It is very common for chamomile to be known as the infusion that is not lacking in any home, however, its benefits extend far beyond simple chamomile tea. This herb offers the human being a myriad of benefits, as few can do it and all this, naturally. While it is true that it has always been associated with calming stomach aches, its healing properties go much further.
The benefits of chamomile are useful to relieve inflammation and regulate sleep, preparing us for optimal rest, it also helps to alleviate stomach problems and flu, among many benefits.
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What is chamomile?
The term chamomile refers to a range of different daisy-like plants, which are a member of the Asteraceae family. There are many different species of chamomile, the two most common being German chamomile ( Marticaria recutita ) and Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ).
Chamomile has been used since ancient times for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, with each offering its own additional health benefits.
Origins of chamomile
Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb known in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The popularity of chamomile grew throughout the Middle Ages, when people began to use it as a remedy for many ailments and ailments such as asthma, colic, fever, inflammation, nausea, nervous disorders, childhood illnesses, diseases of the skin.
Active ingredients of chamomile
The healing properties of chamomile come from its daisy-like flowers, which contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, oxides of bisabolol A and B, and matricin), as well as flavonoids (in particular a compound called apinegin) and other therapeutic substances.
Health benefits of chamomile
Chamomile has been used for centuries in tea form as an aid in improving the quality of sleep and relaxation, treating fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory, to name just a few therapeutic uses. This herb can also be used internally or externally.
Extensive scientific research in the last 20 years has confirmed many of the traditional uses of chamomile and established pharmacological mechanisms for the therapeutic activity of the plant, including the antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergenic benefits of chamomile.
Recent and ongoing research has found properties and benefits in chamomile such as muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic, antiallergic and sedative properties. Chamomile is currently included as a drug in the pharmacopoeia of 26 countries.
How does chamomile help?
- As a tea, it can be beneficial for lumbago, rheumatic problems, and skin rashes.
- As a balm, it will be used for hemorrhoids and wounds.
- As a steam, it can be used to relieve cold or asthma symptoms.
- It can relieve teething problems, and colic in children.
- It can alleviate allergies, acting as an antihistamine.
- It helps in digestion when taken as an infusion after meals.
- Relieves morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Accelerates the healing of skin ulcers, wounds or burns.
- It can treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
- It reduces inflammation and facilitates bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.
Other uses of this herb
Chamomile can be used to wash skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of the mucous tissue.
One of its best-known properties is to promote general relaxation and relieve stress. Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety medications.
Control insomnia. The sedative and muscle-relaxing effects of chamomile can help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
For digestive problems
Chamomile can treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems, and various gastrointestinal problems. The properties of this herb are beneficial as an anti inflammatory and it has antispasmodic actions that relax the muscles that line the stomach and intestine. Therefore, chamomile can help relieve stress-related nausea, heartburn, and flatulence.
For skin problems
It can also be helpful in treating diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
It can also soothe skin rashes (including eczema ), minor burns, and sunburns. Used as a lotion or added as an oil to a cold bath, chamomile can soothe the itchiness of eczema and other skin rashes and reduce skin inflammation. It can also speed up healing and prevent bacterial infection.
Helps treat eye inflammation and infection
The chilled infusion of this herb can be used in a compress to help soothe irritation from tired eyes and can even help treat conjunctivitis.
It can also relieve and heal the symptoms of mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A chamomile mouthwash can help soothe inflammations in your mouth and keep your gums healthy.