Not many people knew the benefit of Chamomile since you will easy to find it anywhere all over the world.
After a rain, or when
lightly bruised, chamomile’s lacy green leaves and small, daisy-like
flowers give off the distinct scent of apple. That may explain the
Spanish name for this herb, manzanilla, which means “little
apple,” as well as the medieval habit of strewing chamomile stems and
flowers across the floors to freshen the air indoors. Two very closely
related species of chamomile have earned a time-honored place in herbal
medicine. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has effects similar to those of Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
but a less pronounced aroma. Both varieties of this herb have been
prized for many centuries—especially brewed as a pleasant-tasting tea—as
a remedy for nervous tension, muscle cramps, skin conditions, and
digestive upsets in babies, children, and adults. Chamomile is perhaps
the most commonly used European herb in herbal medicine today.
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive aid
Colic
Mouth ulcers
Eczema
A treasured herbal medicine, chamomile has soothed
digestive systems and calmed people of all ages for centuries. But not
until the 1970s were scientists able to document and verify chamomile’s
healing and protective effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa (lining).
Germany’s health authorities recognize the effectiveness of chamomile
for relieving digestive spasms and inflammation when taken
internally. Chamomile eases bloating and indigestion when taken after
meals and can soothe occasional heartburn. Many herbalists consider
chamomile the premier children’s herb for easing upset tummies and
calming frayed nerves after an exhausting day. Remember Peter Rabbit?
His mother gives him a dose of chamomile tea (“One tablespoonful to be
taken at bed-time.”) after his escapade sampling all the vegetables in
Mr. McGregor’s garden leaves him with a tummy that needs soothing. A
study of colicky babies found that chamomile, in combination with other
herbs, was highly effective in reducing crying times when the colicky
babies were compared with those in the control group.
Chamomile is also popular for alleviating inflammation
of the mouth and skin. In a study of patients with chronic mouth
ulcers, a remarkable 82 percent rated chamomile extract as excellent for
relieving pain. Compounds in chamomile have been shown to enhance skin
healing and to help prevent infection.
Applied topically, a proprietary chamomile cream was
shown to be as effective as low-dose, over-the-counter hydrocortisone
cream for relieving eczema. Chamomile is also found in creams designed
to soothe and heal diaper rash, skin irritations, and minor wounds.
Germany’s health commission also recognizes the effectiveness of using
chamomile externally for inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes,
including those of the mouth and gums.
How to Use
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1
teaspoon of herb. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. The longer it steeps, the
more powerful its calming effects.
Capsules: 500 to 1,000 mg dried chamomile flowers taken 2 to 3 times per day.
Tincture: 3 to 5 ml taken 2 to 3 times per day.
Topical: Creams are available. Use as directed.
Precautions
Chamomile is very safe. In rare cases, allergic reactions occur, especially in those with severe ragweed allergies.
So folks, those are the benefits of chamomile, who know from now on you can use it for your daily needs :).
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