Chamomile
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile is a gentle, golden-flowered plant that’s basically the herbal world’s version of a warm hug, a lullaby, and a wise elder all wrapped into one. Don’t let its softness fool you—chamomile is one of the most ancient and respected medicinal herbs in the world, with a track record that spans millennia, empires, and healing traditions from Europe to North Africa to the Middle East.
The word "chamomile" comes from the Greek chamaimēlon, meaning “earth apple,” a nod to its apple-like scent and low-growing nature. The ancient Egyptians revered it as a sacred herb, using it to treat fevers and embalm royalty. In Greece and Rome, it was used for everything from calming nerves to soothing the gut. It was one of the nine sacred herbs in Anglo-Saxon medicine, listed in ancient texts like the Lacnunga as a go-to for fighting infection and restoring balance. And by the time the Middle Ages rolled in, chamomile was growing in monastery gardens across Europe, used in everything from herbal tonics to strewing herbs on floors to repel illness and lift spirits.
Chamomile’s sweet spot? It’s a nervine, a carminative, and a vulnerary- which in plain terms means it soothes the nervous system, calms the digestive tract, and heals wounds inside and out. Folk healers used it for colic, menstrual cramps, headaches, indigestion, grief, insomnia, inflammation, and pretty much anything that needed calming. And it wasn’t just taken internally- people bathed in it, steamed with it, made eye washes, skin salves, and sleep sachets.
What’s wild is that modern research has now backed up what grandmothers and herbalists have known for centuries. Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin, bisabolol, and chamazulene, which have legit anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mild sedative effects. It’s not just a tea for when you’re tired. It’s medicine for when your whole system is overwhelmed.
Today, chamomile is still one of the most widely used herbs in the world- featured in bedtime blends, baby colic drops, skincare serums, eye drops, gut-healing teas, and even traditional ceremonies. It’s a bridge between the old ways and modern wellness, a flower that’s been calming chaos for over 3,000 years.
Medicinal Uses of Chamomile
Calms the Nervous System
Acts as a gentle nervine and mild sedative
Eases anxiety, stress, irritability, and tension-related headaches
Promotes relaxation and emotional balance
Supports Sleep and Eases Insomnia
Helps calm racing thoughts and soothe restlessness
Commonly used in bedtime teas to promote natural sleep without dependency
Soothes Digestive Issues
Relieves gas, bloating, indigestion, and nausea
Eases cramping and spasms in the stomach and intestines
Used for IBS, colic, and gastritis symptoms
Reduces Menstrual Discomfort
Calms uterine cramps and helps relieve PMS-related irritability
Gently supports hormonal balance in the menstrual cycle
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief
Contains compounds like apigenin and chamazulene that reduce inflammation
Helpful for joint pain, muscle soreness, and minor aches
Supports Skin Healing (Topical Use)
Used in salves, creams, or compresses for eczema, rashes, burns, and wounds
Speeds healing of cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and skin irritation
Eye Health and Irritation
Chamomile tea (cooled and strained) is used in eye washes or compresses for conjunctivitis, dry eyes, or swelling
Immune System Support
Mildly boosts immune function and shortens cold duration when taken early
Soothes sore throats, fevers, and mild respiratory irritation
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties
Helps defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and oxidative stress
Supports long-term cellular health and prevention of chronic inflammation
Safe for Children and Infants
Used for teething, colic, fever, and tummy troubles in babies
Can be taken as a weak tea or added to baths
Common Ways to Use Chamomile
Tea (infusion): The most popular and effective form for internal use
Tincture: For more concentrated dosing
Compress or wash: For eyes, skin, or wounds
Baths: For relaxation or skin irritation
Steam inhalation: For sinus and respiratory support
Topical salves and oils: For skin healing and inflammation