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Chamomila, Camomile
Bubunaj (Unani)
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491
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Matricaria Anthemis
Icones Plantarum Medcio-oeconomico, Vietz, 1800
Icones Plantarum Medcio-oeconomico, Vietz, 1800
Matricaria
Botanische wandplaten, 1904–1914
Botanische wandplaten, 1904–1914
Matricaria recutita
Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887
Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887
Anthemis nobilis
An Encyclopaedia of useful and ornamental Plants, Burnett, 1852
An Encyclopaedia of useful and ornamental Plants, Burnett, 1852
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Botanical name: Anthemis nobilis–Garden or Roman Camomile Matricaria recutita (syn. M. camomilla)–German Camomile (most used) Parts used: Flowers Temperature & Taste: Cool (mildly Warm in Unani), dry. Bitter digests, loosens, mollifies, eases pain Classifications: 2B ATTENUATER. 2I. ANTISPASMODIC. 2J. RAREFYING. 2K. RESOLVENT. 2L. EMOLLIENT. 2Q. ANODYNE. 2U. SUPPURATIVE 3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS. 3F. LITHONTRIPTIC. 3G. EMMENAGOGUE. 3K. EXPECTORANT 4a. CEPHALIC. 4d. PECTORAL. 4j. NERVINE Uses: 1. Clears Wind-Heat, Resists Poison: -colds, flu, fever headaches, aches and pains -Fevers, including Intermittent -Sore Throat, Conjunctivitis, Hay-fever, dermatitis -good for pain and inflammations 2. Clears Heat, settles the Mind and Nerves: -irritability, insomnia, anxiety -‘Preventative and sole certain remedy for Nightmare’ -Strengthens the Brain and the Vital Spirit' (Mahadevadeva) |
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3. Clears Liver Heat, clears Damp-Heat:
-swelling, inflammation and hardness of the Liver
-difficult Urination; Edema; Stones
-Jaundice
4. Moves the Blood, clears Stasis:
-‘cold and hard swellings, all aches, bruises, cramps, shrinking of sinews’ (Culpeper)
-Tumors
-‘Excellent help to bring down women’s courses’ (Culpeper)
-Menopause, PMT, Dysmenorrhea
-expels Afterbirth
5. Clears Heat, Promotes Digestion:
-Colic, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn
-Irritable Bowel, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastro-duodenal Ulcers
6. Externally:
-used in Anodynes, Emollients, Enemas, Cataplasms, and to Ripen
-Acne, Eczema, Dermatitis, Herpes
-Burns, Scalds
-Tumors and Swellings
-foul or infected Wounds or Ulcers, especially torpid Ulcers of the legs.
-poultice can prevent formation of Gangrene
-Hemorrhoids, Varicose Veins
-good for Bruises and Contusions.
-useful mouthwash in Measles, Scarlet Fever, and Mumps of children.
-very good for Cramps when used in the form of a hot pack.
-Boiled in Milk or Vinegar, it is a good application to swollen glands anywhere on the body.
-Chewed for sores and ulcers of the Mouth
-topically for sore, red, inflamed Eyes; the vapor can be exposed to the eyes (West, Unani)
-swelling, inflammation and hardness of the Liver
-difficult Urination; Edema; Stones
-Jaundice
4. Moves the Blood, clears Stasis:
-‘cold and hard swellings, all aches, bruises, cramps, shrinking of sinews’ (Culpeper)
-Tumors
-‘Excellent help to bring down women’s courses’ (Culpeper)
-Menopause, PMT, Dysmenorrhea
-expels Afterbirth
5. Clears Heat, Promotes Digestion:
-Colic, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn
-Irritable Bowel, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastro-duodenal Ulcers
6. Externally:
-used in Anodynes, Emollients, Enemas, Cataplasms, and to Ripen
-Acne, Eczema, Dermatitis, Herpes
-Burns, Scalds
-Tumors and Swellings
-foul or infected Wounds or Ulcers, especially torpid Ulcers of the legs.
-poultice can prevent formation of Gangrene
-Hemorrhoids, Varicose Veins
-good for Bruises and Contusions.
-useful mouthwash in Measles, Scarlet Fever, and Mumps of children.
-very good for Cramps when used in the form of a hot pack.
-Boiled in Milk or Vinegar, it is a good application to swollen glands anywhere on the body.
-Chewed for sores and ulcers of the Mouth
-topically for sore, red, inflamed Eyes; the vapor can be exposed to the eyes (West, Unani)
SPECIFIC USES:
1. Spasms and inflammations of the Gastrointestinal tract (Commission E). King’s said Gastrointestinal debility and Flatus (Anthemis); BHC added Peptic Ulcer; Weiss says Camomile is ‘one of the best remedies for acute and chronic Gastritis’.
2. Mild sleep disorders. (BHC)
3. Childhood nervousness and irritability associated with poor digestion (BHP). King’s said (of Matricaria) ‘Nervous irritability, with peevishness, fretfulness, discontent, and impatience; sudden fits of temper during the catamenial period; muscular twitching; morbid sensitiveness to pain; head sweats easily; alvine discharges, fetid, greenish and watery, and of green mucus with curds of milk, or of yellow and white flocculi, associated with flatulence, colic, and excoriation of the anal outlet; a remedy particularly fitted for the disorders of dentition, and to correct the condition threatening to end in dentition convulsions’, most of which is specifically indicated for infants and children.
4. King’s said Dysmenorrhea from cold (Anthemis); Matricaria was likewise listed for Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea.
5. Externally for inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract (inhalations) and inflammations of the anus or genitals (washes, enemas etc.). (Commission E)
6. Externally for inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and bacterial diseases of the skin, gums and mouth (CE). BHC added eczema.
1. Spasms and inflammations of the Gastrointestinal tract (Commission E). King’s said Gastrointestinal debility and Flatus (Anthemis); BHC added Peptic Ulcer; Weiss says Camomile is ‘one of the best remedies for acute and chronic Gastritis’.
2. Mild sleep disorders. (BHC)
3. Childhood nervousness and irritability associated with poor digestion (BHP). King’s said (of Matricaria) ‘Nervous irritability, with peevishness, fretfulness, discontent, and impatience; sudden fits of temper during the catamenial period; muscular twitching; morbid sensitiveness to pain; head sweats easily; alvine discharges, fetid, greenish and watery, and of green mucus with curds of milk, or of yellow and white flocculi, associated with flatulence, colic, and excoriation of the anal outlet; a remedy particularly fitted for the disorders of dentition, and to correct the condition threatening to end in dentition convulsions’, most of which is specifically indicated for infants and children.
4. King’s said Dysmenorrhea from cold (Anthemis); Matricaria was likewise listed for Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea.
5. Externally for inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract (inhalations) and inflammations of the anus or genitals (washes, enemas etc.). (Commission E)
6. Externally for inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and bacterial diseases of the skin, gums and mouth (CE). BHC added eczema.
DOSE:
In Powder: 1–3 grams;
In Infusion or Brief Decoction: 3–9 grams
CORRECTIVES:
1. Honey
2. Iron Pyrite
3. Rose oil (for external use) (Unani)
SUBSTITUTES:
1. Yarrow (Avicenna)
2. Chrysanthemum (Camomile is known as Xi Ju Hua–'Western Chrysanthemum' in China)
In Powder: 1–3 grams;
In Infusion or Brief Decoction: 3–9 grams
CORRECTIVES:
1. Honey
2. Iron Pyrite
3. Rose oil (for external use) (Unani)
SUBSTITUTES:
1. Yarrow (Avicenna)
2. Chrysanthemum (Camomile is known as Xi Ju Hua–'Western Chrysanthemum' in China)
Main Combinations:
Agrimony & Camomile
1. As a Carminative, Cephalic, Stomachic, Cardiac, Hysteric, Nephritic and Alexipharmic against Epidemic infection and Poison, Camomile with Orange peel, Wormwood, Centaury, Pennyroyal, Aniseed, Blessed Thistle (as in Carminative Water)
2. Carminative, Camomile with Aniseed, Fennel seed, Cumin, Caraway (as in Carminative Decoction)
3. Abdominal pain, Camomile with Rue, Marjoram, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Cumin, Aniseed (Wizrtung)
4. Antispasmodic, Camomile with Honeysuckle and Linden flower (Formulaire Magistral et Memorial Pharmaceutique, 1823)
5. Fever, Camomile Water with Syrup of Endive (Herbarium Horstianum, 1630)
6. Allergic Rhinitis, Camomile, Peppermint, Elder flower, Nettle
7. Heartburn and Nausea, Camomile with Balm and Peppermint
8. Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer, Stomach pain, Cholecystitis Camomile with Centaury, Gentian, Senna leaf, Blessed Thistle seed (as in Bitter Decoction)
9. Intestinal spasms and cramps, Camomile with Valerian, Peppermint, Caraway
10. To promote Menstruation and relieve menstrual pain, Camomile with Rue, Yarrow, Camomile, Orange peel, Fennel seed
11. Menstrual pain, Camomile with Oregano, Mugwort, Camomile, Mint (as in Infusion for Painful Menstruation of Matthioli)
12. Menopause, Camomile with St. Johns wort, Balm, Valerian and Rosehip
13. Consumption, Camomile with Marshmallow and Licorice (Formulaire Magistral et Memorial Pharmaceutique, 1823)
14. Gravel and Stones, Camomile with Knotgrass, Shepherds Purse, Agrimony, Horsetail (as in Decoction for Stones)
15. Nightmares in children, Camomile with Balm and St. Johns wort
16. Oil for Bruises, Burns, Scalds, Wounds, Inflammation, Pain, Camomile with Sage, Wormwood, Marshmallow (as in Green Oil)
17. Plaster for Nerve and Joint pain, Camomile with Mastic, Turpentine, Rosemary, Betony, St. Johns wort, Madder and Earthworm (as in Nerve Plaster)
18. Emollient for Tumors, Camomile, Betony, Marshmallow
19. Tinnitus, as a topical oil Camomile with Meliot, Marjoram, Sage (Wirtzung)
20. Smoking Blend, Camomile with Thyme, Betony, Coltsfoot and Eyebright
Major Formulas:
Infusion for Painful Menstruation (Matthioli)
Decoction for Stones
Uterine Powder (Species Hysterica)
Green Oil
1. Carminative Water:
i. Camomile (half pound), Orange peel, Lemon peel, Southernwood, Peppermint, Caraway seed, Coriander seed, Fennel seed (1 ½ oz. each). Macerate 24 hours and distil one half.
ii. Camomile (6 oz.), Orange peel (1 ½ oz), Wormwood, Balm, Pennyroyal, Marjoram (2 drams each), Dill seed (4 oz.), Aniseed, Fennel seed (2 ½ oz. each), Caraway (1 ½ oz), Camomile Water (16 pounds). Digest 8 days, distil off one half. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
iii. Camomile (3 lbs.), Wormwood (half oz.), Lesser Centaury, Pennyroyal, Marjoram (2 drams each), Dill seed (2 oz.), Aniseed, Fennel seed (1 oz. each), Caraway (½ oz.), Orange peel (2 oz.), Water (12 pounds). Digest 4 days, distil two-thirds. Dose: ½–1 oz. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
2. Hysteric Liquor:
i. Fresh Lemon peel (1 part), Balm, Camomile (2 parts), Cumin (3 parts), Angelica root (4 parts), Proof Spirit (12 parts), Spring Water (144 parts). Distil off 48 parts. Dose: 1–1 ½ oz. (Pharmacopee Usuelle, Louvain, 1821)
ii. Peony root, Zedoary, Wild Parsley root, Masterwort root (1 oz.), Balm, Motherwort, Mint, Camomile (1 ½ oz.), Caraway seed, Siler seed, Fennel seed, Lemon peel (1 oz. each), Alcohol (half pound), Water (7 pounds). Digest 2 days, distil slowly 4 pounds. (Dispensatorium Pharmaceuticum, 1777)
3. Carminative Powder (for Enemas):
i. Yarrow, Sothernwood, Peppermint, Camomile (4 oz. each), Dill seed, Caraway seed (1 oz. each).
ii. Camomile, White Horehound, Dandelion herb and root, Valerian, Couch grass root (equal. parts) (Niemann)
iii. Camomile, Linseed (4 oz.), Dandelion root, Soapwort root (2 oz.), Valerian, Madder, Lesser Centaury, Horehound (1 ½ oz.) (Dispensarium electorale Hassiacum, 1806)
4. Cataplasm of Camomile (Cataplasma Maturens seu Resolvens):
i. Camomile flower, Vinegar (4 oz. each). Boil slightly
ii. Linseed meal (12 oz.), Camomile powder, Elder flower (3 oz. each), Fenugreek seed (1 ½ oz.). Water (sufficient). Bring to the boil. (Pharmacopoeia medici practici universalis, Bruxelles, 1817)
5. Fomentation of Camomile:
i. Wormwood, Peppermint, Camomile, Elder flower (1 ½ oz. each). (Pharmacopoeia Militaris, 1818)
6. Emollient Powder:
i. Camomile, Meliot flower, Linseed (4 oz. each). Powder coarsely and form a cataplasm with sufficient boiling water.
7. Oil of Seven Flowers:
i. Fresh flowers of Violet, Elder, Rose, Camomile, Lily, Mullein, Hollyhock (1 part each), Olive Oil (6 parts). Boil gently until the humidity has gone, then press. Anodyne and emollient, used for contractures. (Pharmacopoeia Wirtembergica, 1798)
Cautions:
Generally safe.
Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water, Carminative Water, Distilled Oil, Infused Oil of German Camomile, Syrup of the Juice, Salt of the Ashes
1. Camomile Water:
i. Camomile (1 part), Water (4 parts). macerate several days, then distil 2 parts. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
Good for colic, and other abdominal pains resulting from cold. Breaks the stones in the Kidneys and Bladder, promotes menstruation. Also good for pains of the head.
2. Vinious Camomile Water:
i. Fresh Camomile (1 part), White Wine (4 parts). Macerate 24 hours, then distil 2 parts. (Dispensatorium Fuldense, 1791)
3. Camomile Extract:
i. Camomile flowers (1 pound), Water (1 gallon). Boil to 4 pints; strain while hot and evaporate in a water bath to the thickness of Honey.
Almost inodorous, bitter taste, with a dark brown color. Used for poor appetite, bad digestion, and general debility etc.
Dose: 15 grains, 2-3 times daily.
4. Tincture of Camomile:
i. Camomile (2 oz.), Alcohol (1 pound). Macerate, filter.
‘It is an excellent thing against all Fevers whatsoever, whether non-Putrid, Putrid, or Malign and Pestilental; whether they be continent, continual, or intermitting: It is an excellent Cephalic, Neurotic, Stomatic, Splenetic, Hepatic, Uterine, Nephritic, Arthritic, and Alexipharmic. It is Anodyne, Diaphoretic, and Diuretic; an Opener of Obstructions, Discusser of Wind, Repeller of the Colic, Provoker of Urine, Easer of Pain and restorer of the Nerves, in Cramps, Convulsions, Palsies, Gouts, Sciaticas, Rheumatisms, and such like’.
‘Outwardly the Belly in the Colic, the Stomach and Sides in a Palpitation of the Heart, or a Pleurisy, the joints in a Gout, the Nerves and Parts affected in Convulsions, Cramps, and Palsies are duly to be bathed therewith Morning and Night for 16 or 20 days, but cold; if this course be taken, and duly followed, I am very confident, that the patient will very rarely fail of his expectation, or miss the cure of his disease’.
Dose: 1-4 drams, 3 times daily, in a suitable vehicle. (Pharmacopoeia Bateana, Salmon)
5. Oil of Camomile:
i. Camomile (1 part), Olive Oil (3 parts). Macerate several days in a warm place, then boil until the humidity has gone, then press. (Some used up to 8 parts Olive oil).
6. Fixed Salt of Camomile.
Made the same as Fixed Salt of Mugwort.
‘As much as a man may hold between the end of his fingers, of this salt was given with warm wine unto one that could not make water, and he was perfectly delivered, as Leo Suavius writes’. (A Brief Answer of Josephus Quercetanus Armeniacus, Doctor of Physick ... By John Hester, London, 1591)
It promotes Menstruation and expels a dead Child; cures Colic, Stones, and Agues. (Salmon)
7. Carminative Sugar.
Chemical (Essential) Oil of Camomile 24 drops
Refined Sugar 12 oz.
Mix them well. Famous for colic, and colic pains; also excellent for Gravel and the Stone in the Bladder or Reins, helps Strangury and stoppage of Urine, and takes away the Heat and Scalding of the Urine.
Dose: 0.5-2 oz. (Pharmacopeia Bateana, 1694)
Generally safe.
Main Preparations used:
Distilled Water, Carminative Water, Distilled Oil, Infused Oil of German Camomile, Syrup of the Juice, Salt of the Ashes
1. Camomile Water:
i. Camomile (1 part), Water (4 parts). macerate several days, then distil 2 parts. (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
Good for colic, and other abdominal pains resulting from cold. Breaks the stones in the Kidneys and Bladder, promotes menstruation. Also good for pains of the head.
2. Vinious Camomile Water:
i. Fresh Camomile (1 part), White Wine (4 parts). Macerate 24 hours, then distil 2 parts. (Dispensatorium Fuldense, 1791)
3. Camomile Extract:
i. Camomile flowers (1 pound), Water (1 gallon). Boil to 4 pints; strain while hot and evaporate in a water bath to the thickness of Honey.
Almost inodorous, bitter taste, with a dark brown color. Used for poor appetite, bad digestion, and general debility etc.
Dose: 15 grains, 2-3 times daily.
4. Tincture of Camomile:
i. Camomile (2 oz.), Alcohol (1 pound). Macerate, filter.
‘It is an excellent thing against all Fevers whatsoever, whether non-Putrid, Putrid, or Malign and Pestilental; whether they be continent, continual, or intermitting: It is an excellent Cephalic, Neurotic, Stomatic, Splenetic, Hepatic, Uterine, Nephritic, Arthritic, and Alexipharmic. It is Anodyne, Diaphoretic, and Diuretic; an Opener of Obstructions, Discusser of Wind, Repeller of the Colic, Provoker of Urine, Easer of Pain and restorer of the Nerves, in Cramps, Convulsions, Palsies, Gouts, Sciaticas, Rheumatisms, and such like’.
‘Outwardly the Belly in the Colic, the Stomach and Sides in a Palpitation of the Heart, or a Pleurisy, the joints in a Gout, the Nerves and Parts affected in Convulsions, Cramps, and Palsies are duly to be bathed therewith Morning and Night for 16 or 20 days, but cold; if this course be taken, and duly followed, I am very confident, that the patient will very rarely fail of his expectation, or miss the cure of his disease’.
Dose: 1-4 drams, 3 times daily, in a suitable vehicle. (Pharmacopoeia Bateana, Salmon)
5. Oil of Camomile:
i. Camomile (1 part), Olive Oil (3 parts). Macerate several days in a warm place, then boil until the humidity has gone, then press. (Some used up to 8 parts Olive oil).
6. Fixed Salt of Camomile.
Made the same as Fixed Salt of Mugwort.
‘As much as a man may hold between the end of his fingers, of this salt was given with warm wine unto one that could not make water, and he was perfectly delivered, as Leo Suavius writes’. (A Brief Answer of Josephus Quercetanus Armeniacus, Doctor of Physick ... By John Hester, London, 1591)
It promotes Menstruation and expels a dead Child; cures Colic, Stones, and Agues. (Salmon)
7. Carminative Sugar.
Chemical (Essential) Oil of Camomile 24 drops
Refined Sugar 12 oz.
Mix them well. Famous for colic, and colic pains; also excellent for Gravel and the Stone in the Bladder or Reins, helps Strangury and stoppage of Urine, and takes away the Heat and Scalding of the Urine.
Dose: 0.5-2 oz. (Pharmacopeia Bateana, 1694)