Symmetry Products with Chamomile: Aloe Plus, NutraPack, Ultra Vitality, Thermo Balance, Night Lite

Back in the days when women came down with a mysterious malady called "the vapors," a cup of chamomile tea was often prescribed to relieve female anxiety. Known for its apparent calming effect on smooth muscle tissue, chamomile is still a popular remedy for nervous stomach, (PMS) support, and other common problems often related to stress. Since 1600, Europeans have used chamomile as a cure for insomnia, neuralgia, back pain, and rheumatism. They were not the first to discover this herb; the ancient Egyptians included chamomile in their arsenal of herbal cures.

Used externally, it is thought to be good for skin inflammations and hemorrhoids. It is used as a liniment for bruises, hemorrhoids, inflammations and sores. Used as a mouthwash, it can relieve the pain of toothache. Chamomile is put in shampoos to enhance golden highlights of blond hair. A cup of chamomile tea is the perfect nightcap!

Caution: Chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and anyone who is allergic to other members of the daisy family, including ragweed, should not use the chamomile herb. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or allergist.

Part Used: Flowers

Common Uses: Stomachache, antiseptic, antispasmodic and tonic; Anxiety, insomnia; Eyewash; Diaphoretic and carminative, gentle for children.

Dr. James Duke, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in his Handbook of Medicinal Herbs lists a variety of applications for the chamomile flower. Internally, it works to relieve and prevent spasms and relieve abdominal gas. It also has diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant and tonic properties. It is also a botanical that can dispel worms.  Dr. Dukes adds that the hot aqueous extract of the whole plant is said to cure digestive tract tumors.

Much of scientific understanding of chamomile healing effects has come from West German studies. A noted West German mataoligist treated several dozen patients suffering from stasis dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by erythema (a redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries) and scaling of the legs. The patients applied a chamomile cream and experienced a "rapid improvement along with a regression of the inflammation ...within just 2 days."

At an international chamomile research conference in Frankfurt, scientists reported significant relief from burns, diaper rash, and serious leg ulcers using chamomile. For burns or diaper rash, use cool chamomile tea or add chamomile flowers to bath water. Chamomile is also useful for soothing babies with upset stomach or colic and for helping them to sleep.

The active components of chamomile include alpha bisabobol, chamozulene, polyines, and flavonoids. No single factor has been shown to possess all the major healing properties of whole chamomile. The consensus is that each major constituent is effective for specific conditions, and plays a supportive role in others.

A special commission appointed by the Federal German Health Office has stated that chamomile flowers contain a complex of active principles that when used together "combat inflammation, stimulate the regeneration of cell tissue, and promote the healing of refractory wounds and skin ulcers."

Chamomile may cause allergies in susceptible people because it is a flowering plant.   However if you can open a box without suffering allergic symptoms, you will probably be fine.

Also known as: German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomilla, Matricaria Recutita, Chamaemelum Nobile

The statements on this web page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Symmetry products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed health practitioner.