uses for chamomile is making an herbal tea. This tea has traditionally been thought to help soothe an upset stomach as well as to induce sleep. Chamomile tea can be made by steeping one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for several minutes. Many products today contain chamomile, such as essential oils, facial scrubs, and teas. Chamomile can be found prepared in tea bags, often with other flavorings, or in bulk in natural or health food stores. Although scientific research of chamomile is sparse, due perhaps to the inability to patent a wild plant, it has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties.

Chamomile has long been considered a sleep aid. As it is free of caffeine and other stimulants, it is a common alternative to coffee and caffeinated teas. Many people also drink it before going to sleep as a way to relax and induce sleep. Chamomile is also thought to help with stomach and intestinal problems, generally by taking it in a tea or supplement form.

Chamomile can be used to help with the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease as well as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. For people with sensitive stomachs and intestinal problem it is generally recommended to drink a cup of chamomile tea without food early in the morning. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy sometimes use chamomile teas and infusions as a way to lessen the effects of chemotherapy drugs, which often cause complications with stomach and bowel function.

In gardening, chamomile is thought to be an excellent companion plant, especially with other herbs. Its presence in a garden is thought to help strengthen the essential oils in other plants, causing other herbs to be more flavorful. Chamomile tea can help to retard the growth of fungus when sprayed over affected plants.

Chamomile is thought to be extremely safe, even for pregnant women.

Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/alternativeremedies/p/chamomile.htm

Site map