Herb Series: Chamomile

3/28/2016

'Spring greens and herbs are popping up all over this time of year which means it is time to start up the herb series once more. Today we will be discussing Chamomile, this herb is so cute. I just love to rub my hands over the soft, little blossoms and then inhale the apple like odor that is released, which is calming enough for me without ever drinking the tea. Chamomile is not only cute but very supportive for babies, children, pregnant and nursing mamas and everyone in between. 'There is a saying: "If you don't know what to do, try chamomile." ' (The Herbal Kitchen)

Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile - self seeding annual)
Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile - perennial)
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae - Ragweed Family

There are two main types of chamomile, although there are many species, the most commonly used is German Chamomile which is true chamomile and has the signature, sweet, apple-like flavor. It is a self seeding annual unlike its cousin, Roman chamomile, which is a perennial and known also as garden chamomile, it has larger blossoms and a more bitter flavor. True chamomile (German) has mild, gentle and soothing properties while the garden chamomile (Roman) does not so it should not be used as freely.

Herbal Actions and Properties

antibacterial
anticatarrh
anti-inflammatory
antiseptic
antispasmodic
astringent
carminative
cholagogue
febrifuge
nervine
vulnerary

Herbal properties definitions

The Children's Herb

For me, chamomile is my go to for all baby/toddler ailments. Whenever I have a complaint of any kind I just grab my bottle of Kiddy Calm (recipe below) or chamomile glycerite and in no time the problem is solved...Mama always takes a swig of it herself to help calm her nerves as well. :) While I use it for most everything kiddy related here a few specific concerns it is most helpful for:

colic
tummy problems
calming and soothing
teething
sleeplessness
stress/anxiety
irritable/cranky/restless
fever
use in all personal care preparations for baby (powder, creams, oils, etc. - see Herbal Baby Balm) gentle and soothing for sensitive skin while leaving a pleasant aroma

Beauty & Personal Care

mild cleanser and deodorizer
heals and repairs skin tissue both externally and internally
softens skin (soak roughened areas in the tea, use in salves and creams)
tightens and tones skin
good addition to toners and facial cleansing grains to help remove blackheads and keep skin soft and clean
puffy/dark circles under eyes (apply cool tea bags right over eyes or use a compress)
perfume or deodorant
add powdered herb to Redmond Clay for a natural body powder to deodorize feet, under arms and other areas.
softens and strengthens hair while also working as a mild hair lightener

Personal care recipes

Medicinal Uses

relieves tension, stress and anxiety
helps the body and mind to calm down, resulting in a more restful sleep
headaches
immune support to aid the body in fighting infection and getting rid of bacteria and viruses
fever, flu, cold, sore throat, cough, etc.
strengthens and supports the nervous system
soothes gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes
mild pain reliever
cramps, muscles spasms, sore muscles
arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
digestive support
ulcers
soothes and strengthens kidney, liver, and bladder
treats both internal and external infection
strengthens and tones the womb, helping to ease PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps
wounds, burns and infections
itchy, irritated skin, rashes, and general skin tissue repair
eyes - strain, irritation, infection, conjunctivitis, etc (use as an eye wash or tea bags over eyes)

Methods of Use

Herbal tea; blend with lemon balm and rose petals for the nervous system
Use a weak tea for babies under 2 (1/2 teaspoon per one cup of water)
Compress/fomentation
Herbal bath or foot soak
Herbal oil, salve, balm, cream, etc.
Tincture/glycerite
Herbal honey
Herbal capsules/powder/sprinkle
Sleep pillow/herbal sachet
Eye compress (use tea bags or cloth soaked in tea)
Douche and enema

Herbal how to

In the Garden

German and Roman chamomile are pretty different plants in the garden. Roman is a perennial that is best started with a transplant while German is a self seeding annual that easily pops up when seeds are sown. I will be focusing on German, since it is the chamomile I am familiar with and the most commonly used.

Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring, keep moist until germinated. If you already have chamomile in your garden it will easily self seed and come spring you will have little sprouts all over. Thin to about 10 inches apart.
Because the seeds are so light and tiny you can mix them with sand first and then sprinkle around your area of choice.
Prefers dry, well drained soil
Chamomile likes partial shade and tends to shrivel in full sun.
Provide light to moderate amounts of water.
Harvest when flowers are fully open and fragrant. You can snip the blossoms off with scissors but I prefer to run my fingers up the stems and pop off the tops right into a basket.
Chamomile makes a great companion to all other plants (except potatoes) as it tends to keep them healthy and disease free.
Leave some blossoms on the plant in the fall if you would like them to self sow.

printable for herbal

Herbal Baby Balm

Kiddle Calm Blend

Recipes

Heartburn Blend

Gut Support Blend

Herbal Dream Pillow

Resources

A Family Herb: Chamomile by Herbal Academy
23 Ways to Use Chamomile by Herbal Academy
Chamomile Benefits by Dr. Axe

25 Comments

Carol B

3/5/2018 12:40:02 pm

Great blog here. Wonderful helpful informative information on here.
Yes, chamomile is great!
Bless you for having this page.

I have used chamomile for many ills in my family. Including giving a chamomile enema.

A friend of mine (Sonia) recently told me and another mom she was bummed out thinking she over reacted the other night and set her child, her 5 yo boy, up for much longer lasting illness and filled her with crap medicine. He had a temp reading of 105.8 the other night. Poor baby.
When another mom and I were discussing this with her, we told her about this page, other pages and the book Prescription For Nutritional Healing. That discuss the benefits of chamomile.

With a fever that high, I probably would have taken mine to the ER or doctor’s office.

Most of the time I do not give OTC stuff to my three. I prefer letting a fever run its course. Fevers, from what I have read and been told by naturopathic doctor, have a purpose. I keep mine cool. Hydrated. Comfortable. I take temp about every few hours. Monitor them.
If there is other symptoms present and the fever does not go down, then I take the one to ER or doctor. Most of the time if the fever is not over 104 I don’t worry.

Her child was hallucinating and not feeling well. We told Sonia she did the right thing under the circumstances the other night. But she may want to consider the remedies listed on this page and other pages next time. Especially in the book Prescription For Nutritional Healing!

Since he gets a fever off and on, we both were sure he would benefit by giving one of the remedies on this page, other good herbal pages or in that book to him.

I agree with what the other mom told her, “your child will heal himself in time and flush the yuck out.”

Of course with a +105 temp and hallucinating freaked her out. I would have taken him to the ER.

Giving the chamomile enema has helped a few times in my home and hers. Especially for bringing a late night fever down.

When one of my three, boys 3 and 5 and girl 7, has a fever I keep them comfortable. Keep hydrated. Plenty of fluids given. Rest. Take temp about every few hours. And most of the time give a chamomile enema.

A chamomile enemas is very helpful in reducing a fever. The fever has always gone down after one of mine has been given a chamomile enema or enemas.

I told her that my 5 yo was recently given the chamomile enema. He was not feeling well and had a late night fever too. I told Sonia I gave him a enema and the fever was reduced and he felt much better.

I always consult with doctor when needed. If the fever is under 104F and no other symptoms present, then I let it run its course.

Since we talked with Sonia she told us she has gotten a enema bulb and some chamomile. She told us after reading this page, other pages and in the book, she will give him a chamomile enema.

Again, this is not medical advice. Best to always check with your naturopathic doctor or MD before giving any home remedy.

Barb Mom Divorced

7/28/2024 11:44:38 am

Thanks for the comments.
Also, glad you shared and her boy was helped.
Love that this blog is about sharing.
All can learn more from each other.

Blessings and hugs,

Annie link

3/22/2018 10:10:43 am

Thanks for your comments Carol, on this post and your email. My blog is all about sharing with one another so I'm grateful for your comments and sharing what has worked for you and also our mutual love of the Lord.
God Bless.

Blessed mom

8/18/2024 11:24:41 am

Also, happy that others read and commented on here.

By sharing and telling what has worked is a wonderful way for others to learn.

We are preparing for this winter. Always good to learn more and be prepared. No telling how things could be in the future. Especially seeing how things went during COVID.

We are stocking up on items. Sharing knowledge amongst us.

Will leave longer comments on next visit.

God Bless

Joan Mom of 3

9/1/2020 02:01:47 pm

This is one of the best herbal pages. Easy to use. Great information given. Thanks Annie.

Carol B, thanks for the information about chamomile.
I have also given the chamomile, or garlic, tea enema when mine has a fever. Works great! Once given the fever is reduced.
Glad Sonia also has given this very helpful remedy.

Herbal remedies are God's gift to us.

Blessings.
Joan

Joan Mom Of 3

9/1/2020 09:35:47 pm

Annie, your site is a God send. So much good helpful information.
I want to read all of your blogs. Learn so much on here!
The most important thing about your site is you mention the Lord. Almost unheard of these days! So grateful you always mention the Lord.
I am glad your blog is about sharing and learning from each other.
And you told Carol that.

I want to learn more about chamomile, and other herbs, from you.

Wonderful that Carol and the other woman helped Sonia's 5 yo b (now 7 yo). I am sure he is in much better health today because of Carol and the other woman helping his mom. It is good Sonia learned of the chamomile tea enema and has given him enemas.

I agree with what the other mom told Sonia..."your child will be heal himself in time and flush the yuck out." That is why detoxing and cleaning is so important!

I know a few excellent other sites that others on here may like to learn of. One is the use of garlic for fever reduction and other things.
If permitted I will put the links to those pages on here next time I am on.

I want to learn more about herbal remedies and how they help healing and staying healthy.

I have also given the chamomile tea enema to my three. It works! Every time I have given the enema the fever went down. The one who got it felt better.

I see you also listed the method of use as an enema too.

I want to use chamomile for a douche. But, I have to find a douche bulb syringe for giving it. They are very hard to find these days.

Bless you.
Joan

Annie link

9/11/2020 04:48:01 pm

Thank you so much for your comments, Joan. I love that there is still a community of mothers (I refer to all nurturers as mothers whether they have children or not) who love the Lord and gratefully use His medicine to heal the bodies He has provided for us. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with this community and I welcome your links to further light and knowledge.

Joan Mom of 3

9/12/2020 10:09:18 am

Hi Annie. I was waiting for your permission before putting any links on here.

Myself and my neighbor mom friend absolutely love your blog. So much helpful information given by you Annie.
The biggest thing we love about your blog is you mentioning the Lord and all His goodness.

I wish other moms would comment more.
Very warming knowing you love that there is a community of mothers. Especially one who have a loving the Lord.
This sharing is seen in the second comment made by Carol B. I have done the same as Carol B has. Shared and taught other moms.

My wisdom is nothing compared to yours. You have helped so many with your information.

Thank you for welcoming links to further light and knowledge.
I have many others. Here are a few that may help others.

To be sure all know, I do not make anything by listing the below wonderful natural healing pages/blogs. These are pages/blogs that I have used the information given on them in my home. They have helped heal my children, myself, other children, other moms and many others.
 (I am not providing medical advice. Nor tell what should or should not be done or given as a remedy. Each must consult with their holistic provider, or doctor, before giving, taking or doing any home remedies.)

This book is a must for every home! A must for every mother to have it in the home and refer to it:
http://www.prescriptionfornutritionalhealing.net

Mandy has a wonder blog. With many topics. Search her pages for the remedy you need.
This one is for using garlic to bring down a fever. It works:
https://www.realfoodrecovery.org/stop-fever-and-more-with-a-garlic-enema/

Caroline Lunger has a good blog on using clay to detox. She also has other pages as well.
She is a believer in the Lord. Scroll through her wonderful pages. Caroline also has a coffee enema page/blog. You will see the link to it on the right side of the clay blog.
http://www.mygutsy.com/how-to-detox-with-a-clay-bath/

I will post another time a good blog/page about dealing with parasites.
And other ways to reduce a fever in the child.

Bless you.

Joan Mom of 3

9/12/2020 10:19:02 am

This book is a must for every home! A must for every mother to have it in the home and refer to it:

http://www.prescriptionfornutritionalhealing.net

Mandy has a wonder blog. With many topics. Search her pages for the remedy you need.
This one is for using garlic to bring down a fever. It works:

https://www.realfoodrecovery.org/stop-fever-and-more-with-a-garlic-enema/

Caroline Lunger has a good blog on using clay to detox. She also has other pages as well.
She is a believer in the Lord. Scroll through her wonderful pages. Caroline also has a coffee enema page/blog. You will see the link to it on the right side of the clay blog.

http://www.mygutsy.com/how-to-detox-with-a-clay-bath/

I will post another time a good blog/page about dealing with parasites.
And other ways to reduce a fever in the child.

Bless you.

Joan Mom of 3

9/16/2020 01:33:10 pm

Annie, I posted a few links.
Were they ok?

Haven’t read any replies from you.

Blessings

Joan Mom of 3

10/8/2020 09:14:07 am

Annie,,, thanks to you for being here. We (my neighbor moms and I) check your blogs often and refer others to them. It is wonderful that you are grateful.
Thankful that people can share and learn from each other on here.

Not only do we tell others abut your blogs but, we also tell them to look and get the christian books you have on your pages!
Guide others to your pages to connect with the Lord. Not many like you on the web! And hardly any who mention the Lord these days!

Compared to you and the information you have given on your blogs, I have no wisdom.

We (my neighbor moms and I) love that you bring us and others into your community. Sharing is wonderful. And you are open to learning from others.

We love the books you have on your pages.

Speaking of books....can you put a link to two books we love?
We are sure others will like these two books.
First is, Prescription For Nutritional Healing and the other is Back To Eden. Both are excellent natural healing books. You may already have both of them in your personal library.

In your "Methods of Use" would it be possible to put link(s) to some of those items you mention in "Methods of Use?"

Such as putting links for these...
- vessels for steeping the tea
- items for making compress
- foot soak tubs..containers
- storage containers for the herbs
- Sleep pillow
- Douche and enema... especially the enema bulb syringe for giving enemas to the child

Blessings
Joan

Annie link

3/1/2022 03:29:19 pm

Sorry I am responding so far past your post. This one must've got buried in my emails. I noticed it as I was responding to a more recent post here.

I would be happy to add more information to the Methods of Use pages. Thanks for the suggestions!

Beth A

2/25/2022 05:34:08 am

Annie, you have the best herbal page! Absolutely love it.
Also, so wonderful that you brought the Lord and His word to your pages.
I would love to buy all of the books you have listed. But, being single mom (divorced) I must wait on that buy for now.
Great you are open to community of moms. Where ideas about healing, health and using herbs can be shared and learned.
Bless you

Annie link

3/1/2022 03:28:44 pm

Thanks Beth. I know not others have the library of herbals that I do and that is one reason I have put together this blog. I hope that the Self-Reliance in Health course http://www.anniesplacetolearn.com/self-reliance-in-health-course.html and this herbs series http://www.anniesplacetolearn.com/herb-series.html can help by giving you free information.

May God bless you on your path of learning.

Beth A

3/1/2022 10:24:41 am

Made another comment.
Didn’t post.
Guess hit submit too many times.
Bless all

Beth A

3/1/2022 12:07:35 pm

Guess my other comment disappeared.
After reading all of the comments on here about chamomile as a good herb, I am convinced to also use it in my home.

Glad this blog is here. Thanks Anne. So many can learn on here and learn from others.

I pray Sonia’s boy is better. When he was 5 Sonia was concerned about having given him OTC stuff.

Pray it was flushed out of him and she is only giving natural home herbal remedies to him now. He must be 8 now.

I read and researched using chamomile as an enema. Found that very helpful and interesting to learn.
I talked with holistic provider and she told the same as Carol did.

I may post more later.
For now, bless all. Always have the Lord with you to help you and your family

Joan Mom of 3

3/2/2022 02:39:36 pm

Annie, glad you let me know you got my comment. Hugs.
Was wondering what happened to you.
I thought I had posted too much or posted something not in keeping with your blog. So didn't want to bother you.
No need to apologize.
Glad you are open to adding more to information to the Methods of Use pages. I think that would help many.

I had few moms call me and ask where do I find something listed in the methods of use?

The two books I suggested you add to your displayed book list are the best. Sure you have heard of both of them. Prescription For Nutritional Healing and the book Back to Eden are great. Excellent books. I have the first one. It actually got me going on natural healing, herbal remedies and more.

I bring the Lord to as many moms as possible Bring to them and their home....and, also introduce them to natural healing and herbal remedies, cures and treatments for their kids.

I have managed to convince so many to get rid of the OTC junk, sodas, junk food, sugars and more.

I am amazed that so many of them want to learn more and are willing to share.
They are tired of giving OTC junk, expensive cure all pills that don't work and the run around, don't care, attitude to the mainstream health care these days.
Detoxing, cleansing, treating the child naturally - herbally - are always things others want to know about and learn more about.

Adding more information can be suggested for items to obtain or buy for preparing, administering, storing herbal remedies in the home.

Many moms I help say "ok, I agree with herbal remedies and treatments; but, where do I find the things - items needed for methods of use."

That is why I came up with idea for you to put links to those items when possible.

Of course I don't have the knowledge you have; but, have learned much in the last few years.

Two things always come up...
Where can I but something to properly store different herbs in?
And,
where can I but an enema for my child?

When we talk about using garlic or chamomile for fever reduction and she reads under methods of use "douche and enema" I am asked where can get an enema for the child?

The enema bulb syringe is very hard to find these days! Most places no longer sell them. This must be big Pharma wanting people not to try and use natural home remedies. But to use OTC junk and meds.
Far too many pills these day.

Here is where I found to buy the enema bulb:
https://www.fruugo.us/search/?q=enema+bulb+pic+solution

They are of excellent quality. Ships fast. Only thing is shipping is high. But worth it.

Sorry to talk so much.

The 115 ml (about 4 oz) is good for the the baby - toddler.

Of course before giving any home remedy best to check with holistic provider first.

Blessings and hugs

Joan Mom of 3

3/3/2022 05:26:12 am

Anne, thanks!
You bring so much to people.

DeeDee

6/7/2022 02:21:50 am

Anne, absolutely love and enjoy your pages.
Especially that you brought the Lord to all.

Yes, great this is a loving community of healing and helping.

When I get a few moments I will write a few comments what we have done using herbal remedies.

Blessings and hugs

DeeDee

6/24/2022 03:58:02 am

DeeDee6/7/2022 02:21:50 am
Anne, absolutely love and enjoy your pages.
Especially that you brought the Lord to all.

Yes, great this is a loving community of healing and helping.

When I get a few moments I will write a few comments what we have done using herbal remedies.

Blessings and Hugs

Sue Mom of 4

6/26/2022 04:29:48 am

I never get tired reading and learning on this wonderful blog by Anne.
The good Lord has given us his natural herbal remedies.

So very, very, nice Anne has this blog. Where all can share and leave comments. This is a community of all to share.

I was not a believer in herbal remedies. In the last few years God has brought me here to learn and help others.

I found Carol’s comment interesting. She is the first to comment on here. Telling about Sonia’s boy with a 105 temp!

Carol’s friend is right saying with proper care, cleansing, praying he will flush it out of his body.

With a temp of 105 I would have possibly taken him to the doctor.
But after learning more I may have given home remedies.

Always important to know if there are underlying conditions that warrant a trip to the ER.

If no other conditions exists then I would have especially kept him hydrated, resting and cool. Even given catnip or chamomile to help reduce the fever. Even tepid baths. NOT cold.

I am thankful for this blog, the book mentioned in the comments, optimalhealthnetwork.com, and other sources to learn.

Recently my 7 yo b had a late night fever. Most of the time I would have panicked and ran immediately to the ER.

Thank goodness for other mothers teaching and helping me I knew what to do. Keep hydrated and cool. And give him an enema!

I had already purchased a enema bag a few weeks before to be ready.

I gave him an enema and repeated it about four hours later.

It was like magic! His fever went immediately down.

Sue Mom of 4

6/26/2022 07:58:24 am

Anne, love your pages and they items you list.
Most important love how you are one of the very few who brings the Lord to the page. Thanks so much.

Can I post in next comment a link to a article written by a nurse?

Blessings, Sue

DeeDee Herbal Mom

8/22/2022 02:19:44 pm

Love all of your pages, blogs, articles and more Annie.

Looking around your pages I discovered your article
About Enema, Douche and Suppositories.
Well written!

Found at:
http://www.anniesplacetolearn.com/enema-douche-bolus-suppository.html

I have given many enemas in my home. Mostly herbal enemas.

There is no way to leave comments on the enema article.

So left few here.

Glad you told to use the bulb for the child.

I would add best way to give one to baby - toddler and older is across the lap way. Or on a table. Towel on lap and the table.

Blessings
DeeDee

DeeDee Herbal Mom

9/9/2022 11:28:39 am

Praying for all in the world. Especially in the world we live in today. Prayers are healing. Asking for the Lord's help is good a good thing and He will help.

Annie, enjoyed reading your Enema, Douche and Suppository article.
And Self Reliance In Health Course book. Both are great. You did wonderful job of both. Both will be great assets for the home.

Often another mom asks me for a good simple natural health book and I can now refer her to your Self Reliance" book.

I am asked where to find instructions for preparing and giving an enema. I can now tell others to read your article.

A helpful article for the enema can be found at
Catherine's "PARENTS GUIDE TO COLON HEALTH FOR CHILDREN, Contemporary Bowel Health Among Children and Teens, By Catherine Cavanaugh, R.N." found at:
http://valerie_cct.tripod.com/parentsg.html

You may get some helpful information from Catherine for preparing and giving the enema. She is correct in telling the reasons for the constipated child.

She tells to give the bulb enema to the baby - small child on the bed or on lap. I have done both of those ways. They both work.
Administering the bulb syringe enema on a table (changing table or even kitchen table) is also good. Put towel on the table. NEVER leave a patient alone on the table!

If giving the enema on the bed best to put rubber sheet on the bed. Then towel on top of the rubber sheet.

Possibly add having the child relax is very importance to make the enema experience go well for him.

In your douche instructions, possibly in step 4 ("gently press the bag or push the syringe bulb"), did you mean to say "gently press-squeeze the bag or squeeze the bulb syringe". ??
Cause the douche bulb syringe is pushed in and then squeezed to inject the solution used for the douche once the nozzle is in.

In the steps for the cold sheet treatment on page 86. You told of "enema bucket or back." Possibly you mean "enema bucket or bag". ??

When getting a douche, great you told to "Leave in as long as possible before voiding. During the procedure, massage the pelvic and abdominal area to help the herbal tea assimilate into the uterus."

Most instructions for douching do not tell of leaving it in and doing the massage.

I fill the tub with some hot-warm water. Put towel in the tub. Lay on the towel in the water on my back when getting the douche. I am looking for something to put in the tub to raise hips up some.

I read when giving or getting an enema to use a slant board if possible.
I think I learned this reading in Jethro Kloss book Back To Eden book.

When I give or get enemas in my home it is given on the slant board. Put towel on the board.

Which every home should have a copy of that book.

We find your pages are a God send. Helping many. No ads or other nonsense.

The Lord has given us so much to heal and help others.

Gail H

10/4/2022 09:44:09 am

Carol glad you and the other mom were able to help Sonia and her 5 yo boy (now 8 yo?) feel better. Hopefully, she has used this wonderful home herbal enema more in her home.

Glad you are a Christian mom. Praying also helps in time of need.

If there is no chamomile in the home for giving enemas, garlic or catnip also work wonders bring a fever down.

Especially garlic. Instructions for the garlic enema can be found in book Back To Eden and the book Prescription For Nutritional Healing. Both of these books should be in the home.

Mandy, at real food recovery (https://www.realfoodrecovery.org/stop-fever-and-more-with-a-garlic-enema/) also has instructions for preparing and giving the garlic enema.

Blessings
Pass this wonderful page on to others.
Annie is sent from the Lord to help others!