Chamomile has seen its popularity increase over the last several decades yet it is an herb that has been used for centuries. Some of the benefits of chamomile include it being an anti-inflammatory (natural painkiller, so to speak), treatment for colds and fevers, used to treat stomach ailments and as a relaxant, both as a sleeping aid and to calm stress.
Some Research
Extensive scientific research over the last twenty years has confirmed a lot of the traditional uses for the plant and recognized pharmacological mechanisms for the plant’s therapeutic action, such as antipeptic (prevention of digestive disorders), antispasmodic (relaxant), antipyretic (reduction of fever), antibacterial, antifungal, and antiallergenic activity.
How to take it
The most common method to use chamomile is drinking it as a tea. Just with different herbs, you can prepare it in various forms and it is going to have different healing property.
For instance, benefits of the tea include it being great for relaxing the body and being a great sleeping aid. German herb comprises spiroether, an antispasmodic, which ease tense muscles and menstrual pain.
As a tincture, which is very similar to making tea, it’s terrific for irritable bowl syndrome and for digestive difficulties. Including bloating, indigestion, colic, ulcers and Crohn’s disease.
As a cream, it may be applied to itchy skin, eczema and psoriasis.
There are 2 kinds of chamomile: German and Roman. Both of these herbs are used interchangeably while the Roman counterpart has more of a sour flavor. Due to its bitter action, it makes it a particularly outstanding treatment for nausea, vomiting, indigestion and loss of appetite.
This is because bitter things, such as chamomile, help stimulate digestive secretions and relaxes the muscles of the gut.
Effects Last Longer
Unlike some supplements that are only effective for a couple of hours, chamomile appears to remain in your system for a relatively long time. A 2005 study reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry assessed the urine of volunteers who drank this tea every day for 2 weeks. They found elevated levels of hippurate, an anti-inflammatory, and glycine, which will help soothe muscle spasms. Two weeks after the volunteers stopped drinking chamomile, amounts of those elements were measurable.
Here Is A List Of The Benefits
– Promotes general comfort and relieve stress. Animal studies demonstrate that this herb contains compounds that act on the exact areas of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop taking prescription drugs, but without consulting with your physician.
– Controls insomnia. Chamomile’s mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects can help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
– Treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel issues and various digestive issues. Chamomile’s reported anti inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and gut. The herb can help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It might also be useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
– Soothes skin rashes (including eczema), minor burns and sunburn. Used as a cream or added in oil type into a cool bath, this herb can alleviate the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation. It could also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
– Treat eye discomfort and disease. Cooled chamomile tea may be utilised in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes and it might even help treat conjunctivitis. You can even use the tea bags and place them in your eyes (my mom does this from time to time).
– Heals mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A mouthwash made with this herb can help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
– Reduces menstrual cramps. Chamomile’s believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps alleviate the discomfort of menstrual cramping.
– As a salve (aka ointment), be used for hemorrhoids and wounds.
– As a vapor, may be used to relieve cold symptoms or asthma.
– Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
– Relieve allergies, much like an antihistamine such as Benadryl (but with no nausea ).
– Aids in digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
– Can help with morning sickness during pregnancy.
– Speeds up the healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns. Chamomile oil is quite helpful in treating bad burns. Simple rub a little bit of oil lightly across the burnt area once a day. For burns and scrapes you may also brew a strong concoction by incorporating 3 tea bags to a cup of boiling water. When the water warms, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.
How to Make Chamomile Tea And Where To Get It
Chamomile tea can be made with the herb or as an infusion with other herbs or just green tea. Add 2-3 tsp dried Italian blossoms per cup into a hot cup of water. Allow the character to steep in. Enjoy it with honey. You might also add in your favorite herbs such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc..
What are the Side Effects of Chamomile?
As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to preventing adverse reactions. Some of the possible side effects include nausea, so use it with caution if you’re driving or operating machines. High doses can also cause skin or nausea reactions in certain individuals. If you’re allergic to ragweed pollen or have hay fever, you might have difficulty using chamomile.
Using this tea during pregnancy isn’t recommended, since it’s regarded as an abortifacient (a chemical that induces abortion). It’s also not recommended if you’re taking blood thinners, because chamomile comprises a chemical called coumarin (which can be a blood thinner).
