Chamomile
Matricaria Recutita
Also known as German Chamomile. A closely related but slightly different species is Roman Chamomile – Chamamaelum nobile.
Chamomile is often the first herb that many people become aware of as being used medicinally – it’s almost certainly one of the first ones to be given to babies, as it is well known for soothing infant colic and sore gums! It’s calming, relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, applicable to the skin, mucous membranes and gastro-intestinal system, are well-researched and documented. It is often found in toiletries, and an infusion of chamomile flowers was traditionally used as a brightening rinse for blonde hair (I remember my aunt using it for her golden curls, when I was about 5 – my first unwitting introduction to the world of herbs!). I can’t attest to its brightening qualities, but I know it’s calming and soothing properties well.
If using chamomile as a tea for an inflamed or irritated digestive system, steep the flowers for a good 5 – 10 minutes, keeping it covered; one of the major active ingredients is formed in the steam, so keeping it covered ensures you don’t lose the main properties of the infusion. If using as a hair rinse, make a strong infusion, then add this to your rinsing water. Let your hair dry naturally if you can.
Chamomile is readily available in tea bags, or as dried flowers. If you are picking chamomile, make sure you have the correct plant – you can tell by splitting the yellow ‘cone’ at the centre of the flower with your thumbnail – chamomile cones are hollow in the centre and the plant has a distinctive smell.
As with all herbal medicines, if you’re not sure whether you have the right plant, don’t use it, and similarly, if you’re not sure why you’re using it, don’t. Seek advice from a qualified herbalist, who is trained to diagnose illness and use herbs appropriately and safely, and will refer you to your doctor if necessary.
