Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

In Germany, where herbal healing is more mainstream than it is in the United States, one pharmaceutical company markets a popular chamomile product called Kamillosan, which Germans use externally to treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and ulcers. (This product is not available in the United States.) Chamomile is so popular in Germany that many there call the herb alles zutraut - “capable of anything.”

A slight exaggeration, perhaps, but chamomile does have a lot going for it.

Digestive Aid - Dozens of studies have supported chamomile’s traditional use as a digestive aid. Several chemicals (primarily bisabolol) in chamomile oil appear to have relaxing action on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). In fact, one study shows chamomile relaxes the digestive tract as well as the opium-based drug papaverine.

Ulcers - Chamomile also may help prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing. In one experiment, two groups of animals were fed a chemical known to cause ulcers. Those also given chamomile developed significantly fewer. Then the animals who developed ulcers were divided into two groups. Those fed chamomile recovered more quickly.

Women’s Health - Antispasmodics relax not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. Chamomile’s antispasmodic properties support its age-old use to soothe menstrual cramps and to lessen the possibility of premature labor.

Oddly enough, chamomile was also used to stimulate menstruation. The apparent contradiction remains unresolved, but European researchers have isolated a substance in chamomile that stimulates uterine contractions.

Women should feel free to try chamomile both to soothe menstrual cramps and to promote the onset of menstruation, but pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal amounts.

Tranquilizer - Chamomile’s long history as a tranquilizer also has a scientific basis according to researchers who showed that the herb depresses the central nervous system. Try an infusion when you feel anxious, or add a handful of chamomile flowers to a hot bath.

Arthritis - In animal studies, the herb successfully relieves arthritic joint inflammation. Animal findings don’t necessarily apply to people, but chamomile has been used traditionally to treat arthritis. Try it and see if it works for you.

Infection Prevention - The Eclectic physicians of America were on the right track using chamomile compresses to prevent wound infections. Some studies show chamomile oil applied to the skin reduces the time it takes burns to heal. Other studies show the herb kills the yeast fungi (Candida albicans) that cause vaginal infections, as well as certain bacteria (Staphylococcus). Chamomile also impairs the replication of polio virus. For cuts, scrapes, or burns, brew a strong infusion, cool it, and apply in compresses.

Immune Stimulant - No one knew why chamomile prevented infections until British researchers discovered that the herb stimulated the immune system’s infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages and B-lymphocytes). Drink some when you have a cold or the flu. It does no harm, and it just might help.

Rx for Chamomile

Use an infusion or tincture to take advantage of chamomile’s many proven healing benefits.

For a pleasant, refreshing infusion, use 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. When using commercial preparations, follow package directions.

Weak infusions of chamomile may be given cautiously to children under age 2 for colic. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

For a relaxing herbal bath, tie a handful of chamomile flowers into a cloth and run your bathwater over it.

For cuts and scrapes or burns, brew a strong infusion. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply it as a compress.