Chamomile P.E. 4:1

The true or Common Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a low-growing plant, creeping or trailing, its tufts of leaves and flowers a foot high. The root is perennial, jointed and fibrous, the stems, hairy and freely branching, are covered with leaves which are divided into thread-like segments, the fineness of which gives the whole plant a feathery appearance. The blooms appear in the later days of summer, from the end of July to September, and are borne solitary on long, erect stalks, drooping when in bud. With their outer fringe of white ray-florets and yellow centres, they are remarkably like the daisy. Here are some of the uses: -As a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes. -As a salve, be used for haemorrhoids and wounds. -As a vapor, be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma. -Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children. -Relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine would. -Aid in digestion when taken as a tea after meals. -Relieve morning sickness during pregnancy. -Speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns. -Treat gastritis and ulcerate colitis.