Name
Chamomile

Latin Name
Chamaemelum Noble (Roman Chamomile) and Matricaria Recutita (German chamomile)

Origin
Chamomile has apple scented daisy like flowers. It flowers from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and flies. This herb grows in fields and many other places throughout England, Europe, Russia and Asia, and is naturalised in Australia and the US

Cultivated/Parts Used
The flowering heads are harvested when fully open and are dried for later use. The flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes which upon steam distillation produce chamazulene, a remarkable anti-allergenic. The flowers can be added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent.

History of Use
Called Maythen by the Anglo-Saxons, it was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god Woden. The root was traditionally chewed to relieve toothache. The Egyptians revered it for its virtues, and their strong belief in its power to cure led them to dedicate it to their gods.

Chamomile is most commonly known as a tea that has a wonderfully soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect. It makes an excellent tonic to sweat off a fever and flu. 

Chamomile baths are highly recommended for relaxation.

Contraindications/Interactions
None known, although Chamomile is not recommended for use during pregnancy as in very high dosages it can induce bleeding.

Instructions For Use/Dosages
Use 1 teaspoon per cup to make a hot strong chamomile tea. Linden (Lime flower) and Elder flowers can be added to make the tea even more potent.

For a bath to relieve fatigue, stress, and colds, tie a handful of flowers into a cloth and drop into the bath or hang from the tap whilst running the bath.

For coughs place a handful of the chamomile flowers in a bowl, pour hot water over them, place a towel over your head and your head over the bowl. Then inhale the vapours.