chamomile ebook (6.81mb)

Welcome! This ebook about Chamomile is my gift to you for attending my webinar on Creating a Successful Herbal Practice. It contains an excerpt from my forthcoming book which is expected to be published in March 2017. Thank you for supporting my work!

Chamomile Text and photos by Rosalee de la Forêt.

©2015 Rosalee de la Foret, LLC. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the author.

The herbal and plant information in this eBook is for educational purposes only. The information within the Chamomile eBook is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

This ebook contains affiliate links. Using these links to make herb purchases supports the free information in this ebook. Thank you!

Published by Rosalee de la Forȇt, LLC, Twisp, WA

First digital edition, January 2015. Published in the U.S.A.


All About Chamomile 4

Chamomile Summary 17

Recipes 18 Chamomile & Vanilla Tea 19

Chamomile Popsicles 20

Chamomile Fruit Salad 21

Chamomile Honey 22

Chamomile Sachet 23

Where to Buy Chamomile 24

Citations 25

About Rosalee 26


ALL ABOUT CHAMOMILE

My introduction to herbal medicine may have been

through Peter Rabbit, the classic story by Beatrix

Potter. In the tale, Peter disobeys his mother,

sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden, and starts

eating all the delicious vegetables he finds. The

angry farmer spies Peter and chases him through the garden. Peter barely

escapes, leaving his jacket and shoes behind. After such a tumultuous day, he

didn’t feel well, so his mother put him to bed and gave him chamomile tea. As a

child, I had a plate depicting that scene and can still vividly see Peter’s ears

sticking out of his bed covers while his mother stood ready with the cup of tea.

Peter’s mother was far smarter than I was. For years, I was wrong about

chamomile. I thought of it as gentle and, therefore, weak. I thought that

because it was safe enough for little ones (like Peter Rabbit) it wasn’t effective

for the more serious problems of adults. But that is the beautiful secret of


chamomile. As beloved herbalist Rosemary Gladstar so wisely says, “Chamomile

demonstrates to us that gentle does not mean less effective.”

CHAMOMILE FOR ANXIETY AND INSOMNIA

Herbalists have long known of chamomile’s ability to soothe someone who is

distressed, anxious, or nervous. The genus name, Matricaria, refers to “mother.”

Some say this is because it offers many benefits for mothers, while others say

that sipping a cup of chamomile tea is like being soothed by a nurturing mother.

A familiar saying in the herbal world is that chamomile works well for children

who are whining or for people who are acting like whining children. (Admittedly,

I’ve had those kinds of days, and chamomile is a welcome gift.)

Sipping strongly brewed chamomile tea calms jangled nerves, which makes it a

great companion after a stressful day or even taken preventively before difficult

situations. I’ve often wondered if traveling would be a lot more enjoyable if

everyone drank chamomile tea instead of coffee in airport terminals.


While herbalists have been relying on chamomile’s relaxing properties for many

centuries, science is now catching up with validating this traditional use. In an

exploratory study, researchers found that chamomile, even when given in a

relatively small dose (220 mg), was more effective in relieving both depression

and anxiety in people than a placebo.1 Another clinical study found that

chamomile relieved mild to moderate anxiety in people diagnosed with general

anxiety disorder.2

“Chamomile is probably the most widely used relaxing nerving herb in the western

world [and] is safe for use in all types of anxiety and stress-related disorders.”

David Hoffman


Chamomile can also bring on a deep and restful sleep. I specifically think of

chamomile if someone is having difficulty sleeping because of muscle tension or

anxiety. For this use, it’s best to drink a tea at least an hour before bed (to avoid

nighttime bathroom trips) or use the tincture.

CHAMOMILE FOR PAIN RELIEF

Chamomile is a spasmolytic herb, which means that it relaxes muscle tension.

As a result, it can decrease pain caused by tense muscles or cramping. I

especially love chamomile for relieving menstrual cramps and pain associated

with digestive cramping. A strong cup of chamomile tea or tincture not only

relieves pain quickly, but it also lessens the worry or anxiety associated with

those conditions.

In one clinical study, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were

compared to using chamomile for women with PMS. After two months, those

using chamomile had a similar reduction in pain to those using the NSAID but


had significantly less emotional symptoms.3 This shows that while chamomile

can effectively decrease pain, it goes beyond this simple use to address other

common complaints of PMS.

Another common problem is shoulder tension, which leads to neck pain and

headaches. A cup of chamomile tea along with a neck massage using

chamomile infused oil can do wonders for relaxing both the mind and the

muscles, helping you unwind from the inside out.

CHAMOMILE FOR HEALING WOUNDS

Chamomile modulates inflammation and is

slightly antimicrobial, making it a great choice

for a variety of inflammatory conditions, such

as wounds, burns, and rashes. For the best

results, use chamomile both externally as an

oil or wash and internally as a tea or tincture.


Science has also proven chamomile’s ability to modulate inflammation in a

couple of powerful studies. In one, patients who had inflamed veins (phlebitis)

due to intravenous chemotherapy were concurrently given chamomile. Those

patients receiving a 2.5 percent and 5 percent concentration experienced a

significantly shorter duration of phlebitis.4 No one in this study had issues with

toxicity, reminding us that chamomile is effective and gentle.

Another study compared the topical use of chamomile compresses with

hydrocortisone cream for relieving itching and discomfort associated with

peristomal skin lesions in people who have stomas (which is a surgically created

opening in the abdomen that allows stool or urine to exit the body). Participants

were either given a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or instructed to use

chamomile compresses twice a day. Those using the compresses had a

significantly faster healing time as well as a considerable decrease in pain and

itching compared to those using the steroid cream. The researchers pointed out

that using chamomile in place of the steroid cream prevents serious side effects

associated with topical steroid use, such as thinning of the skin.5


Another area where chamomile is effective includes treating bleeding gums

caused by gingivitis. Essentially, this condition is an infected wound in the

mouth; however, the effects of gingivitis aren’t just localized. They are often tied

to inflammatory heart disease. In an interesting study, researchers compared

the effectiveness of a chamomile mouthwash with chlorhexidine for bleeding

gums associated with gingivitis. The results showed that the mouthwash had

antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties similar to the chemical over-

the-counter-drug.6

CHAMOMILE FOR DIGESTION

Chamomile may be the perfect herb for many types of digestive complaints. As

we’ve seen, it powerfully decreases inflammation, making it a great choice for

inflammatory digestive problems, such as Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, ulcers, and

irritations from food intolerances.


Remember when I said that chamomile was both effective and safe? The same is

true for its positive effects on digestion. Not only can it help relieve powerful

inflammatory digestive problems in adults, it can also bring relief to children

and has long been used for babies with colic and children with diarrhea. In a

study performed in 2006, children (6 months to 6 years) with acute diarrhea

were given a mixture of chamomile and apple pectin or a placebo. The

symptoms of those receiving the chamomile/pectin mixture showed significant

improvement as compared to those receiving the placebo.7

So, if you have a digestive problem due to anxiety or

worry, painful digestive spasms, or inflammatory

digestive complaints, reach for chamomile. When

consumed before a meal as a strong tea, its bitter

taste can help stimulate a healthy appetite. Taken

after a meal, it can help ease digestive problems,

such as bloating, gas, heartburn, and digestive

spasms.


CHAMOMILE FOR FEVERS AND INFECTIONS

Parents often ask me what single herb they should have on hand for their

children, and my answer is easily chamomile. It soothes the nervous system,

promotes sleep, helps with digestive problems, and can be used for a variety of

symptoms associated with a cold or flu. For example, chamomile gently relaxes

muscle tension and can help soothe spasmodic or constricted coughs.

Sometimes these types of coughs are caused by dryness or inflammation in the

lungs. You can treat this with chamomile, and it can also be combined with

linden (Tilia cordata) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

One of the most annoying symptoms of a cold or flu is sinus trouble. Being

stuffed up and unable to breathe or having inflamed and irritated sinuses can

effect your sense of smell and appetite and can just be miserable all the way

around. If left untreated, these symptoms can also make you more susceptible

to developing a sinus infection. Chamomile, inhaled as a steam, can support the

sinuses, help them to drain, and relieve inflammation.


Fever is one of the most uncomfortable and scary symptoms of the flu.

Herbalists recognize that fevers are a beneficial immune system response and,

in most cases, a fever shouldn’t be artificially lowered; however, when someone

is feeling hot, restless, and uncomfortable, chamomile can be used to release

tension, promote healing sleep, and bring comfort.

Chamomile is also great at treating conjunctivitis or pink eye. I’ve used this

myself on several occasions. The most memorable happened years ago when I

was teaching at my very first herb conference. I woke up the morning of my first

class, and my eye was a gross, goopy mess. I could barely open it, and once I

did, it was incredibly red and inflamed. Luckily, I had a few hours before class,

and I had several bags of chamomile tea in my travel herbal first aid kit. I wet a

bag with warm water and put the bag over my eye for 30 minutes. I took a little

break and then repeated it. By the time I was in front of the class, my eye was

almost back to normal. I repeated the process a couple more times that day,

and by the next day, I was symptom free.


“The Germans call it allies zutraut, meaning “capable of anything”

because of its many uses.”

Thomas Broken Bear Squier


USING CHAMOMILE

Most of us are probably familiar with dunking a chamomile tea bag in hot water

for a couple of minutes and then drinking the slightly sweet, aromatic tea. While

this does create a delicious beverage, stronger brews of chamomile are going to

provide profound relief for anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and cold and

flu symptoms.

Dosage

Tea: 9–15 grams

Tincture: 1:5 40 percent alcohol, 3–6 mL, 3 times per day

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Chamomile is generally considered safe for everyone; however, some people

with sensitivities to the Asteraceae (aster family) may also be sensitive to

chamomile.


CLOSING THOUGHTS

Drinking a cup of chamomile tea is like getting a warm hug from a loved one. It

can help you relax and unwind after a stressful day, decrease pain caused by

muscle tension or spasms, and strongly reduce inflammation. Chamomile’s best

gifts are that it is gentle while simultaneously offering profound relief. It can be

enjoyed frequently as a tea, as a massage oil, or as a tincture. And because

chamomile is gentle and effective, it works great for adults and children alike!


CHAMOMILE SUMMARY


RECIPES Chamomile & Vanilla Tea This is my current favorite chamomile tea recipe. I love it brewed up strong just after dinner. It’s a great way to relax and unwind after the day.

ingredients 2 parts chamomile 1 part oatstraw 1 part rose petals 1/2 part vanilla bean powder

Mix all the ingredients together, this becomes your base blend. (Need help understanding parts? Then check out this article.) I brew this up strong, about two tablespoons per 12 ounces of water. Steep for 10 minutes, covered, and sometimes add a bit of stevia leaf or honey for sweetness. Delicious and very calming - great for an after dinner tea.

Or for a simple chamomile tea, use two tablespoons of chamomile flowers per 12 ounces of water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, covered.


http://www.herbalintensive.com/2015/04/grams-ounces-parts-oh-my-making-sense.html

Chamomile Popsicles ingredients 2 tablespoons of dried Chamomile 1 tablespoon of dried Hibiscus 1 and 1/4 cup boiling water 1 cup of greek yogurt honey to taste pinch of salt 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Popsicle molds (You can use paper cups and popsicle sticks)

Begin by making a tea out of the chamomile and hibiscus. Put the herbs in a cup, pour the water over the herbs, and let steep for 5 minutes. (Sometimes waiting is the hardest part!) Strain into a small bowl

While the mixture is still hot, add honey to taste. Stir well so the honey combines with the tea. You will be mixing this with the plain yogurt so you may want to make it more on the sweet side.

Add a pinch of salt and the lemon juice.

Let the mixture cool a little and then add the yogurt and mix well.

Pour into the popsicle molds.

Place these in the freezer until frozen solid. This will take several hours.

This recipe is just one example of how to make herbal popsicles. There are many different herbs you could use as well. There are also a variety of different ingredients you could use. For example, you could try adding a mashed banana or rose hips. If your family has dairy allergies you can easily substitute coconut milk for the yogurt.


Chamomile Fruit Salad

Reading about the chamomile fruit salad in the fourth Herb Fairies Book, Chamomile: The Secret Trail, inspired me to create recipe cards for Herb Fairies Book Club. It sounded so sweet and delicious and I knew I wouldn’t be the only one to find it enticing. The addition of the chamomile tea gives a nice herbal twist to a summer favorite.

ingredients 1 heaping tsp chamomile flowers, 1/4 cup of just-boiled water, honey (optional), 1 handful of raspberries, 1 banana, a handful of strawberries, 1 orange or a blend of whatever fruit is in season and available to you, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Begin by making a tea from the chamomile. Place the flowers in a cup, pour the just-boiled water over the flowers, add honey if desired, cover, and let steep for five minutes. Strain and set aside to cool.

Prepare the fruit for the fruit salad by chopping and/or peeling them into bite-sized pieces.

When the tea mixture is cooled add the 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well. Pour the liquid over the fruit and mix the salad until it is evenly coated with the tea.


http://www.herbfairies.com

Chamomile Honey Chamomile honey gives us the reassuring and calming taste of chamomile with the sweetness of honey. This treat can soothe a sore throat, have a gentle calming effect, or help a tummy ache.

ingredients a small handful of fresh, chamomile flowers, local organic raw honey, a small jar

To begin, chop up the fresh chamomile into small pieces and place them in a jar. Ideally they will fill the jar while loosely packed.

Next, fill this jar with honey. You may need to slightly warm the honey to a more syrupy consistency in order to get it to mix well.

Now you’ll stir the flowers and honey together. I often use a chopstick for this, but any instrument you have will do.

Let this sit on the counter for 2 - 3 days. You’ll notice that it has a thinner consistency now that the honey has pulled some of the water content from the leaves. If you think this will last longer than a week, you might want to store it in the fridge to avoid possible fermentation.


Chamomile Sachet Chamomile sachets are an easy way to enjoy the sweet scent of chamomile flowers. They can be added to bath water or kept under your pillow for restful sleep and sweet dreams. You can also use them in your clothing drawers or linen closet.

ingredients a small handful of dried chamomile flowers, 1 tsp orris root (optional), muslin bag or other pretty little sachet.

Fill the bag about 3/4 full of chamomile flowers. Don’t stuff the bag too full. Ideally you want enough space so that you can easily squeeze the bag and release more scent.

Add 1 tsp of orris root. This helps fix the chamomile scent. You can leave this out if using the sachet in the bath.

Firmly tie the bag shut and enjoy!


WHERE TO BUY CHAMOMILE

click here to buy chamomile from Mountain Rose Herbs.


http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index.php?AID=091107

CITATIONS 1. Amsterdam, Jay D, Justine Shults, Irene Soeller, Jun James Mao, Kenneth Rockwell, and Andrew B Newberg.

"Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) May Provide Antidepressant Activity in Anxious, Depressed Humans: An Exploratory Study." Alternative therapies in health and medicine 18, no. 5 (2012): 44-9.

2. Amsterdam, Jay D, Yimei Li, Irene Soeller, Kenneth Rockwell, Jun James Mao, and Justine Shults. "A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Oral Matricaria Recutita (chamomile) Extract Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder." Journal of clinical psychopharmacology 29, no. 4 (2009): doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c.

3. Sharifi, Farangis, Masoumeh Simbar, Faraz Mojab, and Hamid Alavi Majd. "Comparison of the Effects of Matricaria Chamomila (Chamomile) Extract and Mefenamic Acid on the Intensity of Premenstrual Syndrome." Complementary therapies in clinical practice 20, no. 1 (2014): doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.09.002.

4. Reis, Paula Elaine Diniz Dos, Emilia Campos de Carvalho, Paula Carolina Pires Bueno, and Jairo Kenupp Bastos. "Clinical Application of Chamomilla Recutita in Phlebitis: Dose Response Curve Study." Revista latino-americana de enfermagem 19, no. 1 (2011): 3-10.

5. Charousaei, Firuzeh, Azam Dabirian, and Faraz Mojab. "Using Chamomile Solution or a 1% Topical Hydrocortisone Ointment in the Management of Peristomal Skin Lesions in Colostomy Patients: Results of a Controlled Clinical Study." Ostomy/wound management 57, no. 5 (2011): 28-36.

6. Batista, Ana Luzia Araújo, Ruthineia Diógenes Alves Uchôa Lins, Renata de Souza Coelho, Danielle do Nascimento Barbosa, Nayara Moura Belém, and Frayni Josley Alves Celestino. "Clinical Efficacy Analysis of the Mouth Rinsing with Pomegranate and Chamomile Plant Extracts in the Gingival Bleeding Reduction." Complementary therapies in clinical practice 20, no. 1 (2014): doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.08.002.

7. Becker, Brigitta, Ulrike Kuhn, and Bettina Hardewig-Budny. "Double-blind, Randomized Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of An Apple Pectin-chamomile Extract in Children with Unspecific Diarrhea." Arzneimittel-Forschung 56, no. 6 (2006): doi:10.1055/s-0031-1296739.


ABOUT ROSALEE I am passionate about helping people explore the natural world through medicinal plants and healthy living.

My latest passion is creating week-long herbal adventures so that students can intensively study the plant world. My first herbal intensive was in 2014 in southern France. 19 students from all over the world joined us for an incredible week of exploring the French countryside and learning about herbs.

I look forward to creating another amazing week in the Methow Valley in July 2015.

When I am not planning herbal retreats I spend my time as an herbal educator and a clinical herbalist. As the Education Director for LearningHerbs I create Remedies and Recipe articles, write original lessons, moderate the forums, and curate the educational content on HerbMentor.com.

Besides my work with LearningHerbs, I teach internationally at conferences and private retreats. I also have a popular mentorship program to help herbal students grow their herbal knowledge.

I am a practicing clinical herbalist who is passionate about helping people find natural solutions for chronic disease, so they can live healthy lives. I am a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, RH (AHG).

It’s been my honor to have had wise elders guiding me along the way. I have learned a lot about herbs (and life) from Karen Sherwood, Michael Tierra, Paul Bergner, K.P. Khalsa, jim mcdonald, and so many others.

When I am not immersed in herbs I carve out time to spend with my husband and my honorary nieces. You can also frequently find me curled up with a good book in my hammock, swimming and kayaking in our lakes and rivers, hiking and taking way too many photos of plants.


http://HerbMentor.com

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/

http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/

chamomile ebook (6.81mb)

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chamomile ebook

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