Common Chamomile or Camomile. Nat. Ord. CompositAe. Linn. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. Hab. Europe.

Med. Prop. and Action. The Flowers (off.) are aromatic and tonic, and are said to be slightly anodyne. A strong infusion, drunk when tepid, causes vomiting, and it is frequently employed to promote the action of other emetics, but a weak infusion taken cold is said materially to allay gastric irritability. Externally, they are used in infusions as fomentations, and occasionally as enemas In doses of gr. cxx. of the powdered leaves, they are a reputed febrifuge. Active principle!. 1, a Volatile Oil; 2, Bitter Extractive. The volatile oil is stimulant and anti-spasmodic. The flowers should not be given in decoction, as boiling dissipates the oil, and renders them inert.

Offic. Prep. 1. Extractum Anthemidis. Dose gr. v - x

2. Infusum (Chamomile Flowers Oz

ss.; Boiling Distilled Water fl. oz. x. Infuse fifteen minutesand strain). Dose: cold, as a tonic and stomachic. fl. oz. j. - ij.; warm, as an emetic, ad lib.

3. Oleum Anthemidis

Dose, ej. - v.

240. Therapeutic Uses

In Dyspepsia, Debility, Hysteria, and in all cases where the tone of the digestive organs, or the system generally, is depressed, the infusion of Chamomile, in doses of fl. oz. iss. thrice daily, may be given with advantage. If the stomach is irritable, a few drops of T. Opii may be added.

* Lectures, vol. ii. p. 215.

241. In Flatulence And Flatulent Colic, The Volatile Oil (Gutt

ij. - iij.) or a strong infusion will often afford relief when other remedies fail.

242. In Intermittents, When Given In Doses Of Gr

cxx., it was formerly in high repute as a febrifuge. Morton * speaks highly of its efficacy. He found it successful in some cases, when Bark had previously been ineffectual.

243. As A Remedy For Scabies, It Has Been Employed In France

The formula used is composed of equal parts of fresh Chamomile, Olive Oil, and Lard. This is stated to effect a cure in three frictions, to soothe irritation instantly, and not to give rise to any secondary affections. (M. Bazin.)