Chamomile is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and as a home remedy. Herbal medicine uses two types of chamomile: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and although these varieties are slightly different, they can be mostly used for the same purposes. The easiest way to use chamomile and benefit from its healing properties is to drink chamomile tea or make homemade herbal infusions.
Natural Remedy for Stomach Upsets
Chamomile is a traditional remedy for upset stomachs. Chamomile tea relieves indigestion, soothes diarrhea and helps in many other stomach problems. It is safe and gentle enough even for children and babies. Chamomile infusion or chamomile herb tea can relieve colic symptoms in babies, or diarrhea and other typical stomach problems in toddlers and older children.
Herb Tea to Relieve Stress
Chamomile tea or herbal infusion is a simple, quick home remedy for stress. Chamomile soothes the nerves and eases mental and emotional tension. Drink chamomile infusions whenever you feel nervous, tense, stressed or anxious.
Home Remedy for Puffy Eyes
Chamomile tea is an easy home remedy for tired or puffy eyes. Make a cup of chamomile tea/infusion, and drink most of it but leave some in the cup and let it cool down, possibly in the fridge. Dip cotton wool or cotton pads in the cool tea, squeeze out excess tea from the cotton pads, and place them over your closed eyes. Alternatively, make a cup of herbal tea with two chamomile tea bags, drink the tea and leave the tea bags to cool down. Then place the cool/cold tea bags on your closed eyes. Lie down and leave the tea bags on your eyes for about 10-20 minutes.
Herbal Remedy for Skin Problems
Chamomile is healing and soothing on the skin. It is one of the active ingredients in many natural skin care products and creams that are used to treat skin allergies, including eczema. Chamomile flowers or chamomile essential oil are excellent ingredients in homemade hand and body creams, especially for sensitive skin types.
Natural Hay Fever Remedy
Chamomile acts as a natural antihistamine, and can also relieve hay fever symptoms. The easiest way to use chamomile during the hay fever season is to drink several cups (up to three) of chamomile tea throughout the day.
Gentle Natural Remedy for Better Sleep
Chamomile tea can help to relieve sleeping problems naturally. A cup of chamomile infusion or tea (pure chamomile tea, with no black tea!) in the evening can help to bring a more restful sleep.
Natural Remedy for Nappy Rash
Chamomile is often used in natural creams and lotions for diaper rash in babies. There are many natural creams out there that contain chamomile, but if you have made your own nappy rash cream please feel free to share the recipe!
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Centre: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide German Chamomile (online article)
Photo: Morguefile
The Gilded Sprout says
Great post with some very helpful tips. I make my own diaper spray for the little one and chamomile tea is the main ingredient. It is so good for the skin!
Angela says
Chamomile is also a plant ‘healer’- a chamomile plant placed near another sick plant will often help it out!