Chamomile is a particularly well known herb. I bet you have it in your home right now! As some of our knowledge of medicinal uses for plants has faded over the decades, Chamomile has stayed with us and is commonly used by many - And for good reason!
Chamomile is a "good for everything" herb, which make it no surprise that it has stood the test of time. Here are several wonderful things you may not known about Chamomile and why you should always have some on hand.
1. It's ideal for your immune system
Chamomile is an immune system strengthener. Among it many medicinal actions, it is anti-microbial (helps to kill or stifle bad bacteria in the body) and antiviral (helps to fight viruses). While it is NOT a cure for Covid-19, taking Chamomile as part of your regular routine can help prepare your body to fight harder against bacterial and viral concerns. It is also known for aiding upper respiratory and sinus issues.
*Please still take all the necessary precautions when leaving your house during quarantine. Taking Chamomile is not a replacement for wearing gloves, masks or protective clothing while in public. It is important that you continue to protect yourself properly, practice social distancing and stay home as much as you can during this time.
2. Soothe your stress & get some sleep
Most people experience stress and anxiety in the modern age. We over-consume food, medications, and information, while treating self-care as a "luxury" no one has time for. One simple way I up-level my self-care daily is by having a cup of tea. I'm an empath and on days I am feeling sensitive or my mind is going too fast for me to rest at night, Chamomile is the friend I turn to. Chamomile is known to relax the entire body, including the mind. It can be a mild sedative and is often added to sleepy time blends for this reason. Have a big cup a few hours before bed and get some peaceful sleep.
3. Chamomile helps with physical and emotional digestion
Chamomile is a digestive relaxant and helps chaos settle in the body - both physically and emotionally. It's anti-inflammitory and anti-spasmodic actions are used to relieve symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, cramping, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and even ulcers.
A couple years or so ago, I went to Mexico with a small group, including my herbal teacher, and got travel sickness on my flight home (due to fruit I ate that had been washed in water containing unpleasant bacteria). The moment I got myself home, my first instinct was to reach for Chamomile and Cinnamon. At that time, I didn't know as much as I do now about Chamomile but my intuition told me to drink as much of it as I could. My intuition was right on point: Chamomile expels parasitic worms from the digestive tract, while cooling and soothing the cramping that was stressing my body. Luckily, I moved through the sickness fast and I have Chamomile to thank for that!