a common plant in disturbed areas that grows up to 50cm and has numerous small golden flower-heads with a pleasant characteristic aroma. Chamomile is most well known as a calming and relaxing bedtime tea and research has shown that the apigenin it contains is an effective sedative. Through its bitter properties and essential oil, chamomile also increases the flow of gastric juices relieving dyspepsia, indigestion, heartburn and other gastrointestinal complaints including: gastritis, enteritis, colitis and flatulence. Chamomile tea is also recommended to alleviate digestive and menstrual cramps and to treat headaches associated with liver congestion. Research on chamomile has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties for bisabolol, the spiro-ethers and other polyacetylenes contained in the herb and the tea was traditionally used externally to stimulate wound healing and prevent infections. Chamomile tea can also be used externally as an antinflammatory wash for treating skin and respiratory irritations and is used as an inhalation for treating catarrh (mucous) of the nose, throat and bronchi. Essential oil of chamomile can be used to help keep bunions under control and to treat Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, sciatica and bone and joint problems through its antinflammatory properties. The German Commission E monograph notes that the oil extract of Chamomile is antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory and anti-fever) and studies have verified that several compounds contribute to this activity including: bisabolol, chamazulene, matricin and the spiro-ethers. Chamomile tea is also used to prevent and soothe gastrointestinal ulcers. One German synonym for chamomile, translated as 'roll-boil', reflects this traditional usage. To soothe ulcers, a concentrated warm tea of chamomile was drunk while lying down and slowly rolling onto all sides of the body in order to effectively coat all of the inner membranes with the tea.
Technicals: The flowers contain: From 0.3-1.5% essential oil containing (-)-alpha bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A, B, and C, bisabolone oxide, chamazulene, chamamviolin, spathulenol, cis- and trans-enyne dicyclo ethers (spiro-ether, polyacetylenes) as principal components. The flowers contain: Bitter substances of the sesquiterpene lactone type, including: matricin, matricarin, desacetylmatricarin; Coumarins: umbelliferone and herniarin; Mucilage; and Flavonoids including: many identified methoxylated flavones and flavonols, apigenin (arising by hydrolysis of the 7-O-glucoside during drying), luteolin, quercitrin, 7-mono- and 7-diglycosides and 7-mono-glycosides acetylated in the sugar moiety.
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