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There are two types of chamomile - German chamomile and Roman chamomile. The two plants are botanically unrelated, but they both produce the same light blue oil used in healing since ancient times.
Chamomile's daisy-like flowers reminded the ancient Egyptians of the sun. They used it to treat fever, particularly the recurring fevers of malaria. The Greek physician Dioscorides and the Roman naturalist Pliny recommended chamomile to treat headaches and kidney, liver, and bladder problems. India's ancient Ayurvedic physicians used it similarly. Germans have always used chamomile for digestive upsets and as a menstruation promoter and treatment for menstrual cramps. 17th century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended chamomile for fevers, digestive problems, aches, pains, jaundice, kidney stones, congestive heart failure, and to promote menstruation.
British and German immigration introduced both types of chamomiles into North America, though most of the chamomile grown here today is the German variety. America's 19th century physicians recommended chamomile to speed wound healing and prevent gangrene. They prescribed infusions for digestive problems, malaria, typhus, menstrual cramps, menstruation promotion, and for all birth-related difficulties: to quiet fetal kicking, stop premature labor, relieve sore breasts and nipples, suppress milk production, and relieve infant colic.
Use an infusion or tincture to take advantage of chamomile's many proven healing benefits. For a quick, refreshing infusion, use 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. In a tincture, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Weak infusions of chamomile may be given cautiously to children under age 2 for colic. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
For a relaxing herbal bath, tie a handful of chamomile flowers into a cloth and run your bathwater over it. For cuts and scrapes or burns, brew a strong infusion. Soak a clean
cloth in the liquid and apply it as a compress.
Chamomile poses no health hazard. The only people who should think twice about using this herb (and its close relative, yarrow) are those who have suffered previous anaphylactic reactions from ragweed. That doesn't mean to say that reactions are impossible. Large amounts of highly concentrated preparations have caused some nausea and vomiting.
Chamomile is on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe in amounts typically recommended. Chamomile should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If chamomile causes minor discomforts such as nausea or vomiting, use less or stop using it.