The Many Uses Of Chamomile For Kids; Beyond 'The Sleepy Time Herb'

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There are just SO many ways to talk about chamomile and its uses. From skin care, to tummy aches, and let's not forget its biggest claim to fame, the calming sleepy time herb. Chamomile is a staple herb in our house, and an herb I recommend to so many moms. And, an extra bonus, it's actually a tasty herb too!

But seriously folks, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of chamomile. This herb is a total powerhouse, and I can't help but talk about it all the time. I mean, I bring it up in my lessons in Apothecary Momma, and in Medicine Making Momma too! There's just so much goodness to it.

Most people think of chamomile as the ultimate sleepy time herb, am I right? And yes, it definitely is a top-notch nervine (herb that acts on the nervous system), but it's so much more than that! It's great for kids and anyone needing a gentle, calming effect, and perfect for those dealing with stress and anxiety.

I used to make this tea called "UnFrazzle Your Dazzle" in my herbal product line, and people still reach out to me for the recipe! One of the main ingredients? You guessed it - chamomile. When I'd let customers smell the tea, the calming effect was immediate - their shoulders would drop, they'd sigh in relief, and it was like watching magic happen right in front of me. It’s truly beautiful to watch!

Chamomile can be used in SO many other ways besides calming the nervous system. 

I truly believe that it's better to know a few plants and how to use them in many ways, than to know a ton of plants and only know how to use them a couple of ways. You'll be more empowered and it is really more financially wise only needing to use a few different plants.

So let's dive deeper into the awesomeness of chamomile, shall we? We've covered the nervous system, but there's so much more to explore! Are you ready? Let's go!

This herb is the numero uno choice for all things related to digestive health and anxiety. When my daughter has an anxiety attack, I just give her some Chamomile and it always does the trick.

The best part? She's built up such a strong relationship with this herb that she knows when it's around, she's safe and sound. It started when I used to drink my tea, as a toddler she would come over and take the chamomile flowers out and munch on them and eat them and ever since then she has had a great love of chamomile. How beautiful is that?! I hope you and your kids can develop the same kind of bond with a plant in your life, it’s pretty neat.

But that's not all, chamomile is also a carminative herb that helps ease stomach cramping, gassiness, and bloating. So, if you've got a colicky baby, this herb is your lifesaver. It will not only help ease their tummy ache but it will help calm their nerves and yours too! Plus, it's anti-inflammatory and loaded with bitters that stimulate your liver to release bile and other digestive secretions and enzymes.  It will help your digestive system function a lot better. It's spasmolytic too, which means it's perfect for reducing smooth muscle spasming and cramping in your tummy.  Hands down one of my favorites for tummy upset!

Chamomile is also an astringent that's specific for easing diarrhea. It helps by soaking up excess moisture and mucus in your digestive tract. 

If your kids are sick, chamomile will not only help them fight off the infection but also keep them calm and relaxed so they can rest up.

When it comes to fever, this herb is a diaphoretic, which helps your body release heat through your pores and sweat. 

I used Chamomile with great success when my daughter had a bout of conjunctivitis. I whipped up some chamomile tea, and added a little bit of goldenseal and fennel for some extra oomph. The fennel is cooling, while the goldenseal has some serious antimicrobial powers that can fend off all sorts of infections. If you're feeling extra spicy, throw in some echinacea for good measure!

It's super important that you make a fresh batch every time, 'cause we don't want to put nasty infections back into our eyes. Gross! You'll want to make a teeny-tiny amount of tea, like four ounces max, and either use a washcloth, muslin cloth, or a tea bag if that's your jam. Just don't go for the chemical doused tea or tea bags.  Make a compress and just lay it on the eye and let it sit there and gently wash over the eye multiple times a day.  It’s imperative that you are very clean and sterile, because you don't want to get things into the eye and make more problems.

Did you have too much fun in the sun? If you're all red and inflamed from a sunburn, you can make chamomile ice cubes and rub them all over your hot skin. It'll cool you down and ease the pain real quick.

If you're dealing with itchy skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, chamomile can come to the rescue! Use it as a tea or a wash, or even make an oil, just make sure you're not clogging up any open wounds or weepy bits, you want it to breathe.

Poison ivy or bug bites driving you bonkers? Whip up an oil or lotion with some chamomile. It'll ease the itchiness and calm the inflammation like a boss. Same goes for diaper rash! Give those red-hot areas a spritz of chamomile tea or add it to a lotion or oil for some extra oomph.

When you've got a little teething babe, chamomile can be a lifesaver. Freeze some chamomile tea on a cloth and let your kiddo chew on it, or make a little teething gel. And again it will help calm their nerves when they are stressed out about their teeth coming in.

And if your little one is dealing with cradle cap, make some chamomile tea and use it as a rinse on their scalp. Infuse some oil with chamomile and apply it to their scalp at night, then give 'em a gentle wash in the morning. And voila! Happy baby, happy life.

Another thing that I have never tried but have heard about is using chamomile as hair rinse. It can lighten and brighten your hair, make it a little more blonde.  It can help to soothe itchy scalp, maybe if you are dealing with dandruff.  

I love this herb because it is so easy to grow, it’s gentle, it's so safe, and it's a fantastic herb to introduce your kids to at a young age.  

Bottom line, chamomile is a multitasking, powerhouse herb that you need to get to know ASAP. So, grow it in your garden and start sipping on some tea because this herb is going to change your life, my friend!

Chamomile makes me smile!  If it makes you smile too, share this with others and help herbalism #spreadlikewildflowers and if you have other ways you love to use chamomile I’d love to hear about them!!

Don’t forget to also grab my free download: 5 Medicinal Herbs Every MOM Must Grow!