Recipe and application of chamomile tincture

Chamomile is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind. Due to the high content of flavonoids, it is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent and healing agent. For medical purposes, the plant is used in the form of decoctions and teas, but the alcohol tincture of chamomile has the highest biological activity.

Useful properties of chamomile

The plant has been known since ancient Rome, where it was widely used to treat gynecological diseases. There is evidence that the Germans treated digestive disorders with chamomile in the XNUMXst century, and ancient Egyptian women made masks from flowers to slow down aging and improve the appearance of the skin. In the Middle Ages, herbal decoctions replaced deodorant and perfume for Europeans.

Chamomile flowers contain about 120 bioactive components – terpenoids and flavonoids, including:

• alpha-bisabolol – accelerates wound healing;
• chamazulene – soothes the nervous system, fights swelling, irritation and itching;
• farnesenes – promote healthy digestion;
• coumarins – relieve spasms and colic;
• luteolin – helps with asthma, respiratory tract infections, suppresses cancer cells;
• apigenin is effective in the treatment of depression and neuralgic diseases.

Chamazulene and bisabolol are very unstable and are best preserved in an alcoholic tincture. Unlike tea and decoction, ethanol-based preparations remain effective for up to four years. Chamomile tincture is taken for sleep disorders, digestive problems, for the treatment of stomatitis and skin infections. Alcohol essences are used in cosmetology, as they improve blood circulation in the epithelium and improve the structure of the skin.

A number of studies have shown that chamomile inhibits the activity of Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that contribute to the development of stomach ulcers. It is noticed that the extract from the plant effectively fights chronic diarrhea, and also relieves spasms of the smooth muscles of the intestine caused by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

How to prepare chamomile tincture on vodka

Chamomile is harvested during the period of active flowering – from mid-May to late August. Before preparing the tincture, the flowers must be dried for several days in a well-ventilated area. For 100 g of medicinal raw materials, 0,5 liters of vodka or diluted alcohol will be required. Flowers are placed in a well-washed and dried jar, poured with ethanol and cleaned in a dark place for a month. The finished tincture is filtered through gauze and stored in the refrigerator.

Application of chamomile tincture

Dosage:

• spasms and irritation of the intestines, flatulence, indigestion – 15-20 ml 3 times a day;
• insomnia, depression, anxiety – 0,5 teaspoon half an hour before bedtime;
• treatment of acne, inflammation of the skin – dilute the tincture with water in a ratio of 1: 4 and wipe the problem area 2 times a day;
• gingivitis and stomatitis – mix the remedy in half with water, rinse the mouth in the morning and evening.

Alcohol acts aggressively on tissues, so the tincture can only be used on areas of the skin where there are no open wounds. If itching, redness or irritation occurs, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Chamomile tincture contraindications

Chamomile is strongly discouraged during pregnancy and lactation. The plant contains coumarin, which thins the blood, so the tincture should not be taken in case of clotting disorders, and also combined with warfarin. For the same reason, the course of treatment should not be carried out before surgery and during rehabilitation after surgery.

Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.