Stress Management
Chamomile Background and Benefits

 Matricaria chamomilla and Matricaria recutita  is commonly known as Chamomile.  German chamomile, wild chamomile, and fragrant mayweed are other common name for this plant. Chamomile is part of Asteraceae family, commonly known as the sunflower family.
Commercially, chamomile is used primarily as an herbal supplement and for cosmetic products. M. recutita is the most common source of chamomile for the purpose, although other Matricaria species are also used. Chamaemelum nobile or Roman chamomile, as it is commonly known  is also a source of commercial chamomile.
 
Chamomile is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to two feet tall. It has thin, long leaves with white and yellow flowers. The flowers bloom in early summer and have a strong, aromatic fragrance. Chamomile is native to the temperate regions of Europe and western Asia, although it is now common in many temperate regions of the world. Chamomile needs open ground, so it is usually found in fields, roadsides, and landfills.
 
Chamomile contains numerous biologically active constituents, of which the terpene bisabolol is one of the most important. Flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, patuletin and quercetin are also abundant in chamomile extract. Other active constituents of chamomile include chamazulene, farnesene, and coumarin. In traditional herbal medicine, chamomile is mainly used for mild sedation, stomach ailments, and to aid digestion.

Use of chamomile

The most common way to take chamomile is to make tea from powdered extract. Chamomile extract is often found in tea bags, but can also be taken in capsule form.

Signs that you need chamomile

Insomnia is the main sign that you need chamomile. Other reasons to take chamomile for its calming effects include stress, frustration, and muscle twitching. You can also take chamomile for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Chamomile can also be helpful for menstrual cramps, stomach ulcers and flu. Minor burns, abrasions, and other wounds can also be soothed by topical application of chamomile extract.