Why you need Chamomile

Why you need Chamomile Flowers in your first aid kit:

1. Skin issues - for rashes or itchiness, eczema and inflamed skin. Depending on where the skin issue is, you can run a warm bath and make it into a 'cup of tea' by filling a cotton sock or stocking with a few cups of chamomile flowers. Once the bath cools to a comfortable temperature, soak in the bath to reduce inflammation, heat and irritation. Can be used as often as needed. Option to add 2 cups of rolled oats as well. (I have had great results doing this with dogs too!)

2. Upset stomach - infusing chamomile flowers with optional additions such as ginger and cinnamon can calm an upset stomach. I like to infuse my chamomile tea covered for a good 20 minutes (a cute tea pot and tea cosy helps here!) and then sip slowly. Make it strong (1 generous tablespoon per cup). Also works very well for constipation (in a soothing way, instead of a laxative sort of way). Add some raw honey to taste and use with children for sore tummies, and to calm them.

3. Calming the nerves - I often use chamomile flower tea for people who feel a generalised, floating anxiety all day. Make a big pot and drink throughout the day between meals to calm the nervous system. This often has a cumulative effect to support a good, deep quality sleep. Option to just have a chamomile tea at bed time (1 generous tablespoon per cup, infuse for 20 minutes) to support sleep. Chamomile goes quite nicely with some lavender flowers.

My advice would be to skip the tea bags and find the loose flowers. Keep in an airtight jar and use as the need arises