Articles Index-Hydrolats
 
Chamomile Hydrolat
 
Chamaemelum nobile (formerly known as Anthemis nobile) is a small, stocky, perennial herb that grows to about 20-30cms high. It has daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres and feathery leaves. The plant has a very pleasant apple scent to it and is popular in cottage gardens. The essential oil is distilled from the flower heads, and the resulting hydrolat from the distillation process is very beneficial, having been used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory agent for skin irritation and as a hair rinse to lighten it. It has also been used as a mouthwash to treat mouth ulcers and gum disease.
The main components of chamomile hydrolat that have been analysed show the following components present; 5-33% esters and 11-23% alcohols. This suggests that the hydrolat should be anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antispasmodic, balancing (to the nervous system), calming, cicatrisant, uplifting, anti-infectious, antiviral and slightly decongestant.
 
Chamomile hydrolat is excellent to calm the itching of eczema and psoriasis and to soothe flaky, itchy skin, rashes and acne. The water should be applied as a skin toner, on a soft piece of lint and dabbed over the affected areas. To enable maximum absorption, a gauze can be soaked in the hydrolat and placed over the face or affected area and left for 45 minutes. This is especially useful if a client is stressed, as the time taken for relaxation will help to ease the stress and therefore improve the skin.
 
Eye care
Chamomile water can be used in compresses for all eye tiredness, also for inflammation due to conjunctivitis, repeating the treatment many times during the day if necessary. Roman chamomile water is also active in combating some post zoster pain and also painful eye problems like infectious conjunctivitis. Compresses can be left for up to one hour before removal, unless discomfort is experienced.
Baby care
Chamomile water is considered to be very suitable for the gentle treatments needed for babies and children. For teething pains it should be diluted 50/50 with purified water and applied to the gums and the outside of the cheeks. It can also be used in the bath for irritated skin such as heat rash, nappy rash and general skin irritations. Add up to 50mls to a baby bath for all the above and also to help calm a distressed baby and to help induce peaceful sleep.
Women's complaints
This hydrolat can also be used in sitz baths for thrush, candida, haemorrhoids, constipation, vaginal spasm and other complaints. It is most useful for non-infectious inflammation of the vaginal and vulval areas.
In summary, chamomile hydrolat is a gently yet effective water for many different complaints. As a bedtime drink, it is gently uplifting and yet will encourage healthy sleep.
 
© Penny Price,
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