Chamomile – properties, contraindications. Homemade ways to use chamomile

Proven content

Chamomile flowers are one of the most famous and popular healing plants. Dried chamomile is a raw material for infusions and teas that are used in many ways. Chamomile is rich in substances rarely found in plants, such as antiallergic chamazulens or alpha-bisabolols. You can also find flavonoids and vitamin C in it. For what ailments is it worth using chamomile tea?

Chamomile – characteristics

Common chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the medicinal plants that reaches 15 to 50 centimeters and can be recognized because of its strong smell. Chamomile comes from the eastern Mediterranean and is popular all over the world today. It is characterized by flower baskets 1,5 to 2,5 cm in diameter, with white petals and a yellow center. Chamomile baskets are harvested after flowering begins and are successfully used as an ingredient in various medicinal preparations, as they contain many nutrients.

You can buy a dried chamomile basket at Medonet Market at a favorable price.

See also: Chamomile as a relief for shattered nerves

Chamomile – healing properties

It is chamomile flowers that are the most valuable because they contain a large amount of essential oil rich in vitamins and minerals. In flowers, in addition to flavonoids and antiallergic substances, you can also find phytosterols, phenolic acids, spiroether, catechin tannins, polyacetylenes, choline, coumarin and mucilage compounds and mineral salts. Due to such a rich composition, chamomile has many healing properties.

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Among other things, chamomile has properties that relax smooth muscles, anti-inflammatory, deodorizing, accelerating wound healing, antibacterial and stimulating metabolism in the skin. It is also effective against cramps and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be used with inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as with bacterial diseases of the oral cavity.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of chamomile results from the content of chamazulene and bisabolol, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thanks to which chamomile is used positively as a compress or an ingredient of ointments for difficult-to-heal wounds, sunburn, ulceration and first and second degree thermal burns. According to the research, chamomile, or rather the oil and extract of this plant, has a positive effect in the fight against infections caused, among others, by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or yeast Candida albicans.

In turn, when it comes to anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile, this is due to the essential oil contained in the chamomile inflorescences, and to be more precise, the aforementioned bisabolol and spiroether (to some extent also chamazulene). As an anti-inflammatory agent, chamomile has been used since antiquity for bone pain and neuralgia.

Nowadays, chamomile is also used in cases of inflammation of the mucous mucosa of the throat and mouth (thanks to the use of rinses from this plant), problems resulting from inflammation of the digestive system and urinary tract, externally in the form of compresses, e.g. for bedsores, or in the treatment of haemorrhoids. .

If we are already at the anus, chamomile has been proven to be helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids. In this case, it is worth using compresses and sockets.

Chamomile tea, thanks to the content of flavonoids and coumarin derivatives, improves digestion and the flow of bile in the bile ducts. Chamomile drunk after a heavy meal will accelerate its digestion, but will not cause other stomach discomfort, as it prevents stomach acidity or excessive secretion of gastric juice. Even people with peptic ulcer disease can drink it. It will also help with flatulence as it is an effective carminative agent.

Chamomile infusion has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, but also inhibits the secretion of histamine, so it can be used even in conjunctivitis or allergies, when there is a histamine burst in the body. It regenerates the skin with burns, ulcerations and skin allergies, and also supports the healing of the skin with juvenile acne.

Chamomile is also included in cosmetics that reduce puffiness around the eyes and soothe bags under the eyes. On Medonet Market you will find, among others FLOSLEK eye gel with firefly and chamomile.

Make an appointment with a family doctor as part of the National Health Fund via the halodoctor.pl portal. The consultation will take place without leaving your home.

Drinking chamomile tea calms you down and makes it easier to fall asleep. Thanks to the content of spiroether and coumarin compounds, chamomile infusion will relax and calm the nerves. You can also take a bath with the addition of infusion or sprinkle it on your pillow before going to bed.

This is due to apigenin, a flavonoid substance. Apigenin works by binding to GABA receptors. According to the tests, this substance inhibited the binding of frunitrazepam (benzodiazepines), which led to the anxiolytic effect. However, in a randomized, double-blind and fully controlled placebo test, which included 57 people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder, it was noticed that after administration of chamomile extract there was a significant reduction in the level of anxiety, estimated on the basis of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS). .

Try the ecological herbal tea Idyllic aromas, which in its composition includes, among others chamomile. You can buy tea at Medonet Market. We also recommend Pukka Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka Honey – chamomile tea with vanilla and honey, which has a calming and relaxing effect, making it easier to fall asleep after drinking it.

Additionally, chamomile has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, i.e. prevents excessive increase of glucose in the blood and protects the pancreas. Another use of this plant is in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, as chamomile infusion can be used for inhalation in case of the first symptoms of a cold. Inhalation with chamomile can thin the secretions and make breathing easier.

You can buy the chamomile flower in the form of dried seeds for the preparation of tea at Medonet Market.

Chamomile tea can also be helpful especially for women because of its antispasmodic properties, as it can relieve pain caused by muscle tension, including fighting menstrual cramps. This is confirmed by two-month studies of chamomile and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In both cases, a similar reduction in pain was obtained in women with premenstrual syndrome, however, in the case of women who were administered herbs, the emotional symptoms were significantly less severe. For women, we especially recommend Pukka Womankind – tea for women, which has a positive effect on the menstrual cycle, but also on the nervous and endocrine systems.

Chamomile can be found in herbal teas for stress, digestion and regeneration. Try the Flower Bouquet, which, apart from chamomile, also contains marigold, cornflower, mallow and mullein petals. We also recommend Pukka Love – tea with rose, chamomile and lavender, which has a relaxing and calming effect.

Check how it works chamomile and moringa tea

Chamomile for hair

Chamomile extracts have been used in hair care cosmetics for many years. Chamomile has the reputation of a hair bleaching agent, an ideal ingredient for the care of blond hair and dull hair without shine. In fact, a chamomile rinse will lighten your hair – even color-treated hair will shine brightly.

The condition of the hair should also improve, because thanks to the content of many minerals in chamomile, the rinse made of it prevents hair loss and nourishes the bulbs. It can also prevent dandruff.

Try the chamomile shampoo for fair hair at a promotional price on Medonet Market.

Find out more: Blonde hair rinse – application, types, method of execution

Chamomile in cosmetics

Due to the fact that it relatively rarely causes allergic and photosensitizing reactions, chamomile is successfully used as an active ingredient in cosmetics and dermocosmetics. That is why chamomile is a component of many preparations such as: bath lotions, creams, care masks or toothpastes. Check out the soothing Sylveco gel with chamomile, which gently cleanses the face and takes care of its healthy appearance. Chamomile is also found in the beauty water of Rosamelis by Embryolisse.

For sensitive skin prone to imperfections, you can also use Camomile water – a mist for the face and body.

Chamomile – contraindications

Although chamomile can be found in chamomile, which has anti-allergic properties, the use of chamomile compresses may cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, contraindications to the use of chamomile are, paradoxically, allergies and skin prone to irritation. Chamomile tea cannot be used during treatment with pharmaceutical drugs, as it may weaken or enhance their effects. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult your treating physician before introducing chamomile tea into your daily diet.

See also: Medicinal herbs – occurrence, properties, examples of plants

Chamomile and pregnancy

During pregnancy, women can use chamomile and thus successfully replace cosmetics or medications that could harm the baby developing in the mother’s womb. In addition, chamomile can also be used in the case of cystitis, nausea in pregnancy, headache or nipple hypersensitivity.

Chamomile in the kitchen

As an edible plant, chamomile is a great ingredient for decorating dishes. You can use it in soups, salads and jellies. It can be used calmly as a decoration for cakes.

Home use of chamomile

Chamomile wrap

1. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon chamomile baskets, water.
2. Preparation: Pour boiling water over the chamomile chamomile and then wait about 15 minutes. When everything has cooled down, use the prepared infusion to rinse your eyes. This is a very good method for conjunctivitis or when our eyes are just tired.

Chamomile rinse

1. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of chamomile baskets, water.
2. Preparation: About three tablespoons of chamomile should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left until it cools down. After this time, drain everything and mix the prepared infusion with warm water (in the ratio of half a glass of water to 5 tablespoons of chamomile). A cotton cloth soaked in the rinse should be wiped intimate places in the case of vulvovaginitis, irritation and redness.

Chamomile for skin cleansing

1. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile baskets, 1l of water.
2. Preparation: pour 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile baskets with a liter of water at room temperature and leave it for about an hour. Then we have to strain the whole thing and use the prepared preparation to wipe the skin of the armpits in case of hyperhidrosis problems.

You can also use Bioherba soap bar for couperose and combination skin available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.

Chamomile infusion

1. Ingredients: half a liter of boiling water, 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers.       
2. Preparation: The chamomile flowers should be poured with boiling water and covered for another 15 minutes. After this time, strain them. The prepared infusion should be drunk three times a day, half a glass between meals in case of problems with the digestive tract (colic and flatulence). Chamomile infusion can also be used when dealing with inflammation of the mouth or as compresses for rabbits, ulcers, burns and conjunctivitis.

Order Pukka Three Chamomile today – chamomile tea that soothes ailments of the digestive system.

Chamomile baths

1. Ingredients: 100g chamomile baskets, 3l of water.
2. Preparation: Pour three liters of water into about 100 g of chamomile baskets and bring to a boil, and then cook, covered, for about 15 minutes. Finally, strain the prepared decoction and pour it into a bathtub with warm water. A bath in chamomile for 20 minutes has a calming effect, soothes skin irritations and disinfects the whole body.

Chamomile tonic for combination skin

1. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon of glycerin, a glass of distilled water.
2. Preparation: First, pour boiling water over the chamomile flowers and set aside for about 20 minutes. After this time, strain them with gauze. Add a teaspoon of glycerin to the drained liquid and stir the whole thing. After that, the tonic is ready for use. It is important to remember that the tonic can be used for up to three days after preparation, assuming it is in the refrigerator.

In addition to the above-mentioned recipes, you can also use chamomile oil for inhalation. Breathing it can soothe inflammation of the airways, which is especially important in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).