07/09/2021
Day 3 - Our focus today is on Chamomile.
In an exploratory study, researchers found chamomile, even at a relatively small dose (220 mg), was more effective than placebo in relieving BOTH depression and anxiety.
A 2018 study showed ppl w/moderate to severe generalized anxiety order who consumed chamomile had beneficial responses in their cortisol levels.
Itâs a relaxing nervine (decreasing nervous system tension and helps the body switch to a more parasympathetic nervous system function).
Chamomile also modulates inflammation - Stress and inflammation tend to go hand and hand. Chamomile is a powerful remedy for modulating many different kinds of inflammation and can be used externally as a poultice, fomentation, bath, or liniment to help calm inflammatory responses. Think of it for rashes, burns, or even bleeding gums and oral mucositis.
Is It a Good Match For You?
Chamomile admittedly is not for everyone. Some ppl sensitive to the ASTER FAMILY will also be sensitive to chamomile.
If you know chamomile isnât a good choice for you, another herb you could explore is lemon balm (isnât the same as chamomile, but has similar stress-relieving properties; can be substituted in all of the recipes below).
** Chamomile Tea - Yield: 1 serving
I donât want to discourage chamomile in a tea bag entirely; itâs admittedly convenient, and if there are high-quality herbs in the tea bag, it can make a decent cup of tea. I often turn to these when travelling. But if you only know chamomile as a tea bag tea, then you're missing out!
Homemade recipe uses slightly more chamomile than youâll find in your average bag. I recommend steeping slightly longer than is common. Think of this recipe as a starting place. You can use more (or less) chamomile and steep it for more (or less) time to suit your tastes. Using more chamomile for stress relief and steeping it longer will have more of a pronounced calming, even sedative effect. It will also taste more bitter. Youâll find your perfect cup of chamomile tea w/a few tries.
What youâll needâŚ
1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers
12 oz water
Steep the chamomile in just boiled hot water for 7-10 min, covered.
Strain. Add honey if desired. Enjoy!
**Chamomile Syrup - Yield: 2 cups
This sweet chamomile treat can be used in so many delicious ways! Iâve drizzled it over fruit salads, pancakes, and waffles. You can also add it to beverages like hot tea or sparkling water. Yum!
The honey in this recipe is not only for added sweetness but also works as a preservative. The more honey you add, the longer this syrup will last. Itâs common to add an equal amount of honey to water. If you have a 1/2c of water, you add a 1/2c of honey. For this, I use slightly less honey than water to not overpower the flavor of the chamomile. As a result, itâs best to use it quickly. Discard any syrup that is cloudy or has mold growing on it. Note this preparation is more thin or watery than a thick syrup.
What youâll needâŚ
1/4c dried chamomile flowers
12 oz water
Approximately 1/2c honey
Steep the chamomile in just-boiled hot water for 10 mins, covered.
Strain. Add the honey, stir well to combine.
Keep in the fridge and use within 2 wks.
**Chamomile Tincture - Yield: 14 oz
I most often reach for chamomile as a comforting tea, but I wouldnât want to be w/out the tincture or alcohol extract. Chamomile tincture is convenient to take when youâre not at home. Itâs also a good preparation if itâs close to bedtime and you donât want to be drinking a lot of liquid.
The following preparation is the folk method of tincture making. To be sure itâs a potent blend, finely crumble your chamomile before using. I like to pulse it in the blender several times to break it down significantly.
What youâll needâŚ
1c finely crumbled dried chamomile flowers
16 oz vodka (80-100 proof)
Place the chamomile in a glass pint jar. Add the vodka. You will most likely not use the entire 16 oz. Stir well.
Cover with a tight fitting lid and let it macerate for 4 wks. I keep mine in a dark place on the counter and shake it daily for the first couple of wks.
Strain. This stores indefinitely.
The recommended dosage is 3-6 ml, 3 times a day, or small doses more frequently.
**Chamomile Oil - Yield: 14 oz
Chamomile isnât only for internal use; it is a lovely herb to infuse into oil, which can then be used to nourish the skin. This is a favorite for breast and belly massage. If you use a lighter oil, then it can also be a face oil.
What youâll needâŚ
1/2c finely crumbled dried chamomile flowers
16 oz carrier oil of your choice
Place the chamomile in a glass pint jar. Fill the jar with the oil. You will most likely not use the entire 16 oz. Stir well.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it macerate for 4 wks. I keep mine in a dark place on the counter and shake it daily for the first couple of weeks.
When the oil smells like lovely chamomile, you can strain it, and then use as desired. Use within a year.