Chamomile to soothe and relax

Writer Barbara Griggs (author of The Green Witch) reported that, many years ago before she was familiar with the power of herbs, a Spanish doctor prescribed teaspoonfuls of weak chamomile tea for a colicky baby. Much to her surprise, it worked beautifully. You can also use infusions of the dried herb in the bath to calm overtired children. Roman chamomile is useful for headaches and migraine and is quite safe to be taken by children.

German chamomile grows in many parts of Europe and other temperature regions. It's very easy to grow at home: either buy plants or sow the seeds in spring or autumn. Pick the flowerheads on the day they open when the active compounds are at their most powerful. If you prefer to do it the simple way, there are many brands of chamomile teabag on the market, including a good organic range, as well as the dried herb.

General uses
Mild asthma: infuse two-heaped tsp German chamomile in one cup of boiling water in a covered saucepan off the heat. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and inhale the steam for a few minutes; cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in. Then strain and drink the tea.

Breast tenderness or sore nipples: infuse 50g chamomile with 250 ml boiling water and leave for at least ten minutes; then soak cotton pads (tea towels or anything similar will do the trick) in the brew and place over breasts. Repeat as often as you need.