Chamomile has a long tradition in herbal medicine. It is said that the Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs for its healing qualities.
Chamomile Flowers were used in many cures including an herbal tea to cure insomnia. An infusion of Chamomile flowers can be used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made into a salve for use on hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. It can also be applied externally as part of a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns, and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet.
Chamomile has magical implications for attracting money and, accordingly, as a hand rinse for gamblers needing good luck. Cosmetically, chamomile has also been used as a rinse for accentuating highlights and lightening blonde hair. Topically, this herb has an emollient effect and is softening and soothing to the skin. It has also been used as a perfume and flavoring agent for liqueurs such as Benedictine and vermouth.
According to an herbalist Matthew Becker, the type of person who responds best to chamomile is one "who complains often…for fretful children…and for adults who act like children." The genus name Matricaria stems from the Latin word matrix meaning 'womb' hinting at its beneficial effects for women. Chamomile possesses what Rosemary Gladstar describes as "soft power" to assuage occasional stress and tension. She suggests not only sipping chamomile tea while bathing in it, but also tucking a chamomile sachet under the pillow at night to promote restful sleep.
We are excited to stock many herbs, spices and hydrosols from the reputable Mountain Rose herbs and hope you will love these as much as we do!
