Capable of anything
In Germany chamomile is so popular that it is referred to as "alles zutraut", which means "capable of everything". This is undoubtedly an exaggeration, but the list of conditions for which chamomile is used, both internally and externally, is very long indeed.
For external use, chamomile is used in case of wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin irritations, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pains, hemorrhoids, mastitis and leg ulcers. Moreover, it is used externally for the treatment of diaper rash, rhagades, chicken pox and conjunctivitis, and as a hair dye and conditioner. European oncologists use a chamomile mouthwash called Kamillosan ® to treat chemotherapy-induced mouth ulcers. Chamomile is also widely consumed as a relaxing tea (short infusions) or tonic (prolonged infusions).
The German E Commission has approved chamomile for external use against inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes - including those in the anogenital area and the oral cavity (eg gingivitis and stomatitis) - and the upper respiratory tract
For internal use, chamomile is used to treat anxiety, hysteria, nightmares, insomnia and other sleep disorders, convulsions, and even delusional tremens. One of the most established uses of chamomile is as a multifunctional digestive aid for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
Chamomile is believed to be useful for healing peptic ulcers and acting as a liver function stimulant.
In children it is used to treat colic, croup (or laryngotracheobronchitis) and fever.
It is also referred to as an emmenagogue and a uterine tonic. Chamomile essential oil is instead a treatment for malaria and parasitic worms, cystitis, colds, and flu.
The German Commission recommends chamomile to treat spasms and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
