Chamomile - Ask a Naturopath

Chamomile is a well-known plant, used in making effective herbal remedies for the treatment of a variety of illnesses.

The herb has a great soothing and relaxant action on the nervous system and the digestive system specifically when related to persistent stress and tension. It gently calms and eases nervous tension and stress. Elevated cortisol levels from stress are a major developmental factor for hormonal imbalances and this cost-effective natural medicine assists to keep the status quo if you have a stressed life It is also therapeutic in restoring nervous system balance.

We suggest having 2 cups of chamomile tea daily.

Therapeutic actions of Chamomile:

* Relaxes the smooth muscle of the digestive tract to help to relieve tension, spasms, colic, abdominal pain, wind, and distension.
* For people with chronic constipation this calming herb acts to regulate the peristalsis to improve bowel movements.
* Due to its slightly bitter effects Chamomile can also be used to promote better digestive processes, to stimulate the flow of bile and other digestive secretions enhancing appetite and digestion.
* Chamomile is healing for the GI tract so it can be used daily as a tea to reduce digestive pain, ulcers, gastroenteritis, and gastritis.
* It is highly antiseptic which means that it is active against bacteria which causes thrush and cystitis.
* Helps to relieve nausea and sickness, the uterine relaxant effects also help reduce menstrual cramps, painful periods, premenstrual headaches and migraines
Its anti-inflammatory actions work on conditions such as gout, arthritis, and cramps. A wonderful herb to drink daily for people afflicted with inflammatory conditions
* A natural antihistamine to reduce allergic responses

Try to incorporate more Chamomile into your day by drinking two cups daily. You can also use it topically (as a diluted essential oil) on cuts, wounds, ulcers, sores, and burns or as an inhalation for asthma and coughs. It can also be used to make a vaginal douche (using a strong tea infusion) to relieve cystitis, haemorrhoids, and vaginal infections. It works wonders as an eyewash for conjunctivitis or other eye infections and as a lotion for skin conditions (rashes, ringworm, eczema).