The beautiful, bright, and gentle chamomile may be one of the most common medicinal herbs used around the world. However, to fully benefit from the smoothing and healing qualities of this plant, know that there are several important things to consider:
- The most known and widely used species are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), an annual plant, and Roman chamomile, a perennial. German chamomile is preferred when it comes to human consumption since it tastes less bitter. Reports of the medical and therapeutic use of chamomile throughout history date back to ancient civilizations. Chamomile is a widely used and well-tolerated therapeutic herb.
- A wide variety of therapeutic compounds with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, such as apigenin, a neuro-relaxant for the nervous system.
- Only choose loose chamomile flowers from an organic source, and use a ceramic or glass teapot and a non-plastic strainer to eliminate your exposure to unnecessary toxins from tea bags that may contain microplastic elements that will leach into your tea. [1]
- Overly hot water can scald the delicate chamomile flowers, leading to a bitter taste.
The ideal proportion and temperature for brewing a delicious pot of
organic chamomile tea
One rounded Tablespoon to 8 oz. water at 190° - 195°F.
- A steeping time of 5 minutes yields tea that is sweeter and more relaxing.
- A longer steeping time of up to 15 minutes brings out the bitter, anti-inflammatory compounds.
For centuries, physicians and herbalists have used chamomile to treat fevers and women's health issues. The botanical name of the most commonly cultivated variety, Matricaria, comes from the Latin word for "womb."
At present, "chamomile" is used in traditional medicine as an herbal remedy for insomnia, stress and anxiety, digestive problems, treating cold and flu symptoms, as well as improving immunity during sickness.
Dosage and frequency
- Tea (1 heaping Tablespoonful) steeped in 8 oz. of hot water (190° - 195°F) for 6 -8 minutes; 3 – 4x times per day, preferably between meals.
- The tea can be also used for mouthwash and gargle, with the fresh tea infusion several times per day.
Tincture ½ - 1 tsp 3 - 4x times/day - Therapeutic bath: 50g of herb infused into 1 liter of hot water – added to the bath water
- Topical: 1 drop essential oil added into 1 tsp moisturizer creams and oils
- Aromatherapy: 5-10 drops essential oil used in steam or infusers
Cautions, Warnings and Contraindications
Warnings: Topical overdose of essential oil can lead to contact dermatitis
Contraindications: Chamomile is contraindicated in patients who have high levels of allergic reaction to herbs in the daisy family.
Possible Herb / Drug Interactions: High doses of concentrated chamomile may interact with opioids analgesics, benzodiazepines, and alcohol by enhancing their actions. It is considered generally safe when following normal dosages.
References
1. Ali, Tooba et al. “Health risks posed by microplastics in tea bags: microplastic pollution - a truly global problem.” International journal of surgery (London, England) vol. 109,3 515-516. 1 Mar. 2023, doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000000055
By Karen Wang Diggs
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