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Information about the herb Roman Chamomile
Anthemus nobilis, also known as Double Chamomile is part of the Compositae plant family. A
low European perennial found in dry fields and cultivated grounds and gardens.
It was introduced into Germany from Spain at about the close of the Middle Ages.
Botanical Name: Anthemus nobilis
Plant Family: Compositae
Common Name: Double Chamomile, English Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile, Whig Plant
History: The word Chamomile comes from the Greek kamai ['on the ground'] and melon ['an apple'] because the plant has an apple scent. The Spaniards called it Manzanilla ['little apple'].
It was one of the nine sacred Saxon Herbs and said to be under the sign of the Sun and called by them Maythen.
Tradition: In wiccan mythology Chamomile was:
- Added to a ritual bath to attract love
- Added to incense to produce a relaxed state for meditation
- Used in prosperity charms to attract money
- Used to induce sleep when burned alone
- Used to remove curses and bad spells
Plant Constituents of Roman Chamomile
Contains:
- Anthemic Acid
- glucocide
- pale blue volatile oil
- tannic acid
Action:
- anodyne [an agent that soothes or relieves pain]
- antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]antiphlogistic [an agent which reduces inflammation]
- aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- bitter [characterized by a bitter principle which acts on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to
- increase appetite and promote digestion] tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
- diaphoretic [an agent that produces perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increase the secretion and expulsion of urine]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- emollient [an agent used externally to soften and soothe]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Medicinal Parts Used: Flowers and herb
Chamomile is useful for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- delirium tremens due to alcoholism or drug withdrawal (Chamomile Tea)
- hysterical and nervous people (Chamomile Tea)
- nightmares (Chamomile Tea)
- restlessness in children (Chamomile Tea)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- colic
- dyspepsia (Chamomile Tea)
- flatulent colic (Chamomile Tea)
- heartburn
- indigestion (used in combination with Ginger)
- loss of appetite
- sluggish intestines
- spasms
- stomach cramps
- summer diarrhea in children
Genitourinary Conditions
- dropsy
- gout
Female Conditions
- period headaches
Other
- tonic for the aged
- fever in children (Chamomile Tea)
It is used externally as a good wash for:
- open sores
- redness or inflammation of the skin
- sunburn
- wounds
and as a poultice and/or fomentation for:
- congested neuralgia
- earache
- facial swelling from abscesses
- inflammatory pain
- intestinal inflammation
- toothache
Chamomile baths:
- ease all over body pain
- remove weariness
Chamomile Oil can be used as a rubbing oil for:
- calluses
- hard swellings
- painful joints
Other Uses:
- Added to a light Spanish Sherry (Manzanilla) for its apple scent
- Ground cover because when walked on its strong, fragrant smell is released. In the Middle Ages Chamomile was planted as walkways.
- Hair wash for blonde hair
- Herb Beers
Drug Interactions:
Do not use German Chamomile without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
- None known
Global Herbal Supplies has Chamomile available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
