Genteel
Chamomile by
Gay
Ingram
continued from
page two
The part of the plant chiefly used medicinally is the flower-heads.
Both single and double flowers are used in medicine but the single,
wild Chamomile appear to be more powerful. The English Chamomile
is the double form. English flower-heads are considered the most
valuable for distillation of the oil. A simple way to make
camomile oil, according to the Egyptians, is to take fresh flowers
(one ounce) and beat them up with pure olive oil. Steep the
flowers in the oil for twenty-four hors or more, then strain.
Extracts of the plant or the oil itself have three primary uses: as
anti-inflammatories for various afflictions of the skin and mucous
membranes; as antispasmodics for treating ailments like indigestion
and menstrual cramps; and as inti-infectives for numerous minor
illnesses.
In Europe, the medicinal properties of chamomile is highly
esteemed. All medicinal recommendations are backed by not only
many centuries of common usage but by intensive research.
Adverse effects are minimal; only someone who has an allergic reaction
to members of the aster family may develop problems. People who
have known sensitivities to pollen should be cautious about drinking
the tea.
An infusion, made with one ounce of the flowers to one pint of
boiling water, is an old-fashioned but wonderfully, soothing sedative.
An infusion given in teaspoonful doses acts as a nerve sedative.
Prepare the tea in a covered container to capture the steam.
Bring the water to a boil beforehand as boiling will dissipate the
oil. The infusion should be allowed to stand at least ten
minutes before straining. Adding infusions of chamomile make
soothing baths - just be sure to use large amounts of the herb as its
oils are difficult to distill and dissipate quickly. Chamomile
may reduce skin puffiness and acts as a gentle astringent. A
chamomile-flower facial is frequently used by a well-known skin-care
specialist. For years, women have used chamomile tea as a hair
rinse to accentuate natural blond highlights. Chamomile is still
used to bring golden highlights to brown hair; combined with neutral
henna, it adds highlights to very dark hair.
Combined with ginger and alkalis, a cold infusion is effective in
relieving ordinary indigestion. It has sometimes been used to
ease intermittent fevers. The tea is also taken to relieve
spasms and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chamomile flowers are recommended as a tonic for their diuretic and
tonic properties. Chamomile also contains powerful antiseptic
properties. The whole herb is used to made a lotion for treating
toothaches, earaches, neuralgia, etc. Used externally as a
poultice, the flowers are helpful in reducing swellings.
Chamomile is used in bath herbs and face lotions to firm the
tissues, keep the skin young looking, brighten the eyes and relieve
weariness. If drunk before bed, it will help you fall asleep.
The relaxing aroma was also inhaled as snuff or smoked to relieve
asthma and cure insomnia. Jeanne Rose says it is excellent for
dissolving kidney stones. And alcoholics will find it helpful
for DTs. Both chamomiles have been used as folk cancer
treatments.
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DID YOU KNOW?
-Chamomile represents humility in flower language.
-Chamomile is used to flavor a very fine sherry in Spain.
-To bring golden highlights to brown hair, rinse with a
chamomile tea.
-Most seed purchased as chamomile is usually Matricaria recutita,
sometimes called Wild Chamomile.
-Walking on a chamomile lawn is a pleasant experience and will
not harm the plants.
-Chamomile’s aromatic fragrance gives no hint of its bitterness
of taste. |
In the days before refrigeration, immersing meat in chamomile tea
was supposed to help eliminate the rancid odor of spoilage.
Chamomile was also reputed to make an excellent insect repellant.
German chamomile gives a delicate shade of yellow when used as a dye.
In floral symbolism, Chamomile represents ‘may all your wishes come
true.’ according to Kate Greenaway’s book. It also represents
humility. Its apple fragrance makes it a wonderful addition to
potpourris and aromatic dried flower arrangements.
With its easy-to-care-for garden routines, chamomiles make lovely
additions to any landscape.
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