“Chamomile is probably the most widely used relaxing nerving herb in the Western World and is safe for use in all types of anxiety and stress-related disorders.” David Hoffman, herbalist and author of “The New Holistic Herbal”

Do you remember the classic Peter Rabbit story by Beatrix Potter? Peter disobeys his mother and sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden and starts eating all the delicious vegetables that he can find. The angry farmer discovers Peter and chases him through the garden. Peter barely escapes. After such an exhausting day he had a tummy ache that needed soothing. His mother put him to bed with a dose of chamomile tea.

As a young child I remember not feeling well and my mother giving me chamomile. I also remember the Peter Rabbit story. Do not ask me if the chamomile helped because I do not remember. (I was very young.)

A treasured herbal medicine, chamomile has soothed digestive systems and calmed people of all age for centuries. But not until the 1970s were scientist able to document and verify chamomile’s healing and protective effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa (lining). Therapeutic uses are Digestive Aid, Colic, Mouth Ulcers, and Eczema.

In modern herbal medicine, it is suggested for indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Also it works well to relieve muscle tension, ease anxiety and much more. It has been proven that because chamomile is gentle and effective it works wonderfully for adults and children alike.

You may wonder what brought the subject of medicinal herbs to my attention. I was happily caring for a plant that looked like small daisies. I love daisies. It had white pedals with a yellow center.

However, it was not growing as I thought it should. I got my plant books out and was very surprised to discover that my white daisy plant was chamomile! Investigating I learned that I had planted several herbs. It has become very interesting. Some gardener I am!

As the plants fade in September it is the beginning of a new season for many organizations.

The Saco Chapter of the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union has become an integral part of the community and has brought about many social improvements, including the first kindergarten in Saco, a nursery for the mill worker’s children and promotion of adult education.

The E and I Union campaigned ardently for women’s suffrage, the advancement of women and to help women and children in the Industrial city to respond to social problems. Also, the group of high powered women pushed for separate and better prisons for women, economic help for the needy, medical help for the sick, and female representatives on governing boards, including school boards, city councils and state legislature.

Today, many of the services initiated by the energetic and innovated ladies of the Education and Industrial Union are considered essential services now offered by the city government or the schools; but they originated in the front parlor of Sarah Hamilton’s Main Street home on June 15, 1911.

The Annual Fall Luncheon for the E and I Union will be held at the Clambake on Friday, Oct. 6.  Entertainment will follow meeting and discussion of upcoming events.