Americans use nearly 1 million pounds of chamomile every year so it's no wonder that German chamomile is among the most popular herbs in the world. But you don't have to be an herbalist to use chamomile for its believed therapeutic properties. Chamomile is inexpensive, readily available and listed among the safest herbs for home use. Here are 5 ways to use chamomile in your healing regimen:
1. Add chamomile to a sitz bath to soothe irritation. Chamomile has potent anti-inflammatory properties but, at the same time, it's also gentle enough for even the most sensitive areas of your body. By soaking about an ounce of chamomile flowers in a gallon or so of hot water, you can make a soothing bath for inflammation and irritation of the genital and anal areas.
2. Gargle chamomile tea for sore throats. To make a soothing mouthwash or gargle, add one half of an ounce of chamomile flowers to near-boiling water and remove from heat. Cover to retain the essential oils and allow to cool. Then, simply gargle with this mixture several times throughout the day to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated passageways.
3. Inhale chamomile steam for stuffy noses. To reduce inflammation in swollen nasal passages, add about an ounce of dried chamomile flowers or several drops of chamomile essential oil to near-boiling water then inhale the resulting vapors, being careful not to get too close to the still-hot water.
4. Make a soothing chamomile poultice. To soothe skin irritation, grind or mash chamomile flowers in a small bowel then add just enough warm water or witch hazel to make a paste. Apply this paste to the skin and cover with light gauze to keep the poultice in place.
5. Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea. It's no wonder that 90% of all the chamomile sold in this country ultimately winds up as tea. Chamomile tea contains flavonoids and essential oils that some studies suggest may have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and sedative actions. Best of all, while allergies are not unknown, other side effects are rare and generally mild.
