Sometimes called the most soothing plant, chamomile (both the fresh and dried flowers) has traditionally been enjoyed as a tea to relax the nerves and ease digestive complaints. The healing properties of the herb are due in part to its volatile oils, which contain a compound called apigenin as well as other therapeutic substances. Chamomile comes from a flowering plant from the daisy family. There are two different herbs called chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. The more popular one is German chamomile, sometimes called Hungarian chamomile. It comes from the dried, daisy-like flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant. The other type, known as Roman or English chamomile, has properties similar to those of the German species, and is sold mainly in Europe.

Forms: 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 and pharmacies.

Medicinal Benefits of Chamomile tea: Drink chamomile tea on a regular basis in order to get the best effects and the following health benefits.

• Chamomile tea has a relaxing, anti-inflammatory effect on the smooth muscles that line the digestive tract. It is therefore beneficial to a wide range of gastrointestinal complaints, including heartburn, diverticular disorders, excessive gas, bloating in the intestines and inflammatory bowel disease. Drink chamomile tea twice a day.
• If you feel anxious, drink some chamomile tea. It is a natural stress reliever and will calm your nerves.
• Chamomile appears to have a mildly sedating effect but, more importantly, it also calms the body, making it easier for the person taking it to fall asleep naturally.
• Chamomile tea can help relieve pain from migraine headache because of its anti-inflammatory effect.
• Chamomile tea is also beneficial to those suffering from menstrual cramps.
• Eyewashes made from the cooled tea may alleviate the redness or irritation of conjunctivis and other eye inflammations; prepare a fresh batch of tea daily and store it in a sterile container. (Label eye baths left and right, and use approximately.)
• Chamomile tea when used daily as a gargle or mouthwash can help heal mouth sores and prevent gum disease.
• Those dark circles under your eyes can disappear if you use chamomile. Dip tea bags into warm water, and then apply to your eyes.

External Uses: Concentrated chamomile extracts are also added to creams and lotions or packaged as pills or tinctures.

• Chamomile can help lighten you skin tone. Just 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 mixed with chamomile tea works too.
• A chamomile bath can be relaxing and provide relief for dry, irritated skin or sunburn. Add 10 drops of chamomile oil, or several cups of chamomile tea, to a cool bath and soak for half an hour or longer
• Chamomile creams which you can buy in health-food shops, may relieve sunburn, as well as skin rashes such as eczema.
• Treat burns with chamomile creams or teas rather than greasy ointments. The latter contain oils that can trap the heat, slow healing and increase the risk of infection. Creams, on the other hand, are made with a non-oily base. A dressing soaked in chamomile tea is also beneficial when applied to mild burns.

Chamomile Preparation and Dosage:

• Chamomile tea: to make a soothing cup of chamomile tea: Pour a cup of very hot (not boiling) water over 2 tsp. of dried flowers. Steep for five minutes and strain. Drink up to three cups a day or a cup at bedtime.
• Chamomile tea for external use: The tea should be cooled thoroughly and kept sterile if you're using it on skin or eyes. For the skin: Add a few drops of chamomile oil to 15ml of almond oil (or another neutral oil) or buy a ready-made cream.
• Pills and tinctures are also available; follow packet directions. A single pill, or up to 1 tsp of tincture, often has the therapeutic effects of a cup of tea.

Buying Tips:

• Pills and tinctures are all formulated with concentrated extracts of chamomile. Buy standardized extracts that contain at least 1% apigenin, one of the herb's healing ingredients.
• Check the labels of chamomile skin products carefully. Some feature the herb but contain only very small amounts. Buy creams or ointments that contain at least 3% chamomile.

Possible side effects: Whether the herb is used internally or externally, side effects are extremely rare. There have been a few reported instances of nausea and vomiting in people taking higher-than recommended doses of the herb.