Dried Chamomile Flowers

Basics About Chamomile

Chamomile is a rare flower in that two different species claim to be the first and true chamomile. Roman and German chamomile look alike and people use them in the same ways, but they’re technically two separate plants.

However which plant came first (despite the debates) is really an unnecessary question – most of the properties are the same, unless you’re planning a certain sort of garden. Roman chamomile tends to grow uniformly and German splashes out like a wildflower. Dried chamomile flowers can be gained from either Roman or German varieties. Additionally, a few different health remedies call for one or the other, but as long as you read the instructions for remedies before use, there’s no need to be the perfect chamomile expert. If a recipe calls for simply “dried chamomile flowers” you can choose either.

Dried Chamomile Flowers in Teas

Of all the uses for fresh or dried chamomile flowers the most popular use is likely tea. Everyone has heard of relaxing chamomile tea, but chamomile can be used for other teas as well.

Relaxing Tea

This tea relaxes and sooths your stomach – good if you ate too much, or are feeling generally under-the-weather.

Gather about an ounce of dried chamomile flowers, three-fourths ounce of catnip, an ounce of marjoram, and dried mint to taste. Mint is strong, so if you’re not a fan of mint tea, add very little or none. Mix all these herbs together and steep three teaspoons of the mix in boiling water – five minutes for weaker tea, and 10 minutes for a strong cup. Strain and drink.

Note that chamomile tea has a heavy sleep effect on certain people. Like other sleep aids, you shouldn’t drive or plan on doing intense tasks until you find out how chamomile affects your body.

Chamomile Headache Tea

This tea relaxes and relieves headaches.

Add one-half ounce each of lavender, chamomile, and rosemary to a tea strainer and cover with a pint of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.

Dried Chamomile Flowers in Health Treatments

Effects of chamomile on the body include relaxation, soothing relief for belly aches, sleep induction, and cold relief, among others. Chamomile can be used in many organic herbal remedies. For quick action in soothing tummy aches or colds try boiling a straight cup of chamomile tea – using about one-half to one ounce of dried chamomile per pint of water. Or try this steam treatment.

Chamomile Steam Treatment for Colds

This great steam recipe helps to relieve colds.

Mix together three-fourths ounce each of dried chamomile flowers and sage. Add one-third ounce of thyme and a dash of cinnamon. Add three drops of lavender essential oil. Steep about two tablespoons of the mixture in boiling water. Use a large bowl and about a quart of water.

Sit over this bowl and breathe in the steam for 10 minutes. For better steaming, place a towel over your head. Alternatively, you can use the chamomile in a herb vaporizer.

Dried Chamomile Flowers for Beauty

Chamomile is a perfect mild beauty herb. Chamomile is one of the best herbs for healthy skin. You can make a chamomile homemade herbal hair dye, one that can bring out blond highlights, or try on of the following beauty treatments.

Basic Chamomile Shampoo

Steep two teaspoons dried chamomile flowers in one-half cup boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the flowers out of the water and add the water to one cup all natural organic soap, or if you don’t have some of that you can use plain organic baby shampoo.

Use as you might any other shampoo.

Chamomile Skin Soothing Bath

Place all of the following in a medium size piece of cheese cloth: three tablespoons slightly crushed chamomile flowers, one tablespoon slightly crushed dried lavender, one-half cup oatmeal, two drops cedar essential oil, and one-fourth cup dried powdered milk. Place in your bath for soft, great smelling skin.

Other Resources for Chamomile Uses

• Relax and Soothe With Herbs
• Quick Homemade Acne Remedy
• Herbal Remedies for Stomach Problems
• Herbal Pain Remedies