Chamomile- the Intention Teacher

Chamomile and Valerian bed at the farm

Chamomile is probably one of the most widely known and used herbs. It’s a very gentle herb, often dismissed because of this. But as herbalist Jim McDonald often points out, ‘gentle’ does not mean ‘weak.’

Chamomile is bitter and cool, antispasmodic (stops spasms), carminative and anti inflammatory. It should be a go to for any digestive complaints- upset stomach, indigestion, IBS, gastritis, ulcers. It moves Liver Qi and clears Heat from the Stomach and Intestines, so those “mystery” flank pains, abdominal or epigastric pains, gas, mild depression, restlessness or irritability may be well served by a cup of chamomile.

Chamomile is also amazing for soothing the nervous system. Often this goes hand in hand with the digestive upsets above- anxiety causing upset stomach, ulcers etc. Any herb that helps move Liver Qi or Heat will soothe anxiety and depression. Chamomile specifically dispels anger and helps stabilize emotions, and SPECIFICALLY helps to relieve emotions related to the past. Chamomile is very grounding and helps a person accept the state of affairs in their life. It soothes a frazzled nervous system… and rather dramatically in my opinion. The next time you come home from a rough day, one where your teeth are clenched, your mind is going a hundred directions with all the things you want to say to all the people and you’re thinking of lighting the world on fire, try brewing a cup of chamomile and sitting down to drink it. The results are so profound they almost make me laugh every time!

Chamomile is safe for all ages- for babies it makes a great oil to use for a diaper rash cream, you can use a tea soaked rag for teething and it works well for colic. Along this line, Herbalist Matthew Wood says chamomile is specific for Babies of any age! That makes it easy to remember- if you're stomping around throwing a fit-chamomile. Crying for no real reason? Chamomile. The Latin name for chamomile is Matricaria chamomilla- matriacaria meaning ‘mother.’ So it’s a good mothering herb to care for us when we act like babies.

While these are main ways I like to use chamomile, it is SO versatile in its uses. It is antibacterial and anti inflammatory, so it is my go to compress for pinkeye (both for humans and goats lol!) It can be used as a mouthwash for mouth and throat irritations, and in the case of gingivitis studies have show it’s effectiveness to be similar to chlorohexidine. Topically, it helps to heal wounds, rashes and burns. It’s effectiveness is similar to OTC hydrocortisone but without the thinning skin side effects.

My two favorite ways to use chamomile are as an essential oil blend and in a tea. The essential oil blend is a few drops chamomile, lavendar and vetiver in a carrier oil applied to the temples or in a diffuser. Chamomile tea by itself is a great remedy, but for digestive upsets I like to add fennel seed and lemon balm. For nervous tension, insomnia and anxiety, I have a blend I really am into right now- Albizia flower, chamomile, Passion flower, Skullcap, Holy Basil, Orange Peel, cinnamon.

Chamomile stars as the main herb both in my Sweet Dreams Tea Blend and in my "No More Counting Sheep" glycerite formula.