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CHAMOMILE
German Chamomile Matricaria ehamomiUa
Roman Chamomile Matricaria nobilis
The Chamomile used to be called "Ground Apple" by the
ancient Greeks on account of it scent. The Anglo-Saxons
called it "Maythen" which was one of the sacred herbs
given to the world by the god Woden. The German chamomile
is known as "matricaria" it refers to its role as a gynecological
herb.
In
other folklore chamomile is used to attract money; gamblers
used to wash their hands in the infusion to ensure winnings.
If added to the bath, it was used to attract love. There
also have been uses of chamomile being sprinkled around
the house to remove curses and spells. In this way it
was used to purify and protect. Chamomile is used in incenses
to help sleep and meditation. The uses of Chamomile can
be traced to ancient Egypt, priests used the flowers for
those suffering from fever.
The
eloquent Chamomile has many uses. It may be used as a
conditioning cleanser for the hair; as an anti-inflammatory,
anti-microbial and mild antiseptic for the skin; internally
it great for calming down children (it is a mild nerve
sedative), helping with digestion as a mild tonic, travel
sickness, PMS, sore throat, insomnia, sore mouth. conjunctivitis.
One
can make an infusion of the tea by boiling water and pouring
a cup over a teaspoonful of chamomile flowers, cover and
let steep for 15 minutes, drink freely as needed.
If
one enjoys a leisurely bath make a strong infusion, strain
and add to your bath water, soak for at least 20 minutes.
My
first mentor Ella Birzneck used to rinse her hair with
a strong infusion of Chamomile. She would wash her hair
and pour the strong infusion over her hair several times.
One should not rinse this infusion out, but let it dry.
This is a rinse for bringing out the blond highlights
in the hair. Take three heaping tablespoons of chamomile
flowers, add a cup of boiling water and let sleep until
cool. Strain and pour over freshly washed hair.
Chamomile
is now commonly used as a major ingredient in face creams.
The volatile oil of azulene, and the flavanoids are very
helpful in retaining a youthful, appearance. One can make
an oil, ointment or lotion.
Heat
infused Chamomile oil
120
grams of chamomile flowers
500 ml of oil (olive, grapeseed, almond)
Put the ingredient into a glass, ceramic, or stainless
steel pot that has a cover. You can cook this in the oven
at 114 degrees Celsius, or on top of the stove at a very
low heat. Stir every fifteen minutes to half an hour.
The oil should be ready in three hours. Strain label and
use in your other formulas or topically as is.
To
make a salve, add one ounce of bees wax to one cup
of your infused oil. Heat Together on a very low heat,
in a double boiler, stirring constantly. When the wax
is melted you can pour it off into your labeled jars.
Label and use as needed,
Lotion
or face cream
One cup of chamomile oil
One cup of distilled water (cold)
One ounce of bees wax
One tsp, powdered ascorbic acid
One tsp liquid lecithin Essential oil Gently melt the
bees wax in the chamomile oil, add the lecithin and stir
well, Pour your cold distilled water into a food processor
(a hand held mixer works as well but it takes longer).
Turn the processor to maximum, add the ascorbic acid and
blend for a minute.
Add
the oil/beeswax mixture a drop at a time to the water
mixture. It takes a few minutes for the mixture to emulsify.
If you wish this is the time to add your drops of essential
oil. Blend well Put into your jars. Label with the date.
This cream may discolor over time. It will keep longer
if kept in a cool dark environment.
Thanks
NETTA
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