Chamomile

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is a plant with medicinal properties. For centuries it has been used for the treatment of many diseases. It contains many powerful anti-oxidants, which provide the body with many diseases. It has also been found in several studies that the consumption of chamomile is very beneficial for health. It can also be used as tea.

Common description

Chamomile stem is hallow and erect. It is the small plant which grows to up to height 8-16 inches.

Common name- Chamomile, Mayweed, Pinhead, pineapple weed 

Botanical names- Matricaria chamomile

Family- Asteraceae

Part used

The entire plant can be used, however flower is usually used.

Medical properties of chamomile

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Antibacterial
• Sedative
• Brain relaxant
• Anti-allergy
• Immunity enhancer
• Digestive
• Healing
• Relaxant
• Antioxidant
• Antiseptic anti-aging 

What is Chamomile used for?

Insomnia:

Chamomile contains an anti-oxidant called Apigenin which helps in getting good sleep by relaxing the nerves.

Strengthen the digestive system:

It is very important to have proper digestion for good health. A research conducted on mice found that chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, which is effective in fighting diarrhea. At the same time they make the digestive system strong.

Relieve pain in periods:

According to the Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry, drinking chamomile tea relieves pain in periods. It relaxes the utress and prevents the hormones that cause pain during menstruation.

Cancer prevention:

Chamomile tea has antioxidant properties that can help prevent breast cancer, digestive tracts, skin cancer, prostate cancer, and uterus cancer. Test-tube studies have found that chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin, which is helpful for fighting cancer cells.

A study was carried out on chamomile tea involving 537 people. The study found that those who consumed chamomile tea regularly two to six times per week were significantly less likely to develop thyroid cancer than those who did not drink chamomile tea.

Keep the heart healthy:

Chamomile tea contains abundant flavones, which lower cholesterol and control cholesterol levels. It also reduces the chances of heart related diseases.

Strengthen bones:

Bone related diseases such as osteoporosis disease are most common in old age. Due to this disease, the bones lose their nutrition and gradually become weak. In such cases, selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used to prevent bones from weakening and breaking. At the same time, chamomile tea has an anti-estrogenic effect, which helps to nourish bones and keep them strong.

It is also helpful in these problems:

• Control sugar
• Increase immunity
• Overcome depression
• Maintain strong bones
• Beneficial for skin
• Hyperglycemia
• Stomach upset
• Obesity problem
• Nervousness
• Piles
• Eczema

How does Chamomile Work?

According to some studies, chamomile contains anti-oxidants such as flavonoids and apigenin, which provide us protection against many diseases. There have not been enough studies on how chamomile herbal supplementation works. Please consult your herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is the use of chamomile?

Store chamomile in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture. It is safe to take it in limited quantities. It has the effect of thinning the blood in small amounts. Therefore, it can be harmful to consume in large amounts for a long time. If you are about to undergo any surgery, stop using chamomile two weeks before. Because its consumption with anesthesia drugs can be harmful.

Chamomile should be used with caution by pregnant women. According to some studies, chamomile is not safe for unborn baby. It also increases the possibility of miscarriage, however more studies are needed on this so it is better to avoid its use during pregnancy. It should also not be used with sedatives or alcohol, otherwise their effects may be more profound.

Although its tea is safe for everyone, but some people who are allergic to plants of Daisy family may also be allergic to it.

Taking chamomile with birth control pills can reduce the effectiveness of these pills. Taking it with estrogen pills can also decrease the effect of estrogen pills.

Chamomile may alter the effects of liver and sedative drugs. Taking it with warfarin can slow the blood clotting, which leads to injury and bleeding.

The rules for taking herbs are not more strict than medicines. However, more research is still needed to know how safe it is. Before using this herb, understand its risk and benefits. If possible, use it only after consulting your herbal specialist or doctor.

What side effects can i get from chamomile?

• Face and eye irritation
• Drougines (when taken in large quantities)
• Vomiting
• Hyper sensitivity
• Not everyone using camamile experiences these side effects. Some side effects may not be in our list.