Chamomile, a herb for all Seasons!!CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) Chamomile is fairly tolerant of most soils, but prefers a light sandy situation. Grow in light well drained ,but moist soil in full sun. The flowers are aromatic , with yellow centres and white petals which is used for tea. Sow seeds in open ground throughout early spring. Alternatively, increase you plants by root division or detach the young offset plants from the parent in spring. The main constituent of chamomile is a beautiful blue volatile oil containing azulenes, which give it such a distinctive fragrance. It is a wonderful relaxant, particularly to the nervous system and the digestion, and is an excellent remedy for insomnia, nightmares, and calming fractious children. Women have taken chamomile for years as a remedy for pregnancy sickness and as a relaxant during childbirth. It also relieves mastitis, painful periods, and premenstrual tention.
This gentle herb also relieves tension and inflammation in the digestive tract, making it wonderful for pain and colic, and for both constipation and diarrhea. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and pain-relieving, chamomile will ease colds and flu. Chamomile is a great healer. Its antiseptic oils exert a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, and stimulate repair. Apply the dilute oil, or compresses of chamomile tea, to ulcers, sores, and burns.
Chamomile is also a natural antihistamine, and its anti-allergic effects can be put to good use by inhaling it with steam for asthma, hay fever, catarrh, and sinusitis. Sit in a bowl of chamomile tea to soothe cystitis and haemorrhoids. Chamomile also mixes well with other herbs and blends well in herbal teas. Diana Roughan, HHG(Dip)MH, Herbalist
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