Chamomile — FarmPal
The gentle healer. Beloved for calming nerves and soothing digestive complaints.
One of the most well-studied gentle herbs. Moderate evidence for anxiety reduction and sleep improvement. Strong safety profile makes it particularly valuable for children and the elderly.
- Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2024
- Phytomedicine 2024 review
- European Medicines Agency herbal monograph
Medicinal Properties
Parts Used
Traditional Uses
- •Anxiety and stress relief
- •Sleep aid for adults and children
- •Digestive upset and colic
- •Teething pain in infants (topical)
- •Eye inflammation (compresses)
- •Skin irritation and wounds
Preparations
Steep 1 tablespoon fresh or 1-2 tsp dried flowers in 8 oz just-boiled water for 5-10 minutes. Cover while steeping.
Dosage: 1-4 cups daily. Safe for children in smaller amounts.
Fill jar with fresh flowers, cover with vodka. Or 1:5 ratio dried flowers to alcohol. 4 weeks.
Dosage: 30-60 drops as needed for anxiety or digestive upset
Make strong tea (3 tbsp flowers per cup). Soak cloth, apply warm for inflammation or cool for irritation.
Dosage: Apply 15-20 minutes as needed
Add 1-2 cups strong tea or handful of flowers in muslin bag to warm bath.
Dosage: Soak 20-30 minutes for relaxation
Harvesting Guide
Timing: Harvest flowers when they first open, typically mid-morning after dew dries.
Method: Gently pinch or cut flowers just below the head. Harvest every 2-3 days.
Drying: Spread in single layer on screens. Dry at 95-100°F. Flowers should be crispy when done.
⚠️ Cautions
- •May cause allergic reactions in those allergic to ragweed/daisy family
- •Avoid with blood-thinning medications (contains coumarins)
- •May increase drowsiness when combined with sedative medications
- •Generally very safe for most people including children