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Chamomile



Chamomile is one of those herbs most people are familiar with. Because it is so common, I sometimes forget just how useful it is. The active ingredients in chamomile are anti inflammatory, antispasmodic and a smooth muscle relaxer- which makes it a good choice for gastrointestinal woes. A nice cup of chamomile tea will go a long way towards soothing the following complaints-
  • indigestion
  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • colic
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • sleeplessness
  • canker sores
Externally, chamomile infusions can be helpful for eczema and skin irritations. You can make a compress to apply to a specific area or put a handful in a muslin bag or piece of cheesecloth and run the water through it as you are filling the tub. It makes a lovely smelling, skin softening bath!
Chamomile is also good for gardening! Plant it near an ailing plant to help revive it. Make an infusion to spray on seedlings to ward off damping off or add to your compost to help activate it.
While generally safe, there have been rare instances of allergic reactions to chamomile. If you have an allergy to the Asteraceae family- ragweed, asters, mums- it is best to avoid chamomile.
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