Discover Natural Herbal Anxiety Remedies – Focus on Chamomile

Article by Alex Cooper

Chamomile is one of the best-known natural herbal anxiety remedies, but it is great deal more. Traditionally, is it commonly used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, gastritis, colitis, teething, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, bronchitis, and laryngitis. The herb was also used by Romanian Gypsies as a preventative for nightmares.

Chamomile has a tremendous range of applications. It is used by modern herbalists in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, migraine, and spasmodic pains, and is a safe and gentle remedy for children’s problems. Chamomile is especially effective when there is a nervous component to a complaint. It is a useful remedy for digestive complaints like nervous dyspepsia and colic, and as a prophylactic for ulcers. The herb stimulates the appetite and digestive activity in general, helping relieve inflammatory conditions of the upper and lower digestive tract. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of anorexia nervosa

Essential oil of chamomile relives inflammation in tissues with it comes into direct contact, stimulating the formation of granulation tissue, and so helping to heal wounds and reduce inflammation. The essential oil also possesses significant antibacterial powers.

The herb itself is an immune stimulant, helpful as a topical remedy on ulcers and wounds, and soothing to eczema when used in a lotion. It can be used as and eye or mouth wash, and when inhaled as steam is helpful for catarrh and inflamed mucous membranes. Chamomile has a reputation as a ‘female’ herb, and has been used to relieve morning sickness, menopausal symptoms, mastitis, and hysteria. For menopausal women, it is recommended to aid sleep and relieve uterine cramps.

Chamomile combines well with marshmallow, meadowsweet, black horehound, and hops for treating nervous dyspepsia. It pairs well with valerian, passionflower, and limeflower when treating anxiety.

Chamomile is particularly suited to digestive problems because the dicyclic ether in its volatile oil relaxes smooth muscle, helping to regulate peristalsis. Carminative constituents also help to reduce flatulence and soothe irritation, while bitter glycosides stimulate the appetite and digestive activity. Chamazulene and bisabolol directly reduce inflammation in tissues with which they come into contact, helping to stimulate the formation of granulation tissue, and adding antibacterial properties into the bargain. Bisabalol is additionally protective against ulcers. Polysaccharides in the oil stimulate the immune system by activating macrophages and B-lymphocytes, and are therefore useful for topically treating skin ulcers, and wounds of all types.

Chamomile is a wonderfully useful plant, queen among natural herbal anxiety remedies, as well as digestive, menstrual, menopausal, and childhood remedies. Drink up to three cups a day to enjoy the benefits, or just have a cup when feeling anxious, stressed, irritable, and when indigestion strikes. No home, office, or school should be without it.

Find More Herbal Anxiety Remedies Articles