Chamomile: South Africas Miracle Herb
Chamomile is well known for its calming and sedative effects, but not many people know that there are two different main types of chamomile:
Chamaemelum nobile, otherwise known as English or Roman Chamomile, is considered to be the “true” chamomile and it can be naturally found growing in Western Europe and Northern Africa. This chamomile flower has been used for thousands of years and was seen as a sacred healing herb associated with the Egyptian Sun-God: Ra.
- Matricaria Recutita (German Chamomile) is also referred to as “false” chamomile due to its slightly sweeter scent and flavour. It is however filled with many of the same active components as “true” chamomile.
- Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Blue Cape Chamomile), is a particularly rare, aromatic shrub (fynbos) which is endemic to remote mountainous areas in South Africa. This is a distant relative to traditional chamomile plants which has much more anti-inflammatory properties and a blue appearance from the presence of azulenic compounds.
What Is Chamomile Used To Treat?
The different traditional chamomile have been used in conjunction with eachother and interchangeably in topicals, teas and aromatherapy. It is most commonly used to assist with sleep and anxiety, but has proven to be effective for a range of ailments including: hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain and hemorrhoids.
How Can You Combat Insomnia With Chamomile?
Use it as a night time tea: Steep up to 2 grams of raw flowers in boiling water for a minimum of 3 minutes, atleast 30 minutes before bed.
Blend it with Lavender blossoms and place them in a bowl next to your bed, under your pillow or even inside your pillow case.
You can also combine Chamomile, Myrrh and Coffee charcoal into a tea or as capsules to create a synergistic treatment for bowel inflammation.