CAMOMILE or ROMAN CHAMOMILE

(Anthemis nobilis; COMPOSITAE)

Part used:  Flowers, herb.

Therapeutic action:

Diaphoretic (hot), stomachic, tonic (cold), antispasmodic, stimulant, carminative, nervine (sedative), emmenagogue, anthelmintic, anodyne, bitter aromatic, emetic (warm large dose), cathartic (large dose).

The camomile flowers, especially, are excellent for diaphoresis, bringing a good flow of blood to the skin surface. Its action and influence is rapid upon the circulation, stomach, nerves, and uterus. It is an excellent stomachic, improving the appetite and aiding the digestion by increasing the vascularity (fluid conveyance) of the gastric mucous membrane. Camomile is very soothing to the nerves, and as a uterine agent it relieves congestions and stimulates the menstrual flow (when taken cold). As a poultice, it reduces swelling without drawing the poison to a head;. Used as a hair rinse, it will keep the golden tints of the hair.

Medicinal uses:

Colds, fevers (remittent, bilious, puerperal), painful and congested menstruation, bilious headache, indigestion, colic, spasmodic cough, bronchitis, pulmonary catarrh, acute dyspepsia, hysteria, nervousness, torpid liver, delirium tremens, rheumatism, ulcers, produces appetite, stomach weakness, kidney, spleen and bladder problems, expel worms, ague, dropsy, jaundice, sore and weak eyes (wash), open sores and wounds (wash), pains and swellings (poultice), gangrene (preventative), bruises, sprains, corns, earache, toothache, neuralgia.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, solid extract. Do not boil the flowers, as the volatile oils possessing much of the therapeutic value will escape. Also, be sure to cover well in preparation