Natural Health Benefits of chamomile

 

The high concentration of disease-fighting antioxidants like terpenoids and flavonoids in dried chamomile flowers, one of the oldest and most adaptable therapeutic herbs known to mankind, has multiple, wide-ranging health consequences.

 

 

The primary components of chamomile's natural healing qualities are its essential antioxidants, which are present in the plant's powerful oils.

 

Since approximately 5,000 years ago, chamomile has been used in standardized tea, herbal extracts, and cosmetic products to promote tranquillity, vigor, a young appearance, and longevity. It is an efficient alternative medicine with almost no known adverse side effects.

 

Chamomile: What Is It?

The Asteraceae/Compositae family includes chamomile plants. German chamomile (chamomillarecutita) and Roman chamomile are the two varieties of chamomile most frequently used as medicines today (chamaemelumnobile).

 

Although the chamomile plant is native to Western Europe and Northern Africa, it is now grown in numerous temperate locations all over the world.

 

The herb has been used both medicinally and aesthetically for generations, according to records, and its virtues have long been understood. Since at least the first century, Germans have used chamomile to treat digestive problems, and records indicate that Egyptians also venerated the herb and held festivals in honor of it. Egyptian nobility were known to apply crushed chamomile flowers to their skin in order to maintain their young shine and naturally halt the aging process.

 

The Romans used chamomile as a medicinal herb to prevent illness and lengthen life. As word of its curative properties spread throughout Europe, the British finally introduced chamomile plants to North America. Due to its ability to lessen pain, inflammation, allergies, and digestive problems, chamomile was a common ingredient in the medicine cabinets of doctors in early settlements in both Europe and America. As a natural deodorant, shampoo, and perfume, people have also utilized it.

 

Today, chamomile tea and herbal extracts are sold in markets all over the world. One cup of chamomile tea has two calories, two milligrams of sodium and no cholesterol.

 Chamomile is frequently used to treat a wide range of health issues, including

 

Anxiety and depression

Seasonal allergies

Inflammatory conditions

Muscle spasms

PMS symptoms and other menstrual disorders

Insomnia

Skin disorders

Ulcers

Wounds

Gastrointestinal disorders

Arthritis symptoms and rheumatic pain

Hemorrhoids

How can one herb do so much?

Chamomile is good for our health since it calms the body, lessens minor pain, treats skin rashes, and reduces anxiety. Additionally, studies have shown that chamomile tea might lessen depression, exhaustion, and poor sleep quality.

 

The most common way to consume this potent herb is as chamomile tea. Additionally, you can diffuse chamomile essential oil at home to treat skin issues. Additionally accessible, chamomile extracts are used to ease stomach discomfort and encourage liver detoxification.

 

Chamomile Benefits

 

1. High Source of Antioxidants

The terpenoid family of antioxidants, which includes chamazulene and acetylene derivatives, makes up the majority of the antioxidant substances isolated from chamomile flowers. These fragile components are unstable, thus it is believed that an alcoholic tincture or "essential oil" form is the best way to preserve them. Numerous phenolic substances, particularly flavonoids including apigenin, quercetin, and patuletin as well as other glucosides, are also important components of the flowers.

 

By combating free radical damage and inhibiting cell mutation, these substances contribute to the reduction of inflammation. Antioxidants found in chamomile have been linked to improved immunological function, a decreased risk of mood disorders, a reduction in pain and swelling, and healthier skin, hair, nails, teeth, and eyes.

 

2. Fights Depression and Anxiety

According to research from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review, chamomile is one of the greatest therapeutic plants for reducing stress and fostering relaxation, whether it is consumed as tea, tincture, or essential oil. One reason why chamomile oil is a well-liked component in many candles, aromatherapy items, and bath soak treatments is that inhaling chamomile vapors using chamomile oil is frequently advised as a natural solution for depression and general anxiety.

 

The vapors from chamomile flow directly to the olfactory area of the brain, turning off tension and lowering the body's stress reaction. This is why chamomile extract is commonly used as a light sedative to soothe nerves and reduce anxiety. Because of this, experts recommend using chamomile to effectively treat symptoms of long-term stress and anxiety, such as hysterics, nightmares, sleeplessness, and different digestive issues.

 

Smells act as an emotional trigger since they are carried directly to the brain. Our emotional reaction, such as sensations of fear, wrath, and attraction, is determined by how the limbic system interprets the sensory stimuli and registers pleasure, pain, danger, or safety. The most fundamental fragrance affects our hormone balance and basic emotions. A direct route to memory and emotion is through smell. The effects of fragrances, such as chamomile, on personality and behavior can include pain relief. According to research, one of the quickest ways to get psychological outcomes is by employing oil smells.

 

 

 

3. Enhances Digestion

Chamomile is thought to be a potent digestive relaxant that can be used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, nausea and symptoms of gas and acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and anorexia. Children who have diarrhea or colic may have their symptoms, such as pain and anxiety, reduced with the use of chamomile extract. Additionally, anodyne chemicals included in chamomile oil are anti-spasmodic and reduce cramping, constipation, and other stomach aches.

 

The soothing properties of chamomile are responsible for many of these advantages. A calmer state of mind can also aid in the healing of leaky gut, which may result in less symptoms of chronic illnesses like leaky gut, IBS, and other gut-related problems. This is because the brain and the stomach communicate directly back and forth via the vagus nerve. Chamomile has mellowing qualities that make it a suitable choice for pregnant women since they help to soothe the digestive system and treat nausea naturally.

 

 

4. Possesses Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Reducing Abilities

Since chamomile has been a well-liked home medicine for reducing pain for generations, it is frequently referred to as a "herbal aspirin." Pain, congestion, swelling, and redness can all be reduced with the usage of chamomile flowers, either on their own or in combination with other anti-inflammatory meals. They work well to relieve facial puffiness, skin rashes, toothaches, infection discomfort, and underlying inflammation. This is the rationale behind the frequent inclusion of chamomile extract in cosmetics like bath soaps, toothpaste, and body or facial creams.

 

A chamomile gel was able to lessen migraine pain, according to a crossover study from 2018 that was published in Neurological Science. Additionally, chamomile has a natural pain-relieving effect on arthritic, injury, back, fever, and pregnancy-related pain. In fact, after childbirth, people use this substance's painkilling properties to calm their bodies and minds. For instance, in some regions of the world, such as Mexico, mothers who have just given birth are given chamomile tea to help them relax their abdominal muscles and get some relaxation.

 

 

5. May Aid in Cancer Fighting

The anti-cancer properties of chamomile have recently been the subject of multiple investigations. There is evidence that chamomile has beneficial effects, such as slowing the growth of dangerous tumors and functioning as a natural cancer treatment. Apigenin, a class of bioactive antioxidants found in chamomile, is thought to be responsible for the inhibition of malignant cells. Apigenin has been shown to be effective against ovarian, breast, prostate, and skin cancers.

 

In a recent study, the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology reported that chamomile extracts significantly reduced human cancer cells, particularly androgen-refractory cells that frequently cause prostate cancer, but had only minor growth-inhibitory effects on healthy, normal cells.

 

6. Relieves Congestion

Many nasal sprays contain chamomile because it has anti-infection and anti-mucus congestion properties. When you're unwell and trying to get over a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection, chamomile tea is also a wonderful option.

 

According to studies, inhaling steam infused with chamomile extract can relieve the symptoms of a common cold. To treat mouth, throat, and mucous membrane discomfort, some people even gargle with chamomile tea or extract.

 

7. Promotes Skin Health

Do you have red, irritated, aging, dry skin or breakouts? Consider putting chamomile oil in your lotion. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics help to create smooth, healthy skin and soothe irritations.

 

The skin's deepest layers are penetrated by the flavonoids and essential oils of chamomile, retaining the skin's youthful appearance, completeness, and immune defenses. It has been used for ages as a traditional medicine to heal wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin irritations, bruises, and canker sores.

 

Since then, we've learned that chamomile has a variety of additional uses and benefits, including decreasing dandruff organically, healing chickenpox rapidly, and even removing scars. It also works wonders as a natural diaper rash remedy and can be applied around the eyes to alleviate sties and infections.

 

8. Keeps Gum and Teeth Healthy

Chamomile benefits include the capacity to combat numerous bacterial infections of the mouth, teeth, and gums in addition to treating the skin and respiratory system. Benefits of chamomile include pain relief for toothaches, wounds, and cancer sores as well as protection against dangerous germs that can exist in the mouth.

 

According to a pilot research discovered in the Journal of Oral Science, gingivitis patients' biofilm buildup and bleeding were significantly decreased by a mouthwash with 1% chamomile extract. The herb's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties were probably to blame for this.

 

9. Could Boost Heart Health

Chamomile has recently been linked to protecting the cardiovascular system. Chamomile consumption in food is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease death in elderly men due to its high flavonoid content.

 

One study examined the flavonoid consumption of 805 males between the ages of 65 and 84 and found that it was significantly inversely related to coronary heart disease mortality. The result was published in The Lancet.

 

The most common ways to consume chamomile are as a tea, essential oil, dry powder, or tincture. The type you choose to purchase will depend on how you want to utilize it.

 

Since they deliver the most active forms of chamomile's antioxidants, traditional practitioners frequently recommend dry powder and extract forms of the flower. If you come across chamomile powder, search for one that is manufactured exclusively from the plant's leaves, which are where the oils are concentrated, rather than other materials like the stems or roots. Also made from extracts are the chamomile pills that are frequently used to treat insomnia and anxiety. For these kinds of situations, the usual dosage has been 220-1,100 milligrams per day for roughly 8 weeks, which has been used in research.

 

The most common approach to take use of chamomile's relaxing properties around the world is through chamomile tea. Most grocery stores have chamomile tea, but for the best results, look for pure, organic tea leaves.

 

Tea won't have as powerful of an effect as chamomile essential oil uses, powders, or tinctures because chamomile's oils aren't extremely water-soluble, but it can still help you unwind and calm your stomach after a hard day. As a result, you are permitted to brew one to four cups of chamomile tea each day.

 

Recipes

Here are several straightforward uses for chamomile essential oil around the house aside from chamomile tea:

 

Use chamomile and lavender essential oils to diffuse throughout your home to ease tension and stress as part of aromatherapy for anxiety reduction. Additionally, they may facilitate effortless slumber.

Heal inflamed skin by combining two drops of tea tree oil and chamomile, then applying the mixture to the irritating area up to five times daily. Heal blistered skin. By combining 20 drops of chamomile oil with my Homemade Anti-Aging Serum recipe, which provides essential nutrients and hydration, you may also create a jar of your own skin-healing oil.

Apply one tablespoon of coconut oil and two drops of lavender or chamomile oil to the skin with a cotton ball to relieve the discomfort and swelling of a sunburn.

Spiritual enlightenment: To heighten spiritual awareness and calm your mind, diffuse chamomile and frankincense essential oils while praying, meditating, or reading.

Baking soda, vinegar, and five drops each of chamomile and bergamot oil are combined to make a bathtub scrub. To quiet your thoughts and aid in relieving muscle aches, rub into your muscles and soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. You can find more inspiration from my 10 Detox Bath Recipes; for an extra burst of health advantages, mix chamomile oil into any of these bath scrubs.

For a cooling impact, rapid relaxation, and assistance falling asleep, massage two to four drops of chamomile, lavender, and peppermint essential oil into your temples before bed. Make your own lotion at home by combining calming essential oils; my Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion will tone, lift, heal, and protect the skin; simply add five drops of chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Enhance depression: Chamomile oil and rose essential oil can be added to baths to improve mood and alleviate depression. You can also inhale the mixture or spread it around your home.

Calm an agitated child: You can comfort and relax youngsters by putting lavender or chamomile oil in their blankets or stuffed animals.

Alleviate PMS Apply a warm, moist hand towel to the belly after combining two drops of each of the following essential oils: chamomile, sage, basil, and rosemary.

Inhale chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and ginger essential oils to ease motion sickness.

Rub chamomile oil into tired or hurting muscles after combining it with eucalyptus, wintergreen, and cypress oils, unscented lotion, or coconut oil.

You can try this DIY homemade body wash in addition to these simple chamomile uses:

 

Toxic substances are present in most standard body washes. Try this recipe for Homemade Body Wash instead. It removes dirt and bacteria from your skin, while also nourishing and supplying vitamins to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

 

Risks and Side Effects

 

It is acknowledged that chamomile is "likely safe" when consumed in proportions found in food and "potentially safe" when taken orally or used topically for brief periods of time.

 

Remember that chamomile essential oil should only be used topically to the skin; it should not be consumed. Before employing the plant's oils in other applications, perform a patch test on a tiny area of your skin to ensure that you don't have any adverse effects.

 

Anyone who already experiences seasonal allergy symptoms, such as allergies to ragweed or its cousins, shouldn't use chamomile oil because it can trigger allergic reactions. It's also a good idea to avoid chamomile products if you have hay fever, regular hives, or dermatitis, or at the very least, consult your doctor before taking it on your own. What negative consequences might chamomile have on allergic people? Sneezing, fatigue, itching, and respiratory problems could occur.

 

Because chamomile may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, those with hormone-sensitive conditions including endometriosis, fibroids, or malignancies of the breast, uterus, or ovaries should avoid using it.

 

Additionally, you should consult a doctor before consuming chamomile extracts if you're pregnant because the products are known to be modest uterine stimulants (mild chamomile tea shouldn't be problematic).

 

 

Summary

 

Five thousand years ago, chamomile was utilized in traditional medicine. Since then, this herb has gained importance thanks to its therapeutic and medical benefits among people all over the world.

You feel relaxed and tranquil after consuming chamomile. It has light sedative effects, eases discomfort, soothes inflammation, and encourages sound sleep. It also has antibacterial qualities and aids in the prevention of illnesses.

There are numerous ways to consume chamomile, including tea, extract, capsules, powder, and essential oil.

Is chamomile tea safe to consume every day? Daily chamomile tea consumption is harmless, although pregnant women and those with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid it unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical practitioner.