A native of south-east Europe, Chamomile is gaining popularity all over the world for its numerous health benefits. In fact, it has been used in those parts of the world for centuries to treat various ailments. There are two varieties of Chamomile available, German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The Chamomile that is used in the U.S. is the German variety. Although both have similar properties, German variety is tastier and also more effective to soothe digestive problems.
The most popular way of consuming Chamomile is by brewing a tea out of the dried leaves, and can be had as it is or by adding honey. Apart from this, it is also available in the market as tablets, capsules, topical cream, ointment, mouthwash, and liquid extracts.
Constituents of Chamomile
Chamomile is a storehouse of beneficial phytonutrients and minerals, such as:
- Flavones
- Glycosides
- Bitter glycosides
- Valeric acids
- Tannins
- Salicylic acid
- Coumarin derivatives
- Copper
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Lead
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1
Health Benefits of Chamomile
- Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile is beneficial for treating different inflammations in the body including gastrointestinal infections, eye or skin inflammations, inflammatory bowel disease, mouth ulcers, or gingivitis.
- Treats Insomnia: The most popular health benefit of Chamomile is its ability to put you to a relaxing sleep. Have some chamomile tea about 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed. It has a light soothing aroma, which will relax you. This will enable you to get deep and rejuvenating sleep. It will also relieve any anxiety that you have.
- Stress Relief: Chamomile has a natural stress-relieving property, and will calm down your nerves.
- Digestive Aid: Chamomile tea can relieve you from the bloating and gas formation as well as ease the discomforts of irritable bowel syndrome. You can either have it alone or blend it with peppermint tea.
- Anti-spasmodic Properties: For gynecological problems such as menstrual cramps, chamomile gives good relief.If you suffer from vaginitis, a douche of chamomile tea is what you need.
- Boosts the Immune System: The production of white blood cells can be increased by consuming chamomile tea, which improves the functioning of the immune system. When your immune system is down, you are bound to catch common colds and flu. Chamomile gives relief from these infections.
- Dark Circles: Dip Chamomile tea bags in warm water and apply this solution to help get rid of dark circles around your eyes.
- Respiratory Congestion: Inhale the steam from hot chamomile herbal tea. This will relieve the congestion of the respiratory passages during sinusitis and other colds.
- Skin Problems: A topical application of cooled Chamomile tea can give relief to a number of skin problems whether it is acne or skin rashes or fungal infections. To soften dry skin, you can pour some chamomile tea in your bath water.
- Headaches and Migraines: At the first signs of migraines and other headaches, if you have some chamomile tea, it will give relief before it becomes worse.
- Diabetes: The hyperglycemic symptoms and diabetes progression can be checked effectively by having some Chamomile tea, according to a study.
- Cancer: Some in-vitro studies were conducted which shows possible effectiveness of Chamomile in cancer prevention and treatment.
- Others: Apart from all this, Chamomile has been found to be beneficial against different conditions, such as Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, colitis, and asthma.
Whether it is to soothe your stomach or soothe your nerves, or get a good night's sleep, Chamomile comes to your rescue promptly. A brew that is easy to make but with many health benefits, Chamomile indeed is something that is worth to stock in your kitchen.
