Medicinal properties and nice flowers too
Chamomile or "earth-apple" (Greek), is the national flower of Russia and a common name for several daisy-like plants.
Used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, the National Institute of Health conducted studies on the effect of chamomile on fifteen medical conditions. Guess who the testing was performed on? Small animals! While the NIH rated the results of the study "unclear”, there were no adverse effects suffered by the small animals.
(Chamomile does have the potential to stimulate contractions of the uterus and therefore should not be ingested by expectant mothers of any species. The safety of chamomile use while breastfeeding is unevaluated).
What Chamomile Is Used For
Chamomile is used internally (people and pets) to ease
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as nausea, gas, diarrhea, ulcers, and other bowel disorders.
- Mouth ulcers and sore gums (such as those resulting from malocclusions or dental surgeries)
Chrysin, a flavonoid found in chamomile, has proven to decrease anxiety in rodents (!), and is a major component of chamomile’s effectiveness in treating anxiety and sleep disorders.
Bisabolol, another active ingredient in chamomile, has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties; these, combined with chamomile’s strong antispasmodic qualities, make it valuable in assisting in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
If you have no fresh chamomile to offer your small pets, offer them some freshly brewed (and cooled) organic chamomile tea: boil a cup of water and let a tea bag (or a half tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers) steep til the water cools. Offer them this tea to drink at least morning and evening.
Chamomile can also be used topically as an adjunct treatment for
- Minor wounds, burns, scrapes and sore hocks (bumblefoot)
- Skin conditions including urine scald
For scrapes and other skin problems, brew a strong concoction by adding 2 tea bags to one half cup of boiling water. When the water cools completely, dip a cloth into it and use it as a gentle compress on the wounded area.
While medical conditions affecting your pet need to be evaluated by a veterinary professional and any underlying condition treated, chamomile can be extremely useful in alleviating a variety of symptoms.
Best place to find loose organic chamomile and/or chamomile tea in Dayton Ohio :
Olympia Health Food Store, Town and Country Shopping Center, Kettering, Ohio. While all of their staff are knowledgeable, Liz has a knack for knowing just what to recommend (even for small pets) and her sweet, calm presence is always reassuring.
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