Chamomile: One of Our Favorite Herbs
Here at Grateful Acres Farmstead, we’re all about using what God’s given us, and chamomile’s one herb we grow with pride.
After a day tending our garden in southern Missouri’s Ozarks, a cup of chamomile tea is a small blessing that helps us unwind.
It’s practical, hardworking, and fits our way of life. Let me tell you why we value chamomile and how it can help you, too.
What Chamomile’s Got Going On
Chamomile—known as Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile—has a slew of properties that make it handy for all sorts of needs. Here’s the lineup:
Diaphoretic: Gets you sweating to help with fevers.
Anti-spasmodic: Calms muscle cramps and spasms.
Stimulant: Gives a gentle boost to energy and circulation.
Carminative: Eases bloating and gas.
Nervine: Soothes your nerves for relaxation.
Emmenagogue: Can kickstart menstruation.
Anthelmintic: Tackles parasites.
Anodyne: Takes the edge off pain, like headaches or toothaches.
Bitter: Fires up your digestion.
Emetic: In large amounts, it might make you vomit.
Cathartic: Helps clear emotional stress.
Anti-allergenic: Can reduce allergic reactions.
With all that, chamomile’s a go-to for both your body and soul, fitting right into our way of living simply and purposefully.
Why We Rely on Chamomile
Chamomile’s benefits are rooted in both our farmstead traditions and what research shows. Here’s why it’s a keeper at Grateful Acres:
1. Helps You Relax and Sleep
After a long day, a cup of our Sleepy Nite Nite tea is like a gift from the garden. It’s got Chamomile’s apigenin, a compound that works as a natural sedative. Studies say it can ease anxiety and help you drift off, making it perfect for restless nights.
2. Soothes Stress and Low Moods
When life feels heavy, chamomile’s a steady companion. Research suggests it can help with anxiety and even depression, offering a natural way to find some peace.
3. Settles Your Stomach
If you’re bloated or crampy after a meal, chamomile’s a lifesaver. Its carminative and bitter qualities tackle indigestion and gas. Our Holy Basil Bouquet tea, with chamomile in the mix, is a family favorite!
4. Eases Pain and Inflammation
Got a toothache, earache, or sore muscles? Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties can help. It’s also great for skin issues—our Grateful Hands Lavender Salve is a go-to for soothing rashes or irritation, thanks to its mild antibiotic effects.
5. Supports Allergy and Cold Relief
Chamomile can help with seasonal allergies and colds. Its anti-allergenic properties ease sniffles, and its sweat-inducing nature supports fever relief. A hot mug of chamomile tea is a comfort when you’re feeling rough.
6. Might Help Prevent Cancer
Chamomile’s packed with antioxidants, which could play a role in cancer prevention. The apigenin in it looks promising, though more studies are needed. Still, those antioxidants are a solid reason to use it.
7. Relaxes Muscle Cramps
Whether it’s menstrual cramps or tight muscles from farm work, chamomile’s anti-spasmodic effects help loosen things up. It’s a practical fix for everyday aches.
Things to Watch Out For
Chamomile’s safe for most folks, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Allergies: If ragweed makes you sneeze, chamomile might, too. Start small to test it out.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It can stimulate menstruation, so avoid it if you’re pregnant. Its safety while breastfeeding isn’t clear, so check with your doctor.
Bleeding Risk: Chamomile might increase bleeding, especially if you’re on blood thinners. Be careful if you’ve got a bleeding disorder or are facing surgery.
Sedation: It can make you drowsy, so don’t overdo it if you’re driving or running machinery.
Side effects are rare but could include feeling overly sleepy or, in some cases, bleeding issues. Talk to your doctor before using chamomile, especially if you’ve got health concerns or take meds.
How to Make Chamomile Work for You
Chamomile’s easy to use, and we love growing it right here in our garden. Tea’s the simplest way, but it’s also great in salves or bath soaks. Here’s our favorite way to make tea:
Put 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water.
Let it steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain.
Sip it slow to unwind or ease discomfort. A dab of honey’s nice if you want a touch of sweetness.
Chamomile’s a humble herb that does a lot of heavy lifting.
It fits right into our way of life at Grateful Acres, where we aim to make the most of what God’s given us—whether it’s calming our nerves, soothing a stomachache, or easing a bit of pain. Just keep those cautions in mind and use it wisely. We’re grateful to share this herb with you, grown with love in our Ozarks garden.
Join us on this journey of living simply and well—check out our shop or stop by our YouTube channel for more on what’s growing here.
Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before using chamomile, especially if you have allergies, are pregnant, or take medications.