CHAMOMILE

High on the herbalists' honor roll was chamomile (matricaria recutita), best known as a soothing tea. Chamomile has the qualities of a mild tranquilizer, offers restless people a good night of sleep. A potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy herb, it is widely used to treat inflammatory diseases in Europe. Several cups of chamomile tea daily offers relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, says Duke, and arthritis. And when you've finished with the spent tea bag, apply it (topically) to a bunion or annoying insect bite. Essential oil of chamomile and creams made with the herb are used by European aromatherapists as a massage oil for people with bursitis. Caution: If you suffer from hay fever, use chamomile products sparingly, first testing to see if they trigger an allergic reaction. (Chamomile is a relative of ragweed.)


CULINARY
DESCRIPTION
ESSENTIAL OIL
HABITAT
HISTORY
LORE
MAGIC
MAGICAL PROPERTIES