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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Chamomile |
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Supplement Articles |
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CHAMOMILE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
A Cup of Chamomile tea
isn't just tasty, it's
proven to be calming in many
ways ... |
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CHAMOMILE |
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Chamomile can help
you stay relaxed |
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Chamomile is a
well-known herb
amongst the general
population. Its
mild, pleasant taste
makes it a favourite
tea for soothing the
digestion and
nerves. Chamomile
is a sedative,
anti-inflammatory
and spasmolytic
agent that is used
for arthritis,
insomnia, anxiety,
muscle spasms,
digestive upsets,
diarrhea, headaches
and pain. One
component of
chamomile, azulene,
has been shown to
decrease the release
of histamine and
serotonin in
tissues. |
Serotonin and
histamine promote
inflammation by
attracting immune
cells to the area
and by increasing
the permeability of
blood vessels so
that more fluid goes
into the area.
Chamomile tea or
tincture can be
gargled to help
prevent infection
and heal mouth or
gum abrasions.
It can also be
applied topically to
wounds, burns and
acne for the same
purpose.
Chamomile has been
traditionally used
as a tonic for the
uterus, specifically
to relieve menstrual
cramps.
Dried chamomile
flowers are commonly
made into a tea.
Chamomile can also
be purchased in
capsules or as a
tincture.
Standardized
preparations are
available and give
the consumer the
assurance that the
proper plant, and
usually, some of an
active ingredient is
present. Chamomile
may be found in
formulas for
soothing the
digestive tract or
relaxing the mind
and body.
Chamomile is in the
same plant family as
ragweed therefore
individuals with
ragweed allergies
should not use
chamomile. Also,
prolonged use of
chamomile may lead
to sensitization to
ragweed. Do not use
chamomile while you
are pregnant or
nursing.
Theoretically
chamomile may cause
drowsiness and
should not be taken
when performing
tasks that require
alertness.
Theoretically
chamomile may
increase the effect
of sedative
medications.
Although both of
these
contraindications
have never been
proven clinically,
caution should be
observed. |
Chamomile–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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Aerial parts
of the
plant,
flowers. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Indigestion,
nervousness,
insomnia,
stress,
menstrual
cramps,
minor mouth
infections.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
Tea
containing
1-2tsp of
dried herb
per cup,
Capsules
400-1600mg
daily
standardized
to 1.2%
apigenin.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin B
complex,
fennel,
catnip,
skullcap,
valerian,
marshmallow. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Prolonged
use of
chamomile
may cause a
ragweed
allergy.
·
Do not use
chamomile if
you are
allergic to
ragweed.
·
Do not use
chamomile if
you re
pregnant or
nursing.
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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