Chamomile and dandelion plants have many holistic uses.
For thousands of years, humans have used ordinary plants and herbs, such as chamomile and dandelion, to treat illnesses, wounds and infections. Sometimes considered weeds, chamomile and dandelion flowers grow in profusion in temperate to sub-tropical climates. Both plants thrive in full sun and most types of soil. Chamomile flowers are small with large, fuzzy yellow centers surrounded by delicate white petals. They grow low to the ground. Dandelions are fuzzy yellow flowers in which the centers and petals disappear into each other. They can grow to a foot tall and have hollow stems and long jagged leaves.
Detoxification
According to Gardens Blaze.com and University of Maryland Medical.edu, both chamomile and dandelions do a good job of cleansing and detoxifying the body. Dandelion root packed into water and simmered for about 20 minutes creates an infusion that acts as a light diuretic. This diuretic cleanses the liver and kidneys and helps gently restore intestinal function during constipation.
Chamomile also detoxifies the body through acting as a mild laxative, relieving flatulence and poor digestion. By aiding the digestive tract, it helps relieve the body of internal stress. Fresh or dried flowers simmered in water for about 20 minutes make a slightly sweet, yellow tea.
External Uses
According to Gardens Blaze.com and Alt Nature.com, chamomile may be applied to the outside of the body to relieve multiple ailments. A paste made of the ground flowers, a little oatmeal and some water helps to relieve rashes, infections and burns. The tea may also be used as a wash to relieve burns, sunburns and rashes due to allergic reactions. Chamomile essential oil works well for treating eczema.
While dandelion is usually taken internally, it can still treat external ailments. For instance, according to Botanical.com, a dandelion decoction taken about eight oz. at a time helps soothe eczema and other external skin eruptions. A decoction is made by combining one part dandelion with 16 parts water and boiling the mixture to reduce the liquid by half.
Immunity and Allergies
In addition to making medicinal teas, decoctions and washes, chamomile and dandelion may be taken daily to improve general overall health. Dandelion greens, according to University of Maryland Medical.edu, make vitamin-rich additions to salads, sandwiches and soups. In addition to having a cleansing effect, the vitamins help improve the immune system. Some people may also enjoy substituting dried dandelion roots for coffee.
According to Alt Nature.com, chamomile tea has a calming effect. It helps reduce prolonged stress and combat insomnia. The steam from flowers in a warm bowl of water also helps reduce asthma symptoms, hay fever and other sinus complaints.
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