Chamomile is an herb that comes from a flowering plant from the daisy family. Both the fresh and dried flowers of chamomile have been used to make teas for centuries to cure a number of problems. The active ingredient in chamomile essential oil is known as bisabolol, which has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:

• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Muscle twitches
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash
• Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu and ulcers

Uses of Chamomile

HOME REMEDY FOR STOMACH CRAMPS

Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. There, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Simply prepare a cup of Chamomile tea following the directions on the package and drink it twice a day while symptoms are present (one cup first thing in the morning and one in the evening).

HOME REMEDIES FOR:

• Insomnia: 1 cup 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): 1 cup, also to help relieve nausea and gastroenteritis or stomach flu
• Migraine Headaches: 1 cup when you start noticing the symptoms, before headache is severe
• PMS and Menstrual Cramps: Drinking chamomile tea has been found to help
• Burns and Scrapes: Rub a small amount of chamomile oi gently across the injured areal once a day or brew strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to 1 cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.
• To Lighten Skin: Bring two quarts of water to a boil with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place your face above the steaming pot of chamomile tea. A bath in water with chamomile tea in it works too.
• Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes: To help relieve eye fatigue and lighten dark circles around the eyes, dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.

Side Effects of Chamomile

Moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions, which includes drowsiness, so use it with caution if you are driving or operating machinery. High doses of chamomile can also cause vomiting and/or skin reactions in some individuals. People allergic to ragweed pollen or have hay fever, may have difficulty using chamomile.

Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended.

Where and How to Buy Chamomile

Chamomile can be bought as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, essential oil, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments. Tea bags are the most common form and can be found at many mainstream grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores.

Taken from Home Remedies Web.