all about roman chamomile

Chamaemelum anthemic nobile

Similar to German chamomile, Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial herb that reaches up to 30cm in length. It is native to the UK and most of Western Europe.

History

Roman Chamomile was used widely by the Egyptians and Moors and is still a favourite in the Mediterranean regions.

Chamomile was also used by India’s ancient Ayurvedic physicians. The Vikings added chamomile to hair shampoos to aid the lightening of blond hair.

Chamomile was taken to the Americas by the Pilgrim Fathers of both British and German descent.

The herb is so popular to the Germans that they have given it the exaggerated label of herb ‘alles zutraut’, meaning ‘capable of anything.’

Effects

• Affinity with the throat chakra – helps express highest truth.

• Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic; promotes digestion, relieves gas and nausea, encourages menstruation, soothes nervous tension, and promotes sleep.

• Research studies show that chamomile relaxes emotions, muscles, and even brain waves.

Uses

• Inhaling chamomile’s aroma relaxes both mind and body.

Profoundly soothing and helpful in overcoming all forms of tension and weariness, it may be of special use to soothe upsets in pregnant women and to help pacify distressed children.

• Use for abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.

• May ease headaches, migraine and insomnia, PMT, restlessness, anxiety and in fact most manifestations of a troubled spirit. Good for nervous exhaustion, weariness, anxiety and over excitement in both adults and children.

• Use as steam inhalation for headaches. Put a few drops on a hanky to combat anxiety and tension associated with asthma, hayfever and allergies.

• Chamomile is mild enough to ease a baby’s colic and calm the child for sleep. It is especially soothing in a massage oil, as a compress, or in a bath.

• Chamomile is suitable for most complexion types or skin problems, from burns and eczema to varicose veins. It is especially useful for sensitive, puffy, or inflamed conditions.

• Add it to shampoos to lighten and brighten hair.

Home use

• Use in vaporiser to calm, relax and sweeten the atmosphere.

• Sprinkle on pillows for a deep slumber.

• Make a chamomile room spray by diluting 12 drops per ounce (30 ml) of distilled water.