(matricaria chamomilla)

What is Chamomilla?

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a natural sedative, helping to relieve restlessness and induce sleep. However, despite its mild, soothing nature, overuse of the herb, especially common in tea form, can lead to the opposite effects of sleeplessness and irritability.

The herb was also strewn on the floors of medieval homes to disguise any bad smells, due to the pleasant aroma emanating from it when walked upon.

Other names: German chamomile.

Description and places it grows in :

Daisy-like flowers atop creeping, trailing stems, native to the British Isles and other northern European countries.

Parts used : Flowers and leaves.

Homeopaths may prescribe this remedy for :

• Children's problems such as teething, colicky pains and disturbed sleep. Displaying the following symptoms : Restlessness; crying if put down (in the case of teething).

   

   

• Toothache. Displaying the following symptom s: Made worse by heat, relieved by cold, one cheek is red, the other white.

   

   

• Earache/blocked ear.

   

   

• Period pains. Displaying the following symptoms: Heavy periods.

   

   

• Discomfort when breast-feeding Displaying the following symptoms : Soreness, inflammation.

People requiring this remedy will feel worse :

At night (around 9pm), lying in bed, teething, drinking coffee, being touched, when angry, with the slightest pain, in the open air, exposed to cold winds.

People requiring this remedy will feel better :

After fasting; in warm and wet weather; being carried.

People suitable for chamomilla :

Are loud sleepers, talking or shouting in their dreams. They dislike being