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Is there anything we do not know about chamomile? Indeed, we all have drunk chamomile tea, but usually, because we are used to its mild taste and relaxing fragrance.
For centuries, chamomile has been used as a remedy for sleeping disorders and headaches, but there is much more to this plant that we know of.
Let us see what this widely spread plant can do for us and how nature can answer to some of our health problems and conditions.
Chamomile Plant
This plant comes from Asteraceae family, and such as several other daisy-like plants, this plant is famous for its ability to help with sleeping disorders and insomnia. The name itself is derived from the Greek name chamaeleon, which means “earth apple.” Although all of us are familiar with its white flowers and specific fragrance, in fact, several species are all considered chamomile.
The most commonly used species are German chamomile (wild chamomile) and Roman chamomile (garden chamomile).
How Can Chamomile Help Us?
This plant has antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, antispasmodic, antipyretic and anticancer properties. There are certain compounds in chamomile that demonstrated the ability to bind GABA receptors, and the ability to modulate neurotransmitters. Due to the compound called anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), chamomile is used for stress treatments.
The daisy-like flowers contain volatile oils and flavonoids (in particular, a compound called apigenin).
Skin Treatment With Chamomile
It is not rare to use chamomile in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Due to its characteristics, chamomile can light a skin tone and calm down redness, itches and blushes. Given the fact that chamomile can modulate neurotransmitters, it has a calming effect on the skin as well. One can use chamomile tea bags or dried chamomile as a cosmetic treatment.
Once you boil the chamomile, put your face above the steaming pot of the chamomile tea. You can also bath in water mixed with chamomile tea.
Chamomile For Burns And Scars
Scars and burns are sometimes hard to treat with regular cosmetic products; thus, chamomile is a perfect remedy for their removal. Chamomile oil, especially homemade, is lucrative for burns due to its ability to renew the cells. You can use the oil once a day by rubbing it across the burned area. Another possible solution is to make a chamomile tea, dip a cloth into it, and compress it on the wounded area.
Chamomile For Migraines
Chamomile tea has extraordinary abilities to remove the symptoms of migraines. A cup of tea, before you notice the symptoms, is a natural remedy. Drinking chamomile tea even if one does not experience headaches, is also useful for removing any possibilities of the symptoms.
Chamomile For Stomach Cramps
Due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea is considered a remedy for stomach cramps. Although the causes of the stomach cramps are various, the tea can ease the pain. Drink chamomile tea twice a day, in the morning and at night, and all of the symptoms will be removed.
Chamomile For Menstrual Cramps
Chamomile can be used to stop menstrual cramps in several ways; by drinking camomile tea, taking a bath in water mixed with chamomile and the herbal massage with chamomile. Chamomile relaxes the muscles, in particular, the muscle that lines the wall of the uterus.
Chamomile For Insomnia
Insomnia is a common medical condition that can cause severe mood changes, lack of concentration, and memory loss. Prepare chamomile tea and drink it half an hour before going to bed, that way you can treat sleeplessness efficiently.
Chamomile For Dark Circles
There is a simple treatment for dark circles and eye fatigue. Prepare chamomile tea, and use the tea bags once they cool on room temperature.
Daily Intake Of Chamomile
Chamomile is available is capsules, tinctures, teas, liquid extracts, and topical creams and it may be used internally and externally.
There is no standard dose of chamomile, mainly because the most common usage of chamomile is in the form of the tea. Most of the people drink one to four cups a day. When one is using capsules, it is recommended between 400 milligrams to 1.600 milligrams.
Side Effects Of Chamomile
Use chamomile with caution if you are driving or operating machinery due to its ability to cause drowsiness. High doses of chamomile can cause vomiting or some skin reactions. It is not recommended to use chamomile during pregnancy.
Reference:
Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Chamomile. Encyclopedia Britannica. (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Cunningham, S. (1985). Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications.
Ody, P. and Blumenthal, M. (1993). The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs, with More Than 250 Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Adult
Russo, E.B, and Tyler, V. m. (2000). Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs: A Scientific Analysis of Herbal Remedies for Psychiatric Conditions. Routledge.
Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press.
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Last article update: 12/12/2019
