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Chamomile (Roman) – More than just a relaxing bedtime drink...

Chamomile (Roman) – More than just a relaxing bedtime drink...

Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) is not to be confused with the lawn variety and is grown for its medicinal properties. Everyone knows chamomile as a soothing bedtime tea to help you sleep and that is its superpower, but it has other health boosting benefits too. It’s a ‘nervine’ herb, thought to benefit the central nervous system and has excellent anti-allergenic and antioxidant properties.

Medicinal History of Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile, is a low growing perennial plant found in fields and around gardens in Europe, North America, and South America. It has a history of use in traditional medicine since the Middle Ages and European cultivation of the plant started in England in the 16th century. The plant was listed first in the pharmacopoeia of Würtenberg as a carminative, painkiller, diuretic, and digestive aid.

Top Five Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

1. Digestive Health

The flowers of Chamaemelum nobile were used as a traditional remedy for problems of the digestive system, as a sedative and nervine. An infusion of chamomile and ginger will make a relaxing tea, helping to sooth indigestion, bloating and flatulence. It was also used as a relaxant and to calm the stomach.

2. Sleep and mood

Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin which is thought to act as a mild tranquilizer, inducing drowsiness and reducing stress. A cup of Chamomile tea before bed time is long been considered a sleep aid.

3. Skin and Hair Health

Chamomile has anti-allergenic, antioxidant and analgesic properties. It is widely used in cosmetics to make soothing moisturizers, cleansers and hair products. The main extract of the flowers is terpenoids which are used to treat various skin conditions.

4. Respiratory Health

The flowers have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used to treat coughs, colds, fevers and bronchitis. Chamomile tea will also sooth inflammation of the mouth and larynx. 

5. Pain relief

Chamomile used in a poultice has traditionally been used to treat external swelling, toothache and inflammatory pain. The tea contains relaxing, anti-spasmodic properties which can help sooth menstrual cramps.

Mr and Mrs Discobbolos

Mr and Mrs Discobbolos - Climbed to the top of a wall, And they sat to watch the sunset sky

And to hear the Nupiter Piffkin cry - And the Biscuit Buffalo call.

They took up a roll and some Chamomile tea, And both were as happy as happy could be

Edward Lear (1877) 

Parts of the Plant Used for Medicine

The flower heads of chamomile are used for medicinal purposes. They are first dried, then used to make powders or tea. They may also be steamed to produce chamomile essential oil.

Active Medical Ingredients in Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile contain terpenoids (anti-inflammatory), flavonoids (antioxidant) and sesquiterpene lactones (antimicrobial). Roman Chamomile contains high levels of chamazulene which have anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties which aid skin and wound healing.

Important.
Herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years and a few leaves here and there are unlikely to be harmful. However, if you intend to start taking herbs medicinally or to treat a specific health condition, please seek the advice of your GP (or vet) and a qualified herbalist, first.

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Herb plants thriving in eco-friendly containers
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We sell herbs in FULL collections of SIX herb plants. Create your own unique MIX SIX herb plant collection (any variety or combination).

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