Chamomile is known to be one of the best selling herbs, not only medicinally, but also cosmetically. Its sweet aroma makes it a popular ingredient in shampoos, soaps and body creams. As far back as the Vikings, it was used as a rinse for blond hair. Egyptians dedicated chamomile to the sun because of its curative properties and bright golden flowers. Long before Peter Rabbit’s mother gave him chamomile tea, the Greeks, Romans and Ayurvedics suggested it to heal headaches, fevers and kidney, liver and bladder ailments.

Even though its name is synonymous with tranquilizers, chamomile has many other uses, as well. In German, its name means "capable of anything." Indeed, it is widely used as a sleep inducer and calmative, but it is also effective as a strengthener and healer and a poultice for external wounds, bruises, corns, calluses and sprains. Taken internally, it is a good appetite stimulant, particularly when combined with a small amount of ginger. It has been known to ease gout, sciatica, colic, colitis, asthma, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, worms, jaundice and kidney/spleen/liver/bladder ailments. Other uses for chamomile:

• Could relieve the pain for some types of arthritis
• Aids digestion
• Soothes menstrual cramps
• Promotes menstruation
• Stimulates production of white blood cells to fight colds, bronchitis and flu
• Fights internal and external infections
• Could prevent ulcers and speed their healing

As a precaution, chamomile should not be used during pregnancy or if there is an allergy to ragweed. The Coop carries chamomile in bulk, as an essential oil, in tea, compounds, children’s formulas and beauty preparations.

Steep 1 tsp chamomile in 1 cup boiling water until tepid. Strain.

Combine 1/3 cup each chamomile flowers and oil. Place on a sunny window and shake daily for a few weeks. Strain and apply a few teaspoons to hair ends only. Leave on for 10 minutes, then shampoo.

Steep 2 tsp dried chamomile in 1/4 cup boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain and add to 1/4 cup mild shampoo.

Steep 1 tsp each of dried chamomile, mint and lavender in 2 cups boiling water for about 5 minutes. Strain and add honey and/or lemon to taste.

In a non-metal pan, blend 1/4 inch piece peeled and diced gingerroot, 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves and 1 tsp fennel seed with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 1/2 hour. Strain and add cayenne pepper, lemon and honey to taste.

Steep 2 tsp dried chamomile in 2 cups boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain and add 1/2 cup cranberry juice or blend, along with honey to taste.