Chamomile is soothing and calming to the nervous system and induces sleep. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is an effective antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Chamomile prevents and eases spasms, relieves pain, and settles the digestive system. Chamomile has a balancing effect on the menstrual cycle, reducing fluid retention and acts as a gentle anti-depressant and stress reliever. Making it a great herb for PMS sufferers. The oil also has wound healing and fever-reducing properties.
Many types of dull, aching pain such as headache, toothache, menstrual pain, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia respond well to Chamomile. It is a gentle but effective treatment for cuts and burns and all manner of skin probems, including rashes, inflammation, allergies and insect bites
Chamomile Tea
1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers 1 cup boiling water Pour boiling water over dried flowers and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain and drink warm, with or without honey to sweeten. (cooled tea also makes a good wash for minor wounds and scrapes.)
Hives Skin Wash
1 cup boiling water 1 tsp calendula flowers 1 tsp chamomile flowers 1 tsp echinacea root 1 tsp elder flowers 1 tsp yarrow flowers 3 tbsp baking soda Pour boiling water over dried herbs and steep for 15 minutes. Strain out herbs and stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth until itching is reduced.
Peter Rabbit's Tea
2 cups boiling water 1 tsp chamomile flowers 1 tsp lemon balm leaves 1/2 tsp catnip leaves 1/2 tsp dill seeds Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm. Sweeten with honey as desired.
Sleepy Time Pillow
5"x10" pieces of cloth 1 tsp lavender flowers 1 tsp hops stobiles 1 tsp chamomile flowers 1 tsp dill seeds Fold cloth in half(so it measures 5"x5") and sew the edges, leaving 1" open. Combine herbs and stuff them into the pillow. Sew the edge closed. Slip this pillow inside a pillowcase and you will soon drift off to sleep. (aida cloth works well for people who are creative with cross-stitch...design a special pattern...make great gifts!)
Herbal Ice
1 cup water 1 tsp chamomile flowers 1 tsp lavender flowers Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep in a covered pan for about 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and freeze the tea in an ice-cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen they can be applied directly to a bruise or inside a Bruise Compress
Bruise Compress
1 tbsp tincture arnica flowers 1 tbsp tinc. St John's Wort 1 tbsp tinc. chamomile flowers flowering tops 4 drops lavender oil 2 tbsp cold water soft cloth Combine ingredients. Wet cloth in herbal water, wring out and place dampened cloth directly on bruised area. Keep the cloth cold using ice (regular or herbal) wrapped inside.
Chamomile & Honey Mask
1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers 3/4 cup boiling water 2 tbsp bran 1 tsp clear honey, warmed Pour boiling water over dried flowers and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and mix 3 tbsp of the liquid with the bran and honey. Rub this mixture all over your face and leave on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Chamomile Conditioning Rinse
1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers 2 1/2 cups water 1 handful of scented geranium leaves Place dried flowers and water into a sausepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes. While liquid is still hot, strain over the geranium leaves. Leave to soak for 30-40 minutes. Strain again and use after shampooing.
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