Isn’t she lovely? Chamomile I think, does not get the respect she deserves. Most people see ‘chamomile’ and think ‘sleepytime tea’. And while that is true (most of the time), it pigeonholes this lovely herb. Chamomile is so much more.

Matricaria recutita has a picture that goes with her of the type of people that need her: Whiny, can’t be comforted, tummy troubles, can’t rest – “I’m just miserable, and nobody understands.” Even the flower essence for chamomile reads ‘for those that don’t want to be comforted.’ If that doesn’t describe a whiny toddler, I don’t know what does!

That’s another nice thing about chamomile – it’s safe for children. It’s slightly sedative and tastes very good. A cup of weak chamomile tea with a little honey (for those over the age of 2) could become a very nice way to settle things down if it has been a rough day.

Chamomile has several herbal actions: sedative, anti-spasmodic, bitter (helps with digestion), antiseptic, antibacterial (against certain strains of strep), carminative (gets rid of gas), antipyretic (fever-reducing). She is so much more than just a sleep aid.

For some people, chamomile does not have a sedative effect at all. In fact, it’s the opposite: chamomile is like a cup of coffee or tea. These same folks may have opposite reactions to valerian as well.

Matricaria can be quite effective relief for menstrual cramps, or nervous indigestion. Muscle cramping is another indication for chamomile.

SO SO much more than just ‘sleepytime tea’!