Chamomile Materia medica y magica

 

Botanical Name

  • Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile)

Common Names

  • Chamomile
  • German Chamomile
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Wild Chamomile
  • Manzanilla (in Spanish-speaking countries)

Flavor

  • Bitter

Herbal Energetics

  • Cooling
  • Drying

Herbal Actions

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, useful for soothing irritated tissues and calming inflammation.
  • Sedative: Promotes relaxation and sleep, often used to alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
  • Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms and cramping, particularly in the digestive system.
  • Digestive Tonic: Supports digestion, alleviates indigestion, bloating, and gas.
  • Antimicrobial: Exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent and manage infections.
  • Carminative: Aids in the expulsion of gas and reduces bloating.

Organ Affinities

  • Digestive System: Soothes the digestive tract, relieves indigestion, and supports overall digestive health.
  • Nervous System: Calms the nervous system, alleviates anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.
  • Skin: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Uses

  • Tisane: Commonly used to promote relaxation, support digestion, and improve sleep quality.
  • Topical: Applied in herbal baths, poultices, or creams for soothing skin irritations and reducing inflammation.
  • Aromatherapy: Used in essential oil form to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
  • Infused Oil: Used in skincare products for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Preparation and Dosage

  • Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily to support relaxation and digestion.
  • Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily for digestive support and relaxation.
  • Essential Oil: For topical use, dilute 1-2 drops of chamomile essential oil in a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba oil) and apply to affected areas or use in a diffuser for calming effects.
  • Topical Application: Chamomile-infused oil or cream can be applied to the skin as needed for soothing irritated areas.

Contraindications

  • Allergies: Avoid use if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies).
  • Medications: May interact with blood-thinning medications due to its mild anticoagulant effects; use with caution if on such medications.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: May cause nausea or vomiting in large doses; use with caution if you have sensitive digestion.

Materia magica

  • Calming and Peaceful: Used in rituals and spells to promote peace, calm, and relaxation, both physically and emotionally.
  • Healing: Applied in healing rituals and spells for soothing physical and emotional wounds.
  • Dream Work: Enhances dream recall and promotes restful sleep; used in dream pillows or sachets.
  • Purification: Used in purification rituals to cleanse spaces or objects of negative energies.
  • Planet: Moon - Associated with the Moon, representing soothing, nurturing, and emotional balance, enhancing chamomile’s calming and relaxing properties.
  • Zodiac Sign: Cancer - Aligns with Cancer, emphasizing themes of emotional healing, comfort, and nurturing.
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