Shamonica RX: Chamomile

Chamomile has been used for centuries as an aid to insomnia and anxiety. It's tea, is most commonly made from the species (Matricaria recutita) aka German chamomile. German chamomile is known to calm the nerves and is used to aid digestion and has anti-bacterial properties making it beneficial for colds and nervous tensions. Good to buy the whole flower-head free steep chamomile tea for drinking Benefits of German chamomile tea include:

sleep aid
calms and repairs nervous system
anti-bacterial
beneficial for hyperglycemia
aids digestion
anti-fungal
antiviral

Chamomile tea is beneficial to some but watch out for chamomile can interfere with blood thinners and blood disorders; it is also a uterine stimulant so watch consumption under duration of pregnancy.


German chamomile

When it comes to skin application and aroma therapy, chamomile has two other species involved with essential oils. These include Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and Moroccan chamomile (Tanaceta annum). Essentials can be used for aromatherapy and can be diluted for massage. The benefits of aromatherapy for these chamomile oils include:

reduces migraines
relief from nerve spasms
good for asthma
brings balance to diabetes
lowers blood pressure
good for emphysema
relieves menstrual pain
stimulates the thymus
sleep aid

The benefits of aromatherapy are great and highly recommended though the tea can be soothing for a night time cap or an anxiety attack the oils can do the same. Remember German chamomile for tea and any of the three for essential oil aromatherapy. Applying the oils to the skin (diluted with carrier oil) can ease rashes and skin infections and is historically known to soften the tone of skin. For skin and aromatherapy I personally prefer Morrocan chamomile which is from the tansy family and has a blue color. Good German chamomile will also be blue, but is from the sunflower family so make sure you are not allergic. Roman chamomile is most related to German and is preferred by some for its fragrance. It is not blue. Enjoy the soothing properties of chamomile.