Wax and Bubbles

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) also known as the herbal tea of choice. It is lightly sweet with a milk, apple like flavor. It is widely used for relaxation and promotion of sleep or drowsiness. It is also been said to help relieve anxiety and believed by herbalist of slow the aging process.

Chamomile tea is made from the flowers and is considered very safe to ingest internally. In medieval times, chamomile was scattered over floors o release its scent when it was stepped on. Now-a-days chamomile is used commercially in ice cream, candy , baked goods and a variety of beverages. The scent is great as an addition to potpourri an a hair rinse made from chamomile flowers themselves to bring out blonde highlights in the hair.

Most of the household uses for chamomile is German chamomile variety to make a warm tea before bedtime. But chamomile can also be used in body products. Here is a recipe to try today, to be able to take advantage of chamomiles health benefits.

• Relaxation Balm

4 ounces mango or shea butter
4 ounces beeswax, yellow or white
5 ounces liquid oil (jojoba or grape seed are both excellent)
2 teaspoons of chamomile essential oil

Melt the beeswax in a separate container and the butter/oil in another container. Add together, mix well, stir in chamomile essential oil and pour into containers. Mixture will harden in approximately 1-2 hours. The cooler the mixture is upon pouring it, the less ‘air and divots will develop in the mixture.

• Chamomile: Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile

There are many different plants that have been called chamomile, also spelled “camomile”, but the most common are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Chamomiles will grow in almost any soil but typically prefer dry, sandy soil. Full sun is needed to produce abundant flowers, the part of the plant that is used medicinally. While German chamomile grows to be 2-3 feet tall, Roman chamomile is low growing, and often used as a ground cover. The leaves are fine and featherlike.

Chamomile is commonly used in teas and potpourri. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, sedative, aromatic and soothing qualities that make it ideal for use on the skin. Chamomile is generally considered to be a very safe herb to use, even for children, although some people do experience allergic reactions from chamomile.

Because it is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it is useful in treating skin inflammations including eczema, psoriasis and even diaper rash. Extracts of chamomile can also speed the healing of wounds on the skin. Chamomile is mild and gentle enough to use routinely on the skin to prevent infection and inflammation. Chamomile is found in many over-the-counter skin ointments, or you can make your own chamomile balm.

Steam Facial

The simplest way to use herbs for your skin is in the form of a facial steam. Facial steams are useful for opening the pores, cleansing the skin, removing toxins and improving the circulation. It is good to do a facial steam once a week, but first remove all makeup by cleansing the skin.

1 tablespoon chamomile
1 tablespoon fennel
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon calendula (for dry skin – substitute lemon balm for oily skin)
Place herbs in a bowl and pour one quart of boiling water over them. Tie back your hair, put you face 10-12 inches over the bowl, then make a tent over your head with a towel to keep in the steam. Close your eyes and remain this way for 10 minutes or so letting the herbal steam penetrate you skin. Afterward, rinse your face with cool water. You can finish off using sage tea or sage vinegar to tighten the pores. In the winter, inhale steam from marjoram and sage to relieve cold symptoms. (Source: Mushroom eBooks)

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