Episode 2: Chamomile

Chamomilla recutita & Chamaemelum nobile

German vs Roman Chamomile

• German: An annual that is sweetly aromatic with apple notes. The white flowers of German chamomile are slightly larger than its Roman cousin. German chamomile grows upright on a long stem.
• Roman: Aromatic perennial, more bitter than German chamomile making it the premier choice for nausea, vomiting and indigestion, as well as an appetite stimulant. Because of the bitter properties, Roman chamomile can help normalize gut health and digestive function. It is also effective in migraine treatment and headaches. Grows lower to the ground and has thicker leaves.
• Both chamomile varieties are high in essential oils azulene and chamazulene, which have both been studied in the context of inflammation modulating and sedating to heat/irritation. German chamomile notably contains higher levels of chamazulene, producing a blue color upon distillation. Roman chamomile is higher in esters, thought to give it more calming properties, and is more often used in essential oil.

Parts Used Medicinally: Flowers

Chamomile’s Taste: Bitter, sweet, aromatic, floral

Chamomile’s Energetics: Cooling, drying, relaxing.

*Chamomile is high in aromatic oils, so one may think it would be warming, but the plant overall has a net cooling effect

Chamomile’s Actions:

• Inflammation  modulating
• Allergy relieving
• Bitter tonic
• Anti-spasmodic (relieves muscle spasm or reduces muscle tone)
• Nervine relaxant
• Carminitive (dispels wind)
• Diaphoretic (promotes sweating)
• Vulnerary (wound healing)
• Anti-microbial, anti-viral, antioxidant effects

Body Systems that chamomile supports:

• Nervous
• Digestive

More about chamomile:

• Per herbalism grandmother Rosemary Gladstone: Gentle does NOT mean ineffective! While Chamomile is a gentle nervine relaxant, it is not ineffective by any means. It is gentle enough to be consumed during the day without making one sleepy.
• Alleviates agitation, anxiety and insomnia
• Indicated for those with wind/tension and heat/excitation states as it is relaxing, slightly cooling and drying – more on that in the alchemical & dosha section!
• Famed herbalist Michael Wood notes Chamomile is “good for babies of all ages.”
• Can mitigate season allergies and hay fever along with congestion
• As a mild bitter tonic, chamomile improves digestion and aids in relieving gas, acidity, IBS, colic, pain and bloating making it a great choice for those with food intolerances or sensitivities. Chamomile increases gastric secretion and bile production, which helps break down food (particularly heavy, greasy, fatty foods). It can have a mild laxative effect and relieve constipation.
• Chamomile is possibly the most popular herb for infants and children. It is effective for teething pain and kids who are, according to FES (flower essences services)  “easily upset, moody, irritable w/ inability to release emotional tension”. This could make chamomile an ally for children with ADD and ADHD diagnosis. Conversely, chamomile is a wonderful resource to our aging population, and may be indicated for those suffering from dementia, loneliness, or stress related to aging.
• Can be used topically for rashes, sore skin, and eczema
• Effective relief for premenstrual syndrome both in physical symptoms but even more aptly in emotion symptoms
• Popularly used as a steam inhalation for fevers and asthma
• Has been used as a compress for sore eyes, as well as a sleep pillow

Studies:

• Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of chamomile as a fast-acting, non-habit forming gentle sleep aid reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, sleep efficiency, and overall sleep quality.
• More studies show regular chamomile supplementation reduced mental stress and feeling of overwhelm
• Clinical trials speak to the effectiveness of relieving infantile colic
• A recent clinical trial proved chamomile’s anti-microbial actions when chamomile cream effective in treating 89% of female candidiasis cases, with participants recovering after 2 weeks of treatment.

When to reach for it:

• Nervous indigestion! Per my herbal teacher Sajah Popham, “nerves flowing downward” (diarrhea), or those who feel a change in appetite when stressed while chamomile’s close friend Catnip is more indicated for “butterflies” and nerves that flow upward. For athletes, this is a GREAT herb to take when you’re feeling nervous before an event or workout, particularly if it is affecting your mood and appetite/digestion.
• I use chamomile in both my Peaceful Dreams tea blend and my Moon Cycle tea. It is my husband’s #1 ingredient request when I prepare our evening tea blend.
• If I’m traveling, I know chamomile is a readily available herb that I can find easily in any country as a go-to remedy.

How to use it :

• An infusion (or tea) is the most popular. The longer the tea infuses, the more bitter the taste. This is not a bad thing! Mild bitter tonics have a positive effect on the digestive system.

Considerations:

• As a member of the Asteraceae family, some people with ragweed allergy may experience an allergic response to chamomile

Forms of chamomile intake:

• Tea, tincture, essential oil, cream, ointment.
•  Fresh or dried flowers may be used!

Alchemical & Dosha Notes:

•  Air plant under rulership of Mercury & Venus.
• Said to balances the excess heat/excitation of pitta and excess wind/tension of the vata dosha, though formulation may be wise to prevent drying.