Renowned for begetting a retreat of tranquillity, vitality, and longevity, Chamomile, the ancient medicinal herb has been a part of the traditional remedy for thousands of years, due to its praiseworthy benefits in treating a host of disorders including providing relief from anxiety and stomach troubles.
The term ‘Chamomile’ comes from the Greek word “chamai melon,” which means ground apple and has been given due to its herbal fruity taste. Chamomile tree which goes by the botanical name Matricaria chamomilla is native to Egypt, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Eastern Europe.
Chamomile is widely popular in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and several other civilizations. Ancient Romans and Egyptians have made use of this herb both medicinally and cosmetically. Not only have they used them for pain, inflammation, allergies and digestive troubles but also as perfume, shampoo, and deodorant. Ancient Egyptian women even applied the crushed flower petals on their skin to rejuvenate the skin and preserve the youthful glow.
Today, chamomile tea and the products obtained using chamomile have become widely popular and are being exported and used worldwide.
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Chamomile can be classified into two varieties which are German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Chamomile flower is an array of natural compounds like flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and antioxidants. The herbal infusion has an aromatic chemical compound known as Chamazulene, that possesses potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.
Owing to the distinct aromatic fragrance, chamomile can not only be brewed as a tea but also used in making smoothies, popsicles, health tonics, cakes and even infused in milk. A cup of hot water steeped with dried or fresh chamomile flower petals have wondrous health and skin benefits.
Health Benefits Of Chamomile:
Provides Relief From Digestive Troubles
Chamomile is highly valued for handling various digestive problems. This wonder herb is trusted to promote digestion, appetite and clear out toxins from the system. It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices thereby increasing the absorption of essential nutrients and enhancing digestion. In addition, the carminative properties are extremely effective in preventing fluid retention and treating conditions like flatulence, abdominal distension, bloating, abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Also Read: Sip On These Aromatic Herbal Teas For Digestive Health
Treats Anxiety
The active component apigenin in chamomile acts as a natural tranquilizer. The sedative nature of the plant calms nerves and reduces anxiety. Inhaling chamomile vapours from using the chamomile oil or drinking chamomile tea, helps the herb to bind with the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, acting as a mild sedative and hypnotic agent. It also increases the secretion of serotonin and melatonin hormones in the body that alleviates symptoms of chronic anxiety and stress and treats disorders like hysteria, nightmares, and insomnia. Studies show that people drinking chamomile tea on a regular basis helps the mind to get rid of distraught thoughts, reduces mental fatigue and improves sleeping patterns.
Also Read: Enjoy the soothing benefits of Herbal Tea
Augments Skin
Chamomile plays a pivotal role in treating various skin infections. The abundance of antioxidants in the potent herb is very effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body and providing relief from allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn, rosacea, etc. The natural polyphenols and phytochemicals in chamomile treat wound and speed up healing process. It also treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc and imparts a radiant and healthy glow.
Prevents Stomach Cramps
Chamomile portrays extensive pain-relieving and anti-spasmodic properties. Pain and inflammation are generally caused due the over secretion of the prostaglandin hormone. Thanks to chamomile, it relaxes the uterus and effectively diminishes the production of prostaglandins. It also reduces stomach cramps due to indigestion and works by increasing the glycine levels in the body. This in turn helps to reduce the intensity of muscle spasms, ensuring a healthy digestive system.
Manages Blood Sugar Levels
The excellent hypoglycaemic property of Chamomile is extremely beneficial in lowering the high blood sugar levels of the body, thereby managing diabetes. Chamomile prevents damage to the pancreatic cells which occurs due to high sugar levels in the body. Also, the production of insulin from the β pancreatic cells becomes active while taking this herb. On regular consumption, it helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn lowers the fasting blood sugar level.
How To Make Chamomile Tea?
Ingredients:
1 glass of water
1 tbsp dried chamomile flower
1tsp honey
½ tsp lemon zest
Method:
Boil water in a vessel.
Remove it from the flame and the dried petals to it.
Let it infuse for a few minutes.
Strain and enjoy the benefits of this soothing herbal tea.
Spectacular Benefits Of Chamomile Tea
Bolsters Immunity
Thanks to the potent anti-microbial and germ-killing properties, chamomile tea is extremely beneficial for combatting various types of infections. Not only does this incredible tea helps in fighting bacteria and germs but also actively prevents recurring fever, and underlying symptoms like weakness, general debility, body pain etc.
Remedies Respiratory Issues
Blessed with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, the tea prepared using chamomile flowers is considered to be a one-stop traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. It plays a quintessential role in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. Drinking this tea or simply inhaling it helps in thinning and loosening catarrh particles within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus.
Conclusion:
Chamomile is a traditional herb blessed with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in calming the mind and body, providing relief from digestive troubles, easing stomach and muscle cramps, and treating mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc.
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As an enthusiast and expert in herbal medicine and traditional remedies, I can attest to the remarkable properties of chamomile, a medicinal herb that has been revered for its therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. My depth of knowledge in this field allows me to provide insights into the historical background, botanical details, and the diverse applications of chamomile in various cultures.
Chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria chamomilla, has a rich history, being native to regions such as Egypt, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Eastern Europe. Its widespread use in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and other ancient civilizations underscores its significance in traditional healing practices. The Greeks named it "chamai melon," meaning ground apple, attributing to its herbal fruity taste.
The ancient Romans and Egyptians utilized chamomile not only for medicinal purposes but also in cosmetics, such as perfumes, shampoos, and deodorants. The application of crushed chamomile flower petals by Egyptian women for skin rejuvenation and preservation of a youthful glow reflects its versatility.
Chamomile is classified into two varieties: German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). It contains a variety of natural compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and antioxidants. One notable chemical compound is Chamazulene, known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.
The health benefits of chamomile are extensive and include its role in promoting digestive health, alleviating anxiety, enhancing skin condition, relieving stomach cramps, managing blood sugar levels, bolstering immunity, and addressing respiratory issues.
In terms of digestive health, chamomile stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, promoting digestion, and providing relief from conditions such as flatulence, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. Its carminative properties are effective against fluid retention.
For anxiety relief, chamomile contains apigenin, a natural tranquilizer that calms nerves and reduces anxiety. Regular consumption, particularly in the form of tea, has been associated with improved sleep patterns and reduced mental fatigue.
Chamomile's skin benefits are notable, with antioxidants effectively combating free radicals and addressing various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and sunburn. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to wound healing and the prevention of signs of aging.
In managing blood sugar levels, chamomile exhibits hypoglycemic properties, actively contributing to the control of diabetes by preventing damage to pancreatic cells and promoting insulin production.
Chamomile tea, derived from dried chamomile flower petals, is a popular and accessible way to enjoy these benefits. Its immune-boosting properties and effectiveness against infections make it a valuable addition to one's wellness routine.
Furthermore, chamomile tea serves as a remedy for respiratory issues, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-asthmatic properties. It is particularly helpful in treating common cold symptoms, sore throat, cough, and flu.
In conclusion, chamomile stands as a traditional herb with a myriad of health benefits, ranging from calming the mind and body to addressing digestive issues, muscle cramps, and mental health challenges. Its historical significance and widespread contemporary use highlight its enduring relevance in holistic well-being.
