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Herbal Medicine Spotlights: Chamomile

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Dr. Carrie Wine at Rooted in Health will be spotlighting a new herb each week in the foyer at Sycamore Square in Bellingham (1200 Harris Ave). Come join her from 12 to 1pm each Thursday this summer to learn about the weekly herb. After the event, she will post some information about the herb here in case you missed it. Herbal medicine is just one of the tools that naturopathic doctors use to create personalized health plans.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Medicinal properties: 

Relieve external and internal inflammation 

  • External - anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

  • Internal: Mentally and physically calming - aids sleep, irritability, and anxious states. Also used  for indigestion, carpal tunnel, insect bites insomnia, gingivitis, and heartburn 

  • Inhaled - reduces spasm and inflammation of the resp tract 

Safety/contraindications: 

  • Allergies to aster family 

  • Infusions should not be used near the eye 

  • Avoid excessive use during pregnancy and lactation 

Ways to use the herb:

  • Herbal tea infusion

  • Infused in baths

  • Baked in cookies and muffins

  • Used as a poultice or compress

  • Face mask


References:

“Herbal Medicine: From the Heart of the Earth” - Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner

“Prescription for Herbal Healing” - Phyllis A. Balch CNC

Calming Face Mask:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried chamomile

  • 1 tbsp dried calendula

  • 1 tbsp dried yarrow

  • 1 tbsp clay of choice (ie bentonite)

  • Aloe vera (about 1-2 tsp per serving)

  • Rosehip seed oil 1bout ½ tsp per serving

  • Raw honey (about 1-2 tsp per serving)

Directions:

  • Combine dried herbs in a clean coffee grinder and pulse until finely ground. If you prefer a finer powder, continue to grind with a mortar and pestle until you get the desired consistency (optional).

  • Blend in your clay of choice. This dried blend can be stored for 1-2 months.

  • When you are ready to use the mask, blend together 1 tbsp of the dried mix with the aloe, rosehip oil, and raw honey. The mixture should form a paste, additional ingredients or water can be added to the mixture to get the desired consistency. For a smoother paste, blend in a food processor until smooth.

  • Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before applying.

  • Apply paste to a clean face and keep in place until it starts to dry. Use a warm washcloth to gently removed the mask.