I am Lady Green Thumb, lover of all fairies. I cultivate my plants and herbs and such so that the fairies have a beautiful place to live and hide and play games.
Every week I will offer you insight to different herbs and various plants and their uses and properties.
This weeks plants in question are.....
Chamomile:
An essential natural first-aid in home health care, chamomile bas been one of
the most popular medicinal plants for centuries. Of the two major forms of
this herb--German and Roman--German chamomile is the one most often used in
the United States.
Plant Facts:
Chamomile, a member of the daisy family, has thin tapering roots and can grow
up to 20 inches tall. This annual plant exudes a distinctive, strongly
aromatic scent, and the flower has a slight bitter taste.
**Origin:
Native to the Near East and to southern and eastern Europe, chamomile today
grows throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and North and South
America. The yellow-and-white flower is a common sight in the meadows,
alpine valleys, vacant lots and homes and gardens.
**Parts Used:
One the flower heads are used for tea. The flowering tops (the flower plus
2-3 inches of stem) are used medicinally.
**Components:
Chamomile contains a volatile oil consisting of chamazulene and bisboloids.
Other ingredients include flavonoids (which have antispasmodic actions),
mucilage ( a gelatinous substance), bitters, coumarins, choline, sulfur,
and calcium.
**Indications:
Chamomile is valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, antispasmoatic, and
gas-relieving properties. Internally, it relieves flatulence, stomachaches,
intestinal cramps, menstrual cramps, and promotes healing of peptic ulcers.
In addition, chamomile helps combat insomnia, as well as allay nerve pain,
such as that caused by facial neuralgia. Applied externally as compress or
oil, it nourishes the skin.
**Extra Tip:
During hot summer months, when you may not want to drink a warm beverage, opt
for chamomile ice cubes. Prepare the tea as usual, and freeze the liquid in
ice-cube trays. These ice cubes will not only relieve stomach pains, but
will help cool you off.
**Few Methods of Administration:
Tea:
Pour 1 cup of hot water of 2 tsp. dried flowers. Cover the cup to retain the
volatile oil. Steep for 10 mins.; strain. Sip 2-3 cups every day.
Chamomile tea can be used as a gargle too.
Oil:
Mix 1 3/4 oz. dried and crushed flowers with 1 pt. of olive oil. Expose it
to the sun for 10 days then filter. Store the mixture in a dark bottle. Rub
it on skin or lips to relieve chapping.
Tincture:
This alcoholic extract has potent healing properties. Ready-made tinctures
can be purchased in health-food stores and can be used for hot compresses,
baths, and aromatherapy.
Powder:
Crush dry chamomile flowers finely in a mortar. Take a scant 1 tsp. of the
powder 3 times daily with meals.
Homeopathy:
The homeopathic remedy, called Chamomilla, can be used to treat acute pain.
Try 12X or 30C strength.
Wine:
Let 1 3/4 of dried, crushed flower steep in 1 qt. dry white wine for 10 days;
strain. Drink a small glass each day as a digestive aid.
**Chamomile Tea Information
Medical Uses:
For eye problems: Chamomile-tea compresses help relieve eye pain, eyestrain
and eyelid inflammation. Soak 2 cotton pads in luke warm tea and place them
on the eyes for a few minutes.
WARNING: Strain the tea thoroughly first, to remove any pieces of flower that
may irritate the eye tissues.
For inflammation, restlessness, and insomnia:
C chamomile-tea bath provides quick relief from skin inflammations,
restlessness and insomnia. Add 1 qt of chamomile tea to a bathtub full of
warm water. For insomnia take a bath before bedtime.
For menstrual cramps:
A chamomile tincture can alleviate menstrual cramps. To make tincture, add 2/3
oz. of chamomile flowers to 1 1/2 oz of 100 proof alcohol and let steep for 1
week. Strain and store in a dark vial. Take 10 drops in a glass of water.
For flu and cough:
The germicidal effect of a chamomile vapor helps destroy the germs that cause
the flu and alleviates coughing. Pour 2 qt. of hot water over 2 cups of
dried flowers. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors.
WARNING: Do not use this method if you suffer from cardiovascular disease.
Chamomile has been known to cause allergic reactions in people who are
allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy family. If you have such
an allergy, should avoid using it.
So until next week my friends.....
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!
**LGT**
