This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

I'm Dreaming Of a Sweet Chamomile

Chamomile is a beautiful and versatile herb that can be used internally and externally.

 I’m Dreaming Of a Sweet Chamomile by Lara Skye

In my childhood, I remember my grandmother telling me to pour cooled chamomile tea on my hair while I was playing in our pool.  She would say, “just pour it on your head and let the sun shine on it.”  I thought she was a little different because I thought that was a weird thing to do.  Little did I know, she was right!   How did she know that it is a natural lightener that would bring out natural highlights in one’s hair? She was not an herbalist or a very educated woman.  She knew that because of her ancient culture and experience.  She was passing down what she had learned from her father, mother, friends and relatives.

 

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Chamomile dates back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians.  It is a beautiful and versatile herb that can be used internally and externally. According to Planet Botanica, European herbalists call chamomile "the mother of the gut." With the annual budget for stomach medications in the United States hitting the multibillion-dollar range, it appears that a mother is just what we need.

http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/chamomile.htm

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Most recently, I am attempting to create a good habit of making a cup of chamomile tea before I get to bed as a sort of winding down ritual for restful sleep. It is known to be beneficial for insomnia and sleep disorders. My grandmother would make mint or chamomile tea before bed, which was usually accompanied by a small cheese sandwich.  I have not heard of anyone eating chamomile but I do use it as a facial spray.  Chamomile is known to be an effective skin lightener.  Ever wonder what you could do for those sunspots or light discoloration? Wonder no more! All you have to do is bring two cups of water to a boil, steep two bags of chamomile and allow to cool completely.  You can dab it on your face with a cotton ball and allow it to dry.  It is also good for pink eye and great for fevers, sore throat, digestion, heartburn and bloating. 

As if that’s not enough, Chamomile contains vitamin B complex, vitamin C, choline and bioflavonoids. We all know that bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect, treat and prevent cataracts, lower cholesterol levels, act as an antihistamine and promotes circulation.  So, there you go! Can you guess where I place the tea bags after I’m done sipping my tea in the evening? On my eyes!  I hope you will try some of these fun suggestions and use this wonderful herb to bring stomach health, clearer skin, and a good night’s sleep.    

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?