Chamomile Flower within Herbalism

Two types of fragrant chamomile flowers are safely and medicinally used within herbalism: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is stronger and bitter in flavor, and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is milder and sweet in flavor.

Chamomile flower is a mild and effective soothing herb that is easily drunk as a cup of hot tea when desiring something refreshing and to promote digestion after a meal. Stronger infusions are medicinal and may be essentially used for all kinds of discomforts within the body.

Anyone can use chamomile flower: crying and teething infants, restless kids, stressed people who are irritated, anxious, and tense, and the elderly looking for a calm space away from the busyness of life.

Chamomile flower is one of the first herbs considered for use in settling digestion and calming an upset stomach.

Chamomile flower is a nerve tonic for soothing nerves, relaxing muscles, and nearly all kinds of aches and discomforts of the body to promote recovery, sleep, and healing. The use of chamomile flower includes their mild benefit of easing menstrual cramps.

When applied topically, chamomile flower gives minor relief to skin irritations and soreness, which improves the healing of dry, chapped, cracked, burned, and wounded skin.

The vast variety of healing constituents within chamomile flower work with the body to promote health and healing; these constituents include volatile oils, terpenes, coumarins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and organic acids.

As with many herbs, some undesirable outcomes may be encountered with chamomile flower such as digestive upset, irritability, headache, and tension.

Chamomile flower may be used for minor relief of morning sickness during pregnancy. Chamomile flower extract, in lotions and ointments, is topically applied for tenderness and soreness caused by breastfeeding during lactation. Consult a healthcare provider when adjusting lifestyle, exercise, diet, and supplementation.