Chamomile was used thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, where it was honored for its great curative properties. It was first used in Europe about 1600, to help with insomnia, back pain, rheumatism, neuralgia and nervousness. Years ago, in both Europe and the United States, chamomile tea was a common cure for the vapors. This malady was characterized by fainting, swooning and general anxiety, most often in women.
Chamomile grows throughout the world.
The blossoms are the part of the plant that is used. Chamomile is also known as camomile. Other names for this herb include garden chamomile, low chamomile, Roman chamomile and whig plant. Used as a tea, chamomile is known to relax smooth muscle tissue. In this way, it is useful in such things as calming a nervous stomach and relieving menstrual cramps.