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Page 47
| Azulene, one of the components of the essential oil, is bactericidal to Staphylococcus and Streptoccus infections. The oil from 0.10 g of flowers is enough to destroy three times the amount of Staphylococcal toxins in two hours. |
| As an anticatarrhal chamomile helps the body remove excess mucus buildup in the sinus area. It may be used in head colds and allergy reactions such as hay fever. Mucus is not a problem in itself. It is an essential body product, but when too much is produced it is usually in response to an infection, helping the body remove the problematic organism, or to help the body remove excess carbohydrate. |
| A review of recent scientific literature shows how much interest this venerable folk remedy is still receiving. Most of the clinical therapeutic research comes from Europe, reflecting the respect chamomile receives in the medical community there. Anti-inflammatory effects have been the main focus of research, being the official criteria for its inclusion in the pharmacopoeia. These properties explain the herb's value in a wide range of digestive and intestinal problems. Taken by mouth or used as an enema it is particularly helpful in colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A fascinating recent German study demonstrated the efficacy of chamomile on the healing of wounds caused by tattooing. A common problem with tattoos is a "weeping" wound where the skin has been abraded. The healing and drying process was compared between patients who were treated with chamomile and a similar group who were not. The decrease of the weeping wound area as well as the speed of drying were dramatically improved in those using chamomile. |
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