Chamomile, And It's Uses
A sweet, soothing herb grown throughout the world.
German chamomile is a plant reaching two feet tall with small yellow and white flowers. The center of the flower being yellow with white petals. It closely resembles a tiny Shasta daisy. German chamomile is native to Europe, Iran and Afghanistan but is so popular and easily cultivated that is grown all over the world. There are two major types of chamomile one being a carpet chamomile and the other German chamomile. However, the German variety is the most common and the type used for it's medicinal qualities. So, in most cases. it is known simply as chamomile or camomile.
Chamomile has a very soothing effect making it perfect for bedtime sedation, headaches, or stomach ache. It can be given in a weaker form to infants for the relief of colic and to help baby sleep. An infusion of chamomile flowers is helpful with toothache and can be used as a rinse to promote shine in blonde hair. Chewing the fresh flowers of chamomile is reputed to alleviate tobacco addiction.
Chamomile tea is easily located. For someone just starting to look into using herbs chamomile is a good start. There many brands of culinary teas that use chamomile. These are really only beverages and shouldn't be considered a true herbal remedy. The best teas are produced from herbs you grow yourself. If you are not blessed to be in a situation where you can obtain and grow your own herbs then your next best choice would be a health food store. Some stores offer the herbs in dried or fresh state. Purchase either of these and experiment to find something to suit your taste. Last choice should be capsules. Capsules almost always contain additives that you do not need.
If you have been growing your own herbs or are looking into it, we recommend chamomile. The seeds can be located from any herbal seed company and many other flower seed companies. It is very easy to grow if you have a sunny location. The flowers are the medicinal part of the plant and should be picked after the sun has been on them for a couple hours. The sunlight causes the medicinal oils in the plant to rise making them more beneficial. However, do not pick them after they have been exposed to the sun for longer than two hours because they become very bitter. The tiny flowers must be regularly plucked off the plant to promote production. Otherwise, the plant goes to seed and dies.
Chamomile Infusion-
Pour 1 pint of boiling water over two tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers. Steep for 10 minutes and strain.
Chamomile infusion can be used for insomnia, headache, toothache and stomach problems. Also, as a rinse for blonde hair. To make a weaker tea for an infant, decrease dried flowers to 1 tablespoon. Offer only 1 ounce to baby in a bottle.
We recommend sweetening with honey because of the destructive properties of sugar.
As always, we want to stress the importance of prayer. Herbs are a way to alleviate symptoms but in no way should they be considered a cure. Only YAHWEH has the ability as the Giver of Life and Strength to heal us.
Shalom in the Mighty Name of YAHWEH!
Sister Stacey