I had occasionally used the calming properties of chamomile and lavender in the past with good effect, but it wasn’t until I tried it on my daughter that I saw just how powerful it can be! My daughter is 4 y/o, autistic, and just starting to communicate with us. So, when her frustration outstrips her language she throws a tantrum. Most times they are pretty mild and don’t last long, but if she is tired or not feeling well they can be atomic.

It was one of these times that I blended a few drops of lavender, roman chamomile, and blue chamomile (5, 3, and 1 or 2 respectively) in some jojoba oil and rubbed it into her back. She calmed down instantly!  Since then I have used it several  times, always waiting until she has reached a completely unthinking state, and it has worked every time. Sometimes she only calms down to a crying stage, but begins to interact with me to help fix the situation, and sometimes the tantrum stops completely and she goes about her business as if nothing was wrong.

Even though I have seen (and felt) essential oils do some pretty amazing things this was one of the more astounding examples.

Although natural or herbal products can offer us some wonderful benefits, it is important to remember that herbals can have a very powerful effect on the human body, and should be used with knowledge and respect. After all, many of today’s medicines were (and in many cases still are) derived from plants. How many poisons can you find growing right down the road from your house?

That is why I think that it is important for people to look at mutiple references on an herb before trying it, as well as asking themselves some questions (and giving themselves honest answers) to make sure they are addressing their body’s issues. Just because the most recent magazine article says that meadowsweet is a great anti-inflammatory doesn’t mean it will help you if your problem isn’t inflammation.

Knowing yourself and your needs is the key to safe and effective use of any herb.