Herb Chamomile Health Benefits
Chamomile Tea
What is Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)?
German Chamomile is an herb that comes from a flowering plant from the daisy (sunflower) family. Both the fresh and dried flowers of chamomile have been used to create teas for centuries to cure a number of health problems. Extensive scientific research over the past twenty years has confirmed many of the traditional uses of chamomile and elucidated mechanisms for its activity. Chamomile was one of the first herbs for which the European Scientific Cooperative for Phytotherapy, a coalition of scientific organizations formed to develop “harmonized” herb regulations, produced comprehensive scientific reviews and suggested regulatory texts. Its flowers are an official drug (recognized by government authority) in the pharmacopoeias of twenty-six countries. The flowers and leaves of chamomile, also known as manzanilla, are brewed as a fragrant, flavorful tea. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea that has been well known throughout history for its medicinal properties. It has a distinctly light apple-like scent, a mildly sweet and pleasant taste and is naturally caffeine free. The active ingredient in chamomile essential oil is known as bisabolol, which has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Scientists now believe that bisabolol, which comprises 13 percent of the essential oil, is antibacterial and antifungal and provides protection against peptic ulcers. It has also been shown to reduce fever and reduce the healing time of skin burns in laboratory animals.
Although there are two types of Chamomile plants (German and Roman Chamomile, which are actually two different species) Chamomile tea is typically made from the German Chamomile plant. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is also beneficial, but most research has been done on German chamomile and it is the most commonly used in teas.
Health Benefits of Chamomile
Here are some health benefits of the popular chamomile tea:
Chamomile for Insomnia
Chamomile is wonderful remedy for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Chamomile tea’s most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep. Prepare a simple chamomile tea and drink it 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed, to treat sleeplessness.
Chamomile as a Stomach Soother
Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. Therefore, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps and a variety of stomach problems. It reduces cramping and pain in the bowels and also helps to relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion. Therefore, a simple remedy is to drink a cup of chamomile tea to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis or stomach flu. Prepare a cup of Chamomile tea and drink it twice a day while symptoms are present (one cup first thing in the morning, and one in the evening).
Chamomile for Wound Healing
The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used chamomile flowers in a poultice and applied them to wounds to speed healing. In one study, rats given chamomile extract, experienced faster wound healing times. Chamomile oil is very useful in treating bad burns. Rub a small amount of oil gently across the burned area once a day. For scrapes and burns you can also brew a strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.
Chamomile for Menstrual Cramps
The ancient Egyptians used chamomile to soothe menstrual cramps. Drinking chamomile tea has been found to be beneficial in treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps. One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.
Chamomile for Diabetes
The scientists also looked at the benefits of camomile tea in controlling diabetes. A study in pharmacy, University of Toyama, Japan, has shown that the chamomile tea every day helps to prevent the phenomenon of excessive high blood sugar, and the complications of diabetes.
Chamomile tea benefits for Skin
Chamomile is a natural skin soother that works well for treating sun or wind burn, according to herbalist Janice Cox, author of “Natural Beauty from the Garden.” Prepare a chamomile infusion and pour it into a spray bottle for an easy-to-use skin soother. Add several drops of chamomile essential oil to one cup boiling water and steep for at least 1 hour. Pour this liquid into a clean spray bottle. Apply by spraying onto clean skin or a cotton pad used as a poultice. Chamomile has been found to be advantageous for lightening the skin tone. Bring two quarts of water to a boil with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place the face above the steaming pot of chamomile tea. A bath in water mixed with chamomile tea works too.
Chamomile for Migraine Headaches
Chamomile is a wonderful cure for migraines. Take a cup of tea when you start noticing the symptoms of a migraine headache. It works best if you take it before the headache actually gets severe.
Chamomile for Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes
Chamomile tea has been found to help relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. A simple remedy is to dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.
Chamomile for Hemmorrhoid
One study found that chamomile ointment was helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Chamomile fights Cold
Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.
Chamomile in Cancer treatment
In-vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells.
Precautions
As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions. Some of the potential side effects of chamomile include drowsiness; so use it with caution if you are driving or operating machinery. High doses of chamomile can also cause vomiting and/or skin reactions in some individuals. Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should exercise caution when using chamomile.
Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended, since it is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion).
Chamomile is also not recommended if you are currently taking blood thinners, since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner). People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it may increase the chance of bleeding.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES, HERBAL TEAS, HERBS
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