Chamomile: A Timeless Herb for All Ages

As a holistic nutritionist and herbalist, I’ve always been drawn to nature’s remedies. One herb that has stood the test of time for me—and has been a staple in my wellness routine for over 25 years—is chamomile.

This gentle yet powerful herb has been by my side throughout my own wellness journey, and it’s also been a go-to for my children since they were babies. Whether it's in tincture form, tea bags, or loose leaf, chamomile is a must-have in my herbal cabinet.

Why Chamomile?

Chamomile, particularly Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), is known for its calming and soothing properties. It has a rich history, dating back thousands of years, where it was traditionally used by many cultures for its ability to aid with sleep, digestion, and even skin health. As someone who’s been studying herbs for over eight years, I can confidently say that chamomile is one of those herbs that I always turn to—whether it’s for myself, my kids, or my clients.

The Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile's benefits are extensive, and its gentle nature makes it safe for everyone, from babies to adults. Here’s why I keep it close:

1. Soothing for Sleep and Anxiety

Chamomile is widely recognized for its ability to calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep. For babies, it’s often used in teas to help with bedtime fussiness, making it a great alternative to over-the-counter sleep aids. For adults, chamomile is a natural remedy to wind down from a stressful day and encourage peaceful sleep.

2. Digestive Aid

Chamomile can work wonders for digestion. For babies, a small amount of chamomile tea (when they’re old enough for solid foods) can help with stomach discomfort. It’s a mild and safe way to ease digestive upset. For adults, chamomile can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and even mild gastritis. It’s known to support the body’s natural digestive rhythm by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Skin Benefits

Chamomile is a wonderful herb for soothing the skin, particularly for conditions like eczema, rashes, or sunburns. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for healing and calming irritated skin. As a mom, I’ve used chamomile-infused oil and tea as a natural skin remedy for my kids and myself. I’ve even used it in the bath to help soothe irritated skin after a long day in the sun or to calm my children’s skin when they have a rash.

4. Immune Support

Chamomile contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which support the immune system. It’s a wonderful herb to use when someone in the family is feeling run down or coming down with a cold. I’ve used chamomile tea with honey and lemon as a comforting remedy during those chilly, winter months.

Chamomile for Babies

As a mother, I understand the importance of using gentle, safe herbs for my children. Chamomile has been a go-to remedy for my kids since they were babies. I would brew a very mild chamomile tea for them when they were having a tough time settling down before sleep. Chamomile is one of the first herbs I recommend to new parents because of its gentle nature and versatility.

However, it’s important to note that while chamomile is generally safe for babies, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, especially for children under 6 months old. I’ve always made sure to use the herb in moderation and in appropriate doses, either as a tea or in a diluted tincture.

Chamomile for Adults

For adults, chamomile serves as a safe, calming remedy for a variety of health concerns. I’ve used chamomile tea to unwind after a busy day or to soothe digestive discomfort. It’s one of the best herbs I keep on hand for when I need something soothing but effective. I also rely on chamomile in tincture form when I need a more concentrated version of the herb to address anxiety or stress.

I also use chamomile in my skin care routine. Whether I’ve had a long day in the sun, or I’m experiencing a bit of skin irritation, chamomile has a gentle way of calming redness and promoting healing.

Why I Keep Chamomile in Multiple Forms

Having chamomile in tincture form, tea bag form, and loose leaf form means I’m always prepared for whatever situation arises:

• Tincture form: This concentrated form of chamomile is perfect for when I need a quick and potent dose. I love having it on hand for when stress is high or when I’m feeling a little under the weather. It’s incredibly easy to take a dropper full and go about my day, making it my go-to for fast relief.

• Tea bag form: Sometimes, a simple cup of tea is the most comforting way to enjoy chamomile. I keep tea bags on hand for quick, relaxing moments. It’s so simple to brew a cup when I need to unwind, or when one of my boys needs something soothing.

• Loose leaf form: Loose leaf chamomile is my favourite form for making large pots of tea. It’s often what I turn to when I’m creating healing blends, whether for digestive support, stress relief, or as a skin soother. I also appreciate that loose leaf herbs often have a fresher, more vibrant flavour than pre-packaged tea bags.

  
  

Keeping Chamomile in My Herbal Cabinet

I keep chamomile in a large jar, tucked alongside other herbs I use frequently—like lavender, peppermint, and lemon balm. These herbs are always on hand to help my family stay balanced and healthy. With chamomile being such a versatile herb, I always make sure I have a good supply, whether it's for a family member’s restless night, digestive discomfort, or skin irritation.

Chamomile is a classic herb that I’ve relied on for over 25 years—and it continues to be a cherished part of my wellness routine. Its gentle, calming properties make it safe for babies and beneficial for adults, and I love how versatile it is, whether used in tincture form, as a tea, or as a loose leaf. If you're looking for a herb that’s been tried and tested through generations, chamomile is an herbal ally that stands the test of time. It’s my go-to remedy for everything from sleep and digestion to skin care, and I wouldn’t be without it.

Chamomile truly embodies the spirit of natural healing, and I am so grateful to have it in my family’s wellness toolbox.