As an anti-spasmodic herb, it works on the peripheral nerves and muscles, and so it indirectly relaxes the whole body. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the mind and heart follows. It can prevent or ease cramps in the muscles, such as leg or abdomen. As the essential oil added to a bath, itrelaxes the body after a hard day whilst easing the cares and weight of a troubled heart and mind.

Being rich in essential oil, it acts on the digestive system, promoting proper function. This usually involves soothing the walls of the intestines, easing griping pains and helping the removal of gas. It is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy internally for the digestive and respiratory system as well as externally on the skin. A cup of hot Chamomile tea is a simple, effective way of relieving indigestion, calming inflammations such as gastritis and helping prevent ulcer formation. Using the essential oil as a steam inhalation will allow the same oils to reach inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and lungs.

Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, is bacteriocidal to Staphylococcus and Streptoccusinfections. The oil from 0.10g of flowers is enough to destroy in 2 hours three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins.

As an anti-catarrhal it helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinusarea. It may be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hayfever. Mucous is not a problem in itself. It is an essential body product, but when too much is produced it is usually in response to an infection, helping the body remove the problematic organism, or as a way of the body removing excess carbohydrate from the body.

A review of recent scientific literature shows how much interest this venerable folk remedy is still receiving. Most of the clinical, therapeutic research comes from Europe, reflecting the respect Chamomile receives in the medical community there. Anti-inflammatory effects have been the main focus of research, being the official criteria for its inclusion in the Pharmacopeia. These properties explain the herbs value in a wide range of digestive ifintestinal problems. Taken by mouth or used as an enema it is particularly helpful in colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A fascinating recent German study demonstrated the efficacy of chamomile on the healing of wounds caused by tattooing. A common problem with tattoos is a 'weeping' wound where the skinhas been abraded. The healing and drying process was compared between patients that were treated with Chamomile & a similar group that were not. The decrease of the weeping wound area as well as the speed of drying was dramatically improved using Chamomile.

Clinical and laboratory research demonstrates statistically what the herbalist knows experientially, that it will reduce inflammation, colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract.

Dosage: The herb may be used in all the ways plants can be prepared as medicines. Used fresh or dried it should be infused to make the tea. The tincture is an excellent way of ensuring all the plants components are extracted and available for the body. In aromatherapy the essential oil of Chamomile is a valued preparation.

2 -3 teaspoonfuls infused for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Tincture:1-4ml three times a day.