Chamomile is the most recognized and a traditional medicinal herb, native to western Europe, Africa, Asia, and Northern America. The flower originates from a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family and blooms in the early summer months. Chamomile is a wonderful herb also known as Camomille, Feldkamille, Blue Chamomile, Camomèle, Manzanilla, Echte Kamille, Fleur de Camomille, Kamillen, Matricaria chamomilla, Kleine Kamille, Matricaire, Sweet False Chamomile, PinHeads, and Petite Camomille.
The name has been derived from the Greek word khamai or chamos, which means “on the ground,” & melon means “apple.” The Chamomile has been used for ages, dating back to thousands of years, by the Roman, Ancient Greek, and Egyptian Cultures.
There are several types of chamomile flowers available, and they are,
--> Roman Chamomile
--> German Chamomile
--> Yellow Chamomile
--> Morrocan Chamomile
--> Wild Chamomile
--> Egyptian Chamomile
However, teas are prepared only from the German Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile). The traditional herb was esteemed as one of the nine sacred herbs by the ancient Saxons. The Egyptians and Greeks used crushed chamomile flowers to treat xerosis’s skin conditions and erythema caused by the harsh and dry weather.
Chamomile has also been used in many products, such as aromatherapy, cosmetics, and beverages for its sweet scent. And the sweet aroma of chamomile reminisces the aroma of apples. It’s most commonly prepared as a tea by infusing the dried flowers.
Both are aromatic herbs and contain essential oil, chamazulene. German Chamomile is a sprawling member of the Asteraceae family, as it closely resembles the Roman chamomile. German Chamomile flower heads are used to prepare medicines that treat inflammation, swelling, irritation of the respiratory tract, common cold, and flu. It’s also used in Soap, shampoos, mouthwashes, and many other cosmetics.
Roman Chamomile belongs to the daisy family of Asteraceae. It’s an aromatic herb that grows freely in pastures and can be found in dry fields, around gardens, and cultivated grounds. It is a low-growing, hardy perennial. Because of the creeping roots, sometimes it is also called “lawn Chamomile.” Moreover, this aromatic evergreen herb is considered a garden favorite.
Roman Chamomile originated in the United Kingdom and now it is widely grown in American Herb gardens. Moreover, Chamomile tea is one of the most consumed tea in the US. Among different green tea varieties, chamomile is one of the best green tea types available in the market, and it contains no caffeine at all.
Germany’s Commission E has approved chamomile for treating both internal and external problems such as bronchitis, cough, cold, fever, wounds, burns, infections, bacterial skin diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Chamomile is available as a supplement in capsules, tablets, liquid extract, as well as tea bags.
Family- Asteraceae
Kingdom- Plantae
Scientific Name- Matricaria chamomilla
Common Names of Chamomile
- Tamil Name: சீமைச்சாமந்தி [cīmaiccāmanti]
- English Name: chamomile
- Malayalam Name: ചമോമൈൽ/ camēāmai
- Hindi Name: कैमोमाइल/ kaimomail
- Telugu Name: చమోమిలే/ Camōmilē
- Kannada Name: ಕ್ಯಾಮೊಮೈಲ್/ Kyāmomail
- Urdu Name: کیمومائل/ camomila
- Gujarati Name: કેમોલી/ Kēmōlī
- Marathi Name: Kĕmōmā’ila
- Bengali Name: Kyāmōmā’ila
- Punjabi Name: ਕੈਮੋਮਾਈਲ/Kaimōmā’īla
- French Name: camomille
- German Name: Kamille
- European Spanish Name: camomila
- Italian Name: chamomilla
- Brazilian Portuguese Name: camomila
- Latin Name: CHAMAEMILLA
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SIPPING CHAMOMILE TEA
Improves Heart Health
Chamomile has a rich source of flavonoids and is an excellent source of flavone antioxidants that may play a major role in reducing coronary artery diseases and risks of heart attacks.
The studies have found that chamomile tea reduces blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, thus making your heart healthier. According to the American Heart Association study, consuming chamomile tea is linked to heart health. It is also known to reduce the occurrence of various cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have found that consuming one to three cups of chamomile tea daily can produce favorable coronary calcium scores. It is also said that, as tea consumption increases, it lowers the occurrence of major heart-related issues.
Deep research is necessary to confirm the role of chamomile tea in promoting heart health, but certainly it will not hurt you when included in your diet.
Soothes Stomach Pain & Ulcers
Chamomile is an excellent remedy for treating stomach ulcers due to the anti-inflammatory properties and speeds up the healing process.
It also helps to cure stomach disorders, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gastrointestinal issues, and even gallstones. Chamomile also aids in digestion. As it contains anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce inflammations in the digestive tract.
Moreover, enjoying a small cup of chamomile tea can soothe you and lessen your morning sickness.
Helps with Digestion
Chamomile tea can help resolve digestive complications such as managing irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and upset stomach. Herbal tea is traditionally used to treat colic in children and may relieve gas, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach ulcers, and heartburn. It may also help in managing the motion sickness as well. Consuming a cup of chamomile tea, 30 minutes before meal will help you to get most of the health benefits.
Helps in Weight Loss
Chamomile tea not only stimulates weight loss but also reduces bloating. The tea stimulates the gastric juices in the intestines, and helps digestion. So, sipping a small cup of chamomile tea could be an excellent remedy for weight loss. It is also loaded with many nutrients like potassium, calcium, and flavonoids that flushes out the toxins from the body.
It drastically reduces appetite and helps you in losing weight.
Boost Your Immune system
Chamomile tea can help to strengthen your immune system and keep your body free from the common cold and flu. It also helps in soothing the symptoms of sore throat. The chamomile’s sweet scent helps to clear congested sinuses, and the antibacterial properties help in fighting harmful viruses and bacterias that wreak havoc on your immune system.
Some studies show that chamomile also helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells or aids in mental health during treatment.
May Benefit Blood Sugar Control
Several studies have said that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The research has also found that sipping a cup of chamomile tea every day could prevent blood sugar from increasing.
The anti-inflammatory properties in chamomile tea controls the blood sugar level, especially when consumed with meals. Thus chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes.
A Study in 64 people with diabetes who consumed chamomile tea three times a day after meals for eight weeks experienced a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c and insulin levels for diabetes and total cholesterol than people who drank water.
Protect Against Certain Types of cancer
Chamomile may prevent you from cancer and inhibits the effects of cancer cells. It contains the antioxidant apigenin, which reduces the risk of several types of cancer and lowers inflammation. Certain types of cancers explored include prostate, skin, breast, digestive tract, and ovarian cancers.
Cures Mouth Ulcers
Canker sores are found inside the mouth and that can be more irritating and painful. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal mouth ulcers by reducing pain and inflammation. Chamomile and honey have been used as a folk medicine for curing mouth sores and ulcers.
Prepare a strong chamomile tea and leave it to cool. Then rinse your mouth twice a day, it will cure mouth ulcers.
Treats cuts, wound, and skin conditions
As mentioned earlier, chamomile is popularly used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans to treat wounds and promote healing by the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It works as a good disinfectant and can be used for cleaning wounds and cuts on the skin. It can also heal skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
May Improve Sleep
Chamomile is one of the most popularly used therapies for promoting sleep and treating insomnia. It contains antioxidants that bind with specific brain receptors, reducing insomnia, promoting sleepiness, or the chronic ability to sleep. The warmth and mild flavor of chamomile can soothe the body, and individuals may fall asleep. Due to this reason, this herbal tea is nicknamed as “sleep tea.”
The Journal of Advanced Nursing research suggests that it may also improve sleep quality problems and alleviate depression. Therefore, sipping a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed can calm the nerves and soothe the nervous system. Thus it improves the overall sleep quality.
Relieves Anxiety and Depression
Chamomile extract and tea helps in alleviating stress and anxiety. A study published in Phytomedicine found that consuming chamomile-extract can reduce moderate-to-severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Therefore, chamomile tea is a gentle relaxant and acts as an effective natural sedative, lessening stress and anxiety.
Reducing Menstrual Pain
As stated in the Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry, Chamomile tea can reduce menstrual cramps’ severity. It has also been found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could ease menstrual cramps and pain because it has antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties.
It calms the abdominal discomfort and decreases the production of prostaglandins. It relaxes the uterus and decreases prostaglandin production. Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation and pain. Along with this, it can also reduce the PMS mood swings and distress associated with the period pain.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes your bone fragile. It’s a significant health problem in both men and women; it’s most commonly found in post-menopausal women. It’s due to the effects of estrogen.
Some studies have found that chamomile might have anti-estrogen effects and ingestion of chamomile tea can play a vital role in preventing bone loss.
Reducing Inflammation
Whether you are looking for a great way to reduce inflammation or some other pains in the body, well, Chamomile floral herbal tea is an excellent remedy for you. The chemical compounds in chamomile can lower inflammation.
It has also been proven to reduce inflammation symptoms, boost the immune system, and improve your overall health. You can enjoy this herbal tea on its own with a dollop of honey or blended with other spices and herbs.
Treats Cold Symptoms
The antioxidant properties in chamomile tea are beneficial for tissue repair and health. Also, antispasmodic action helps in reducing cough. Some studies have shown that inhaling steam with chamomile extract can relieve the symptoms of cold. It allows you to ease nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose. You can also have a cup of tea to soothe headache symptoms.
Keep Kidneys And Urinary Tract Clean
Chamomile has diuretic properties which is a great benefit to your excretory system. It cleanses the blood, kidneys, and urinary tract by inducing more urination and blood flow. Drinking chamomile tea daily after meals may help to prevent the complications of kidney damage.
CHAMOMILE BENEFITS FOR YOUR HAIR & SKIN
Lightens Skin
Chamomile works not only for treating internal organs and is also an excellent medicine for the treatment of your skin and hair. This herbal tea acts as a natural skin bleach, as it’s packed with antioxidants that help boost your skin health. It also lightens the skin complexion and gives you a healthy glow naturally on your face.
How to use Chamomile For a Natural Skin Bleach
--> Boil 3 spoons of dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup of water.
--> Allow this to boil for 8-10 minutes.
--> Once it boils, strain the mixture and add one tablespoon of honey and rosewater to it.
--> Now apply it on your face and neck and leave it for about 15 minutes.
--> Rinse it thoroughly with cold water.
--> This remedy gives a natural skin bleaching effect and lightens your skin complexion.
Reduces Acne
Chamomile has extensive health benefits. Overall, it has a powerful healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is also effective in treating acne, wounds, and scars on skin surfaces.
Chamomile tea could help fight against acne and scars, eliminate fade spots, and fight breakouts through its antioxidant and anxiolytic properties.
You can use this chamomile tea in two ways to treat acne.
First method is that it can be used topically or taken orally.
The other way to treat acne is by rubbing or intaking the herbal tea leaves on the skin, which is very effective.
In both cases, let the tea be brewed well and allow the active ingredients to get extracted into the tea.
This traditional herb also possesses great healing, cleansing, soothing, and moisturizing effect. Hence, the dried Chamomile can be used as a body scrubber or as a face mask and provides a relaxing, soothing effect to your eyes and keeps your skin glossy.
Treats Sunburn
Chamomile tea is very effective in treating sunburn and soothing skin irritation, when applied topically on your skin. The antioxidant properties in chamomile tea help to fight against free radicals and prevent skin damages. Some studies have proven that chamomile tea is very effective in fighting against harmful bacterias, and it’s a granny cure treatment for skincare.
Reduces Under Eye Dark Circles
Dark circles are common in most people, and they make you look tired and unhealthy. It can be caused due to the lack of sleep, working on a computer for a long time, or continuously watching TV or mobile. To get rid of these dark circles, you can use chamomile tea bags that give you a soothing effect for your tired eyes.
How to Use Chamomile to Reduce Dark Circles under the eyes
--> Dip the chamomile tea bag for 5 minutes and cool the bag for a few minutes before keeping it under your eyes.
--> Please keep it for 5minutes and wash it thoroughly with fresh water.
--> This home remedy will help you eliminate dark circles under the eyes and relieve eye puffiness.
Acts as Moisturizer
Chamomile acts as a natural moisturizer and cleanser to the skin. The elements present in chamomile, functions as a perfect toner and cleaner for the skin and also acts as a good mask for acne. Taking hot steam of chamomile tea also provides an excellent effect to your skin. Regular consumption of chamomile will nourish and moisturize your skin from inside.
Calm Skin Irritations
Chamomile has long been used as a skincare routine, and it can be used topically on your skin and scalp while taking a bath. This prevents skin irritation and itchiness. This wonder herb is also well known for easing discomfort caused by eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and other skin irritation. Its benefits on wound healing go back as far as the Ancient Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks.
Chamomile can also soothe insect bites, wounds, chickenpox, bruises, burns, rashes, sunburns, acne, inflamed skin, and dark circles.
Therefore, this delicious herbal remedy gives a solution to various skin-related problems. It can be used topically on the skin or can be consumed along with food.
The best part is that this herbal home remedy is practical, reliable, cost-effective, and delicious when used orally. And therefore, because of these extraordinary properties, it is considered to be a full-fledged skincare treatment.
Benefits of Chamomile for Hair
There are several benefits in using Chamomile as a natural treatment for your hair. It reduces dandruff, prevents split ends, lightens the hair strands, and promotes hair growth.
Let us look in deep how it works to treat each of the problems.
Treating Dandruff
Chamomile has a high antioxidant that acts as a natural exfoliator, reduces itchiness, dryness, dandruff and also inhibits the growth of bacteria on the scalp. It hydrates the scalp and eases itching and irritation.
How to Use Chamomile in hair
Brew a batch of chamomile tea and let it cool. After cooling, pour it on your hair, and massage it onto your scalp gently. Leave it for one hour, then rinse your hair with shampoo and conditioner in warm water and massage to remove flakes.
Promotes Hair Growth
Chamomile detoxes and soothes inflammation and is excellent for the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It also contains many essential vitamins that can work together to nourish and repair cells. It makes your hair healthy and stronger.
Use chamomile tea on your hair regularly for accelerated hair growth and fewer split ends.
Lightens Hair
Chamomile is another natural hair lightener that works on both natural and color-treated hair. Naturally, chamomile contains three flavonoids called azulene, quercetin, and apigenin. Azulene and apigenin combine to brighten the hair, while quercetin works to lighten the hair.
Using Chamomile tea regularly will enhance natural and subtle highlights in the hair and give a golden glow.
Prevents Split Ends
Chamomile is an excellent ingredient that creates wonder when used on dry and frizzy hair. Its antiseptic properties remove the dead cells and help your hair grow naturally. It also helps in nourishing and soothing your hair and scalp, which prevents dryness and split ends.
Regular use of chamomile will prevent split ends as it keeps the scalp strong and healthy so that it is less likely to split or break off.
Chamomile For Kids
Babies give you a tough time when it comes to sleep. A gentle massage with chamomile oil is known to induce good sleep in infants.
Research has found that chamomile has relaxation and a mild sedative effect, which is deemed safe for infants and children of all ages.
A proper dosage of chamomile tea can also cure your toddler’s stomach upset.
How to Use Chamomile for Babies to sleep
For infants, add 3-4 drops of chamomile oil and massage on your little one’s head, and then give a warm water bath. Or you can add a few drops of chamomile oil in the warm water kept for bath. It helps to calm them down by triggering the sleep hormones.
It is traditionally used to treat insomnia in adults and babies. Besides, chamomile along with lavender oil can relieve symptoms of colic.
Possible Side Effects of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a reasonably safe tea for the majority of the population to consume. However, excessive consumption of chamomile tea can cause unpleasant and potential side effects. Chamomile also has a mild sedative effect and should be consumed moderate, or else it can make you feel drowsy.
Allergies
If a person allergic to plants in the daisy and aster flower family, such as chrysanthemums, chamomile, daisies, marigolds, and ragweed, should avoid consuming chamomile tea. These flowers may cause some allergic reactions such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy red, and watery eyes.
It can also react with other medications and can affect the functioning of blood-thinning medicines, painkillers, antimicrobial drugs, and sedatives. Chamomile has been found to respond to these drugs and change their functioning.
Surgery
Chamomile can react with high-dose Anaesthetics drugs and can cause harmful side effects. As it contains a small amount of coumarin, it can act as a blood thinner and so stop taking chamomile for at least two weeks before your surgery.
Moreover, chamomile should not be used for two weeks after surgery due to the concern about bleeding.
Pregnancy
Regular or excessive consumption of chamomile tea during pregnancy can leads to miscarriage and premature birth. So it is usually recommended to avoid chamomile during pregnancy.
Overconsumption of this tea can acts as an abortion drug, causing miscarriage and uterine contractions resulting in preterm delivery.
It’s crucial to consult your doctor or physician before taking chamomile in conjunction with pregnancy or with supplements and medications. You should also confirm the safe dosage for you and your growing baby.
Takeaway
Chamomile is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, as it has several health benefits, including cardinal disease and cancer risk. However, it’s very safe to consume, and many people enjoy drinking it for its comforting aroma and delicious taste.
With positive outcomes and different perks and taking the advantage of the healthy skin benefits, chamomile provides a natural way to feel you the best.
Start using this wonderful herb and lead a healthy, happy, and beautiful life.
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