“What a beautiful dress!” “Oh, this old thing!” Said no one EVER about Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). How could you even consider putting Baby in a corner? This tiny flowering herb is very popular in herbalism and has been used for centuries for various health benefits. It has super fine feathery foliage and white ray florets with yellow disc florets which are in their entirety about the size of a pencil eraser. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a popular natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile is also used to treat digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps. There are many other ways to partner with Chamomile. It’s almost too good to be true.

Here are some of the most common uses of chamomile in herbalism:

1. Anxiety and insomnia: Chamomile has sedative properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a popular remedy for insomnia. Perhaps you’ve noticed many of your favorite nighttime herbal teas (Tisanes) contain Chamomile!
2. Digestive issues: Chamomile has antispasmodic properties that can help soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps.
3. Skin health: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.
4. Menstrual cramps: Chamomile can help reduce menstrual cramps and other menstrual symptoms due to its antispasmodic properties.
5. Immune system: Chamomile has been shown to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Next time you feel stuffy or like you’re fighting a cold, try steaming (carefully) your face over a pan of steeping chamomile (dried or fresh). You WILL notice the impact it has.
6. Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, making it a useful herb for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Overall, Chamomile is a treasure herb that has many health benefits and is commonly used in herbalism to promote relaxation, soothe digestive issues, improve skin health, and support the immune system. Use it in a salve, a tincture, a skin product, tea, cookies, make Chamomile wine! Yum!

You may have read my other post about Lavender (Lavender My Dearest) where I describe my favorite nighttime herbal brew which includes a healthy portion of Chamomile. If not, you can find it here:

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