GERMAN CHAMOMILE

Description

It is native to south east Europe and Asia Minor (the eastern Mediterranean half) where it’s been known before the Christian Era. It can easily survive in other zones, though, as long as the weather is not extremely cold. It grows in gardens, flowerpots. In fact, it is able to develop in uncultivated land. It’s found in roadsides, meadows, fields, cultivated and non-cultivated, in light and dry soil. Its propagation is by means of sowing.

Part used

The floral capitules. The flower-heads are gathered when they are blooming, which can be done 3 to 4 times a year and are to let dry outside in the shadow displayed in fine layers.

Indications

Internal use

• Digestive alterations: gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis, diarrhea, light gastrointestinal spasms, biliary dyspepsia, epigastric distention, irritable colon syndrome, flatulence, vomit and nausea.
• Menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea.
• Respiratory disorders: dry cough, common cold, flu, bronchitis, pharyngitis, fever, asthma.
• Nervous disorders: nervousness, anxiety, insomnia.
• Muscle pains.

External use

• Stomatitis and glossitis (mouthwashes).
• Conjunctivitis, blepharitis (eyewashes. It has to be filtered thoroughly to prevent irritating substances or solid matter).
• Eczema, skin irritation, wounds, bacterial skin infections, bruises, sun burns, insect bites, swelling (compresses, poultices, rubbing, sitz bath).
• Anal and genital disorders such as vaginitis, vulvovaginitis (rinse, poultice, sitz bath).
• Inhalations in case of respiratory disorders.

Bibliography

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- French Public Health Code.