| CHAMOMILE CHAMAEMELUM NOBILE (= ANTHEMIS NOBILIS) A stone that hash been taken out of the body of a man being wrapped in Chamomile, will in time dissolve, and in a little time, too. The Common or Roman Chamomile is a low-growing creeping or trailing plant bearing perfumed flowers with yellow centres and white florets rather like a Daisy. Where to find it: It grows practically everywhere, but it prefers dry sandy soils and grassland. Flowering time. From midsummer to early autumn. Astrology.. The Egyptians dedicated it to the Sun because it cured agues. They were like enough to do that for they were the arrantest apes in their religion 1 ever read of. Medicinal virtues: A decoction of Chamomile takes away stitches and pains in the side. The flowers beaten and made into balls with oil drive away all sorts of agues. If the one grieved be anointed with that oil from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot and afterward laid to bed, he will sweat well. It is profitable for melancholy or for an inflammation of the bowels and there is nothing more profitable than to apply it to the sides and region of the liver and spleen. Bathing with a decoction of Chamomile taketh away weariness and easeth pains, particularly of the colic and stone and torments of the belly. It gently provoketh urine. The syrup made of the juice with the flowers in white wine is a remedy against the jaundice and dropsy. The flowers boiled in Ice are good to wash the head and comfort both it and the brain. The oil made from the flowers is much used against all hard swellings, pains or aches, shrinking of the sinews and cramps or pains in the joints or any other part of the body. Modern uses: Chamomile has been used all down the ages and does not look like falling from favour. It plays an important part in modern herbal practice. The infusion is excellent for migraine and headache due to gastric disturbances. It will also regulate the menstrual periods. It makes an ideal general tonic for children. It lowers nervous excitability and is useful to relieve toothache, earache and neuralgia if taken internally or used as a poultice. The infusion of the flowers is taken in doses up to 2 fl oz (56 ml) three times a day. A tincture is suitable for highly-strung or hyper-sensitive individuals. Oil of Chamomile can be taken, three drops on a lump of sugar, as an alternative to the above. |
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