Chamomile is a powerful herb that people all around the world have been using for a very long time. It is used to treat all sorts of maladies, including indigestion, diarrhea, insomnia, and anxiety. It can also be used topically for certain skin injuries. Additionally, the flowering tops of the Chamomile plant are used to make tea and other herbal remedies.
The use of herbs as a remedy to many kinds of diseases remains popular to this day despite advances in technology and medicine. In the early days of civilization, the Greeks and Egyptians hailed the chamomile flower as a sacred herb due to its healing efficacy. Flower extracts were used for all sorts of internal and external applications in those days. Nowadays, chamomile also come in the form of tablets, capsules, or powders.
Chamomile as a Topical Treatment
Chamomile oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are known to be effective on skin infections, such as eczema, rashes, and bug bites. As a home remedy solution, people would fill a stocking with oatmeal and chamomile, then let the inflamed area of the skin drench in the tub for a few minutes.
Moreover, adding chamomile essence during a bath can alleviate hemorrhoid problems, as well as soothe inflamed eyes, gums, and throat.
Chamomile is also very potent when used together with other herbs. For instance, a mixture of chamomile, peppermint, shredded licorice root, and fennel seeds can effectively treat nausea.
Medicinal Properties of Chamomile
Chamomile varieties with medicinal properties include German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile). Both varieties are known to have the same medicinal properties. German Chamomile has a less bitter taste. Roman Chamomile, on the other hand has a sweet and unique scent, especially when warmed by the sun. A special blue oil component, called azulenes, is responsible for its sweet and distinct aroma. Other active compositions include bisabol, flavonoids, apiginine, luteoline, chamazulene, matricine and flavonoids.
Sedative Properties of Chamomile
Even though several over-the-counter muscle relaxants and sleeping pills are easily available, some people still prefer the soothing and relaxing effects of chamomile.
Chamomile is a popular ingredient in herbal teas due to its mildly tranquilizing effects. These effects proved to be beneficial to individuals with sleep disorders. Taking chamomile tea before going to bed has been a habit by some people as a means to induce sleep. The drink promotes a profoundly deep, relaxed, and restful sleep.
Aside from aiding in the treatment of insomnia, the flower essence of chamomile is also known to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and depression among others.
As a muscle relaxant, chamomile can further be used to treat various illnesses, such as menstrual pain, neuralgia, toothache, and headaches.
Carminative Properties of Chamomile
Chamomile produces a calming effect on the tummy. This results in reduced digestive problems, heartburn cases, and hyper acidity conditions.
On another note, those who are passionate about gardening consider chamomile as the plant’s physician. It can revive a withered plant, heal ailing plants, or prevent diseases from spreading into other plants.
