Its medicinal properties reside in the blue volatile oil present in the flowers that are used to treat a wide range of ailments. A tea made from the flower heads is particularly good for healing digestive problems such as upset stomach, heartburn and flatulence. Chamomile tea is also well known for its relaxing, sleep-inducing properties that help alleviate insomnia, headaches and anxiety. Naturally caffeine free, it is a gentle remedy that can be used with confidence to calm restless children. Indeed, in homeopathy, chamomile is particularly valued for treating children's complaints including teething, ear ache, colic and headaches.

Dill contains a volatile oil that calms and settles the stomach, easing flatulence and colic. Dill water was once very popular for treating griping and colic in babies and small children, and the herb is also reputed to promote the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Dill seeds, once popularly known as 'Meeting House' seeds were chewed during long church services to allay hunger pains and calm rumbling stomachs.

Hops contain a volatile oil and bitter principle that have a soothing effect on the central nervous system and are beneficial for tension and anxiety. Many people have reported improved sleeping habits after using a pillow stuffed with dried hops. Hops also acts as a tonic to the digestive system, relaxing the bowel and easing nervous indigestion. Hops also possess antiseptic properties and some herbalists recommend external applications of a hot hop poultice to reduce inflammation.

According to a Christian legend, the plant acquired its scent from the newly washed clothes of the infant Christ that were hung over a lavender bush to dry. Lavender flowers contain a volatile oil that was traditionally inhaled or applied, diluted, to the temples to prevent faintness and 'giddiness or turning of the brain', according to the Culpeper. The herb has soothing and sedative properties that are helpful for nervous headaches and tension. Aroma therapists recommend the oil for sleeplessness. Lavender oil has a strong antiseptic action capable of killing bacteria that carry diphtheria and typhoid. An antiseptic lotion of the herb may be applied to cuts, and it was used to disinfect wounds up until World War I. Lavender is particularly recommended for burns and scalds and can, if applied directly, prevent blistering of the skin. Both flowers and oil have insect repellent properties and are traditionally made into sachets for cupboards and drawers to protect and perfume clothes and bed linen. Soaking a cotton wool ball with lavender oil will deter moths and rubbing the skin with diluted oil makes an effective mosquito repellent.

It is reported that the children of Monticello would pick fresh lemon balm before going to bed. Lemon balm's volatile oil contains citral, citronellal, eugenol acetate and geranoil. Used throughout history as a medicinal herb, it has mild sedative properties and has been used to relieve gas, reduce fever, and increase perspiration. Because of its pleasing aroma and gentle action, lemon balm is one of the preferred children's herbs.