10 tips to make the most of chamomile

• Relieve cold symptoms with chamomile inhalation

When you have a cold, breathe in the soothing steam from chamomile flowers. Place a few chamomile flowers in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for about 10 to 15 minutes. The essential oils help clear the airways and have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Gentle mouth rinse for sore throats

Use chamomile tea as a gentle mouth rinse for sore throats or gum problems. Gargle several times a day with cooled chamomile tea to soothe mucous membranes and naturally combat inflammation. This application can also be comforting for throat infections.

• Chamomile compress for wounds and sunburn

Treat small wounds or sunburn with a chamomile compress. Soak a clean cloth in fresh chamomile tea and place it on the affected area. Repeat the application several times a day to promote skin healing and reduce inflammation.

• Soothing chamomile sitz bath

For skin or intimate discomfort, a chamomile sitz bath can work wonders. Prepare a decoction of chamomile flowers and take a bath for about ten minutes. The anti-inflammatory and soothing action helps with conditions such as haemorrhoids, eczema or sore baby bottoms.

• Skin care with a chamomile steam bath

Pamper your skin with a chamomile steam bath. It opens the pores, soothes skin irritation and supports skin regeneration. It is particularly effective for acne or other skin issues. 

• Natural hair lightening with chamomile rinse

After washing your hair, pour cold or lukewarm chamomile tea over your damp hair and let it air-dry. On blonde or light brown hair, chamomile produces a subtle lightening effect that is enhanced by sunlight.

• Relieve earache with a chamomile pouch

Relieve earache naturally with a warm chamomile pouch: fill a thin cloth with dried chamomile flowers, warm it gently (not too hot!) and place it on the aching ear. Repeat the application two to three times a day to obtain relief and a calming effect.

• Reduce bloating and stomach pain with chamomile tea

Pour one tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 250 ml of boiling water and let the tea steep covered for ten minutes. Drink three to four cups daily, especially between meals, to benefit from its antispasmodic and soothing effects.

• Sleep better with chamomile tea

To fall asleep more easily, drink a cup of chamomile tea in the evening: its gentle calming effect on the nerves promotes falling asleep and improves sleep quality. This is particularly helpful for inner restlessness and stress.

• Combine with other medicinal plants

Combine chamomile with other medicinal plants such as lemon balm, fennel or lavender to achieve synergistic effects. Such blends can be especially soothing for digestive complaints or sleep problems.