Chamomile (Maticaria Chamomilla)

In British author Beatrix Potter''s "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", Peter Rabbit gets sick after he snuck into Mc Greger''s garden and eating various vegetables. When Peter came home exhausted, after being chased away by the angry farmer, Peter''s mom made him a cup of tea This tea was chamomile tea. As can be seen from this children''s story, chamomile is not only well known in England, but is a well known, widely used herb in United States as well.

This tea is very popular among American homes, and is also kept as home remedy herbs.

Chamomile, as referred to in the story of Peter Rabbit, is used for digestive systems and nervous system. It is also very effective in preventing stomach ulcers and promotes treatment. It has also been traditionally used to treat children''s summer diarrhea.

Chamomile flower looks like miniature sunflower, it looks like sparkles in a person''s eyes. From this observation, many have used it to treat eye disorders (many ancient herbalist used herbs that looked similar to a person''s body or had similar traits to treat disorders of the corresponding body parts. These herbs'' scent, shape, properties, growth region and etc were believed to have natural healing properties, known as "Doctrine of Signatures", like the Korean saying "like things play together"). In method is also used traditionally in homeopathy.

Chamomile is very fragrant, many describe its scent as being similar to apple, but some believe it smells like sweet, ripe strawberries.

Indications:

1. Its a safe herb to treat stress or muscle spasm due to anxiety

2. Effective in treating diarrhea, indigestion due to anxiety and nervousness

3. Chamomile extract has some effects in treatinghypersensitivity of affected skin

4. In animal studies, chamomile has shown to reduce inflammation of joints

Not all animal studies have been proved in humans, but traditionally chamomile has been used to treat arthritis

5. Chamomile supports immune system, which prevents diseases. Chamomile tea can be used for common cold or lethargic

6. Use it as agargle for mouth sores/infection or sore throat, for burning or discomfort of the eyes, use chamomile as a eye wash

7. In female, it works as emmenagogue, promotes menstrual bleeding, and decreases chances of premature childbirth

Caution:

In healthy females, chamomile can be used for menstrual cramps or to regulate menstrual cycle without any problems. However, in pregnancy, use with caution, consult healthcare professional or acupuncturist.

Travel Tip:

Chamomile can used to eliminate mosquitos and bugs. Most store bought bug sprays can cause skin irritation or discomforts, instead use natural chamomile to eliminate mosquitos and bugs. When camping or traveling, just take chamomile tea and spray some on the skin, like the bug sprays, without any skin irritations or discomforts.