Home healer: about the beneficial properties and contraindications of chamomile. Pharmaceutical chamomile - beneficial properties, composition, recipes and chamomile treatment
Many herbs that grow in fields and gardens have a wide range of beneficial properties. Each plant, when used correctly, can help solve health problems. From the article you will learn about such a plant as chamomile - medicinal properties and contraindications, use of medicine, recipes for preparing flowers for colds with photos, its properties, composition.
Chamomile officinalis
The herb chamomile (pharmaceutical) is an annual plant that grows up to 35 cm in height. The grass can be found near roads, between rye crops or on grassy slopes. It is distinguished by its curved baskets, which are shaped like skittles. The leaves of the plant are small. Find out more about a plant such as chamomile – useful medicinal properties and contraindications.
Biochemical composition
- matrices;
- phytosterols;
- Matricaria;
- phenolcarboxylic acid;
- cholines;
- mucus;
- gum;
- luteolin;
- kaempferol;
- apigenin;
- other micro- and macroelements.
Beneficial properties of chamomile
The benefit of chamomile is that it can be used as an antiseptic. Essential oil and flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory effect, a healing effect on the smooth muscles of the bile ducts, in diseases of the intestines and blood vessels. The herb has a positive effect on the intestinal tract, thereby improving food digestion and stimulating appetite. When combining the plant with yarrow, calendula, and St. John's wort, the antiseptic, wound-healing, and antispasmodic effect can be enhanced.
What does chamomile cure?
The plant helps with various diseases. Some mothers use the herb to treat dysbiosis and colic in the newborn. The plant is often used in folk medicine due to its medicinal properties. Healing herbs are used to treat diseases in gynecology and ophthalmology. Herbs are used to treat colds and skin rashes. The following describes diseases that can be cured with a healing drink.
Chamomile in gynecology
Women visit a gynecologist with problems related to inflammation of the female reproductive system. It can be caused by staphylococci, fungi, and tubercle bacilli. They enter a woman’s body through sexual intercourse or during hygiene procedures, gynecological examination or surgery (douching). It is recommended to use the plant for pain during menstruation and cystitis. Chamomile is also used for diseases of the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and colds - the medicinal properties and contraindications for these diseases are described below.
In ophthalmology
Chamomile is used to treat eye diseases: conjunctivitis, lacrimation, stye, inflammation. The plant is widely used in cosmetology: the herb is used to soothe tired, reddened eyelids. Folk recipes describe many chamomile ointments and compresses that relieve inflammation and burning after sunburn. The herb is used to wash boils, ulcers or purulent wounds.
Colds
The plant has anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and analgesic properties, which helps improve the patient's condition during a cold. The herb is used for inhalations and tinctures for bronchitis and tracheitis. The plant promotes expectoration, and essential oils have antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects that help eliminate pathogenic organisms. The herb is used for sore throats and flu, and decoctions from the plant's baskets relieve sore throats.
Chamomile for the intestines
Chamomile flowers are taken for intestinal diseases. Use enemas or infusions to cleanse the intestines. For colitis, the components of the plant improve the functioning of the digestive tract, reduce the inflammatory process, and normalize the activity of the gallbladder. In addition, this medicinal herb:
- helps with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- used to treat gastritis;
- improves the secretion of digestive glands;
- reduces fermentation processes in the body;
- eliminates pain.
Skin diseases
During adolescence, teenagers suffer from acne and pimples, which may not disappear from the skin of the face for a long time. One of the common uses of chamomile is masks, solutions for acne and pimples. Use of the plant for skin diseases for cosmetic effect:
- chamomile decoction - to cleanse the skin of the face and contaminated pores;
- chamomile steam baths - for rashes;
- chamomile oil – for eczema, dermatitis and diathesis.
Traditional medicine recipes
In order to treat yourself with a medicinal mixture, you must first prepare it. To do this, you need to collect the herbs, separate the leaves, stems, flowers, petals, and then dry them. The dried collection is suitable for preparing decoctions, tinctures, teas, and lotions. If it is not possible to collect the plant, a package of chamomile can be purchased inexpensively at a pharmacy. The following are recipes for preparing medicines.
Chamomile decoction
To prepare a decoction from the plant, you need fresh or dried flowers. Chamomile infusion can be taken not only by adults. Chamomile is also useful for children, especially for newborns. Chamomile decoction can have an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. It is successfully used to heal wounds on the body. Infants are bathed in a warm decoction of the plants to soothe them:
- Before bathing a child, to prepare a bath, pour 1 spoon of mint, 1 spoon of inflorescences into 1 liter of boiling water.
- Cover the vessel with a lid and, when the flowers and leaves are at the bottom, pass the infusion through cheesecloth.
- Pour into the bath.
The plant is used for colds and disease prevention during the cold season. Below are several folk recipes for using medicinal chamomile:
- Recipe No. 1. Take a spoonful of chamomile raw material and pour boiling water in a cup. Cover the vessel with a lid and leave for an hour. The decoction is ready. Take orally.
- Recipe No. 2. Pour a spoonful of medicinal raw material into a glass of boiling water. You need to take more plant and less water. Keep the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes. Pass the broth through cheesecloth. Use as needed.
- Recipe No. 3. To prepare decoctions, take dry inflorescences of the plant and add a glass of water to the mixture. Place on low heat and remove after boiling.
Tea
The plant is included in many preparations and is one of the cheapest means for supporting immunity. Medicinal chamomile tea helps:
- cleanse the liver;
- with prostate;
- eliminate heavy menstruation, which is accompanied by pain;
- relax, eliminate nervous tics;
- eliminate inflammatory processes inside;
- get rid of headaches or migraines;
- protect the body from viruses.
When treating influenza in children, which is accompanied by a high fever with a persistent cough, the child is given 1 teaspoon of tea before meals (the mixture is poured with boiling water). To sweeten the tea, add a spoonful of honey. The easiest way to prepare tea is described below:
- take ½ tablespoon of herbal mixture;
- pour boiling water over the inflorescences;
- leave for about 25 minutes.
Camomile tea
With a warm infusion, you help the body cope with diseases and spasms. Before use, it is recommended to pay attention to contraindications before performing the procedure. To gargle with a cough or sore throat, you need to prepare a tincture of alcohol. To prepare the infusion: take vodka or alcohol (1 l), pour in 5 tablespoons of a mixture of leaves and flowers of the plant, leave the mixture for 31 days in a dark place.
To get rid of intestinal inflammation, mix a mixture of herbs (dry chamomile, St. John's wort, anise, fennel, alder, valerian, snakeweed, burnet) with a glass of boiling water (per 10 grams of herb). Decant the infusion and take a glass three times a day. For stomach pain or gastritis, mix 10 grams of dried plant with a glass of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. Then it can be taken 4 times a day.
Contraindications
In some cases, you cannot take herbal infusions, they can harm the body. Chamomile has serious contraindications that need to be taken into account:
- anacid gastritis;
- stomach ulcers;
- diarrhea;
- reduced acidity of gastric juice.
It is not recommended to drink chamomile infusion or tea with medications that have diuretic properties: the plant increases this effect. Take chamomile with caution if you have kidney or bladder diseases. You should not take the herb if you are allergic to it. In some cases, the plant can cause weakness, insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness, headache, and diarrhea.
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Photo of pharmaceutical chamomile
Medicinal plants are widely used in folk medicine. One of the most common and effective is chamomile. Its beneficial properties and contraindications have been known for a long time. Before use, it is important to familiarize yourself with them in order to support the body and not harm it. If everything is done correctly, then a healing infusion, decoction or tea will help cope with a variety of problems.
Features of chamomile
These flowers with a yellow core and white petals are probably familiar to everyone. They are easy to buy at any pharmacy, or you can collect and dry them yourself. But you need to know that not every type of plant has beneficial qualities that make it an effective medicine. The most valuable is chamomile. It is rarely found in the wild and has to be specially cultivated. It is much easier to find fragrant chamomile. It is not recommended to confuse them, because only the pharmacy is suitable for internal use.
The composition of this plant cannot but surprise. All elements in it are perfectly balanced, which ensures maximum absorption. It contains some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. Fatty acid glycosides, polysaccharides, flavonoids - all these components give the flower pro-inflammatory, soothing and other wonderful qualities.
How it affects the body
The health benefits of chamomile are that it is effective against many diseases. First of all, these are respiratory viral diseases, including influenza, as well as tonsillitis. Flower decoctions are taken orally to support the immune system and help the body cope with infection. Chamomile with honey is especially effective in such cases. It is also recommended to gargle to relieve pain and inflammation.
Chamomile has a beneficial effect on digestion. It helps the stomach function and gently stimulates the production of gastric juice. If you are worried about discomfort in the intestines, then you should introduce chamomile tea into your diet. This will help relieve pain from gastritis and colitis and reduce spasms. The plant relieves diarrhea and bloating. The liver, kidneys and gall bladder also improve their function.
This wonderful flower is valued for its positive effect on the brain and nervous system. The plant calms and relaxes, as a result of its intake, sleep becomes more sound, stress and bad mood are easier to cope with. Chamomile has an anticonvulsant effect, so it is often included in appropriate remedies aimed at treating serious diseases.
This plant is valuable for the female body. Decoctions and infusions help normalize the menstrual cycle and reduce pain. They also help remove inflammation in the genitourinary tract.
Chamomile is suitable for external use. It can be seen in a variety of cosmetics intended for skin and hair care. It is considered hypoallergenic, which is especially important for children's cosmetics. It is allowed to use products containing this plant even for the smallest ones, for example, to combat diaper rash in infants.
Application and contraindications
In order for chamomile to have a healing effect, it is used in different ways.
- Taken orally as an infusion, tea or decoction. This method helps with diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract and gynecological problems. You can also drink chamomile as a sedative.
- Externally. For skin diseases and allergic reactions in the form of itchy spots, baths and lotions are used. They also help with insect bites.
- As a rinse. This method is used for toothache, gum inflammation, stomatitis and sore throat.
- In the form of douching. Used by women for gynecological problems.
- Enemas. Will help with hemorrhoids and spasms.
Like any medicinal plant, despite all the benefits for the body, chamomile can cause harm. A contraindication is individual intolerance, due to which red spots and rashes appear on the body. You need to treat the flower with caution if you have a disease such as anacid gastritis.
It is impossible to abuse infusions and other remedies from this plant. As a result, the condition may worsen significantly: nausea, dizziness, headaches will appear, and irritability will increase. If there is a suspicion that chamomile has this effect, then it should be discarded.
The plant helps thin the blood. Therefore, if you have problems with clotting, you need to consult a doctor. It is not recommended to use chamomile when taking blood thinners.
The benefits and harms for pregnant women are assessed individually in each case. During this period, medicinal plants must be handled very carefully. Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a beneficial effect on the digestive and genitourinary systems. But at the same time, it stimulates the production of hormones that can trigger uterine contractions and miscarriage. So it is better to avoid using it. If you really want to, then you can drink weak chamomile tea, but only in limited quantities.
Chamomile infusion and decoction
It is not enough to know the benefits of chamomile; you need to use it correctly. Use the flower alone or in combination with other herbs to enhance the effect. In order for all the healing qualities to appear, the plant is exposed to high temperature. However, it is not recommended to boil it over an open fire, since a significant part of the important elements will be destroyed.
The easiest way is to prepare a chamomile infusion. To do this, pour boiling water over a large spoonful of vegetable mass and let stand for 30 minutes. Before use, strain to remove flower particles.
You can also make a decoction. With this method of preparation, chamomile will release all its beneficial substances. You can’t put it on an open fire; you need to use a water bath. The raw materials are placed in a container and filled with ten times more water. Then bring to a boil, and after 20 minutes remove from the stove. Let stand for 30 minutes, strain before use. It is also possible to make a stronger decoction by reducing the amount of water. If necessary, it is diluted with water before drinking.
To speed up recovery from a cold, you can inhale with chamomile. To do this, you need to brew flowers and breathe in the steam. Just remember that at elevated temperatures, inhalation is contraindicated.
It is also possible to obtain the product by boiling. But this process should not last long, just a couple of minutes, otherwise the bulk of the valuable substances will be lost. It is best to use a water bath to avoid this.
Making chamomile tea
After a busy day, it is recommended to drink chamomile tea. Its benefits and harms lie in its special effect on the body. The drink helps you calm down and guarantees a restful sleep. True, you should not combine it with other sedatives. Another advantage of drinking this tea is that it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and relieves heaviness in the stomach after fatty foods. It is not difficult to make - you need to pour boiling water over the dried flowers and let them stand for a while. To improve the taste, add honey.
Tea made from chamomile and other herbs has a more pronounced effect. You can prepare a useful remedy using one of the following recipes.
- A drink with mint has a calming effect and prevents the formation of gallstones. To do this, mix a small spoonful of crushed plants and pour a cup of boiling water.
- Tea with lemon balm has a positive effect on the nervous and respiratory systems. It is made in the same way as a drink with mint.
- In order to reduce appetite, you can try mixing the following herbs: chamomile, and.
Chamomile for women
Chamomile infusion helps improve women's health. You can drink it to normalize the menstrual cycle. Douching is very popular. Thanks to this tool you will be able to cope with common problems.
- Thrush. A decoction of chamomile quickly relieves itching without causing dry mucous membranes.
- Erosion. In the first stages, it is often possible to remove erosion without any other means, only with the help of douching.
- Cystitis. If you combine chamomile baths and douching, the inflammatory process will stop and relief will soon come.
Before carrying out the procedure, you must consult your doctor. In severe cases, natural remedies are not enough; drug treatment is indispensable. Chamomile decoctions can be used as an aid.
The decoction for douching is prepared as follows: two large spoons of the raw material are poured with a liter of boiling water and placed on the fire. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from the stove. Cool and strain before use. Then the product is poured into a syringe, take a comfortable position, for example, in a bath, and proceed directly to the procedure. It will take about a quarter of an hour.
Benefits for children
Chamomile is often used to care for babies. The first bathing, when the umbilical wound is still healing, is recommended to be done by adding an infusion of this herb to the water. It will prevent the inflammatory process from developing and promote faster healing. The product also helps with other common problems - diaper dermatitis and diaper rash.
The infusion is made as follows: one large spoon of dried inflorescences is poured with a liter of boiling water, the container is covered and left to infuse until particles of the plant settle to the bottom. Then be sure to filter and add to bathing water. Before putting the baby in, check the temperature. Such a bath will not only relieve inflammation, remove redness and relieve itching, but will also have a calming effect on the baby’s nervous system and improve sleep.
Children are also given chamomile tea, but not earlier than three months, so as not to provoke allergies. The product helps improve digestion. It is used for colds that are accompanied by redness of the throat and cough. But you must first show the child to the doctor.
Use in cosmetology
Another area of application for chamomile is cosmetology. To improve the condition of the skin, you need to take into account the beneficial properties and contraindications of the plant. It has anti-inflammatory properties and cleanses the skin well. You just need to soak a cotton pad in the infusion and wipe your face. The procedure should be repeated twice a day.
Chamomile also helps fight eye fatigue and dark circles. To do this, you need to make compresses: dip cotton pads in the infusion and place them on your eyes for a quarter of an hour.
Chamomile decoction is good for rinsing hair. They will become shinier and stronger. In addition, the product helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands on the scalp. Thanks to this, the strands will stay fresh longer and become less oily.
Chamomile is a medicinal plant, the healing properties of which and its benefits for the body were known to our ancestors. Indications for its use are very different, because it helps to cope with many problems. You just need to remember the contraindications.
Within the Russian Federation, “wild” chamomile originally grew in Siberia and Altai, but after this plant began to be cultivated, it spread throughout almost all of Russia (except for the regions of the Far North and the lower Volga). Currently, Chamomile is of greatest practical importance, used as a medicinal raw material in many countries around the world.
A little about chamomile itself
Chamomile belongs to the genus of perennial flowering plants. Part of the family Compositae. The genus includes about 20 species, the most famous of which is Pharmaceutical camomile. In appearance it is a low fragrant herb. It blooms in the first year of its life.
By the way, in Latin chamomile sounds like “Matricaria”, which literally means “uterine grass” (“matrix” - “uterus”). This name, due to the fact that chamomile was often used to treat gynecological diseases, was used by a Swiss doctor and botanist Albrecht von Haller, who lived back in the 18th century.
Chamomile in Latin sounds like “Matricaria chamomilla”. The second word is derived from the Greek words "chamai" and "melon", which translated mean "low" and "apple". Since the smell of chamomile was vaguely reminiscent of an apple aroma, and the chamomile itself was not tall, it was called “Chamaemelon”.
The name of this plant came into Russian from Polish, where it was called “Romanov flower” (Roman flower). The Russians gave it a more gentle and laconic name - “daisy”. This is the origin story of the name of this plant.
Medicinal properties of chamomile
Chamomile inflorescences are used to prepare medicinal raw materials. The uniqueness of chamomile inflorescences lies in their chemical composition, which includes: chamazulene, derivatives quercetin, essential oil (chamomile oil), caprylic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamin C, gum, carotene, apigenin, polysaccharides, etc.
Due to this composition, chamomile has a wide range of medicinal properties. Let us dwell in more detail on some of the most significant components of this plant.
CHAMAZULENE
Chamomile azulene is called chamazulene. Typically, its content in essential oil ranges from 1.5 to 9%, but in selected varieties of chamomile the content of chamazulene can reach 10% or more. Chamazulene, like all azulenes, has anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic activity.
QUERCETIN
Quercetin is a substance that has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and decongestant effects. It is also a diuretic and antioxidant. Present in many medicines used to treat bronchial asthma and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Used as an auxiliary component in anti-cancer drugs. It is used in cosmetology to slow down the aging process of the skin.
CAPRYLIC ACID
As a result of numerous studies conducted by foreign scientists, it was found that caprylic acid has antifungal activity against yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. Fungi of the genus Candida die under the influence of caprylic acid, which dissolves their membrane.
For medical purposes, gum is used as a mucus that can slow down absorption processes and also reduce irritation from the use of certain medications.
Carotene suppresses the production of free radicals and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Increases the body's immune potential, regardless of the type of antigen. For this reason, this substance is a nonspecific immunostimulant.
APIGENIN
Based on research results, scientists found that the substance apigenin stops the spread of cancer cells and makes them more sensitive to drug therapy. It also helps proteins correct violations in RNA molecules endowed with genetic information. These disorders account for about 80% of all cancers. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Internal use of chamomile
For internal use, chamomile is used as a medicinal tea. Chamomile tea can enhance the secretion of gastric juice and bile, stimulate appetite, while enveloping the intestines itself, reducing its sensitivity and irritation.
Chamomile tea helps relieve pain and spasms, reduces swelling of the gastric mucosa, and, thanks to its adsorbing properties, absorbs toxins and waste from the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, chamomile tea is often used for various gastrointestinal disorders, such as colitis, diarrhea, gastritis, flatulence. In addition, chamomile tea promotes rapid healing of the duodenum with ulcers.
Chamomile tea also has a calming effect. It can relieve tension, calm nerves and make it easier to fall asleep.
Chamomile tea can be drunk as a diaphoretic and antipyretic, as well as to strengthen the immune system during infectious diseases such as ARVI, sore throat, influenza, etc.
There are a huge number of herbal infusions, including chamomile inflorescences and other medicines, as well as dietary supplements, used for internal use to eliminate certain health problems.
External use of chamomile
The external use of chamomile infusion is very diverse. It is used in the form of gargles for various inflammatory processes in the throat, mouth and nose, as well as in the form of inhalations for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
This infusion is used to wipe the eyes for conjunctivitis. Using a compress using chamomile infusion, you can reduce signs of eye fatigue, improve the color of the skin under the eyes, and also relieve irritation on the eyelids. Wiping the face (for example, during makeup removal) using chamomile infusion helps rejuvenate the skin.
Rinsing your hair with chamomile infusion helps nourish and strengthen your hair. Hair becomes shiny and silky. Chamomile infusion also helps get rid of dandruff, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands of the head and neutralizes the negative effects of substances included in shampoos.
Chamomile infusion can be added to the bath. You can rinse your entire body with it. This will cleanse the sebaceous glands, relieve minor irritations and minor inflammations in all areas of the body. The combination of a bath with infusion and steaming helps with chronic diseases of the nasopharynx.
There are currently quite popular medicines with the addition of chamomile extract. One of them is the drug rotokan, used mainly for diseases of the oral mucosa.
Conclusion
Nature is a storehouse, all of whose reserves, unfortunately, are not yet known to us. But the amazing is always nearby, and as confirmation of this is the beautiful chamomile, which has long been known for its healing properties. It should not be forgotten that chamomile is a medicine and has a number of contraindications, so before using it it is better to consult a specialist and make sure that they are absent.
Many medicinal plants that have long been used by our ancestors are now actively used in official medicine. Based on them, a variety of medicines are prepared, which can be purchased without problems in almost all pharmacies. Such medications are considered almost one hundred percent safe for the body; they have a minimum of contraindications and side effects. However, their use should still be discussed with your doctor. One of the medicinal plants widely used in official medicine is chamomile. The instructions for using different forms of its release have their own characteristics, so let's talk about drugs based on it and the specifics of their use in a little more detail.
Chamomile has earned the title of the most calming plant in the world. Most often it is used for brewing tea, which helps to quickly relax and somewhat alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of various intestinal diseases.
The familiar chamomile can be purchased at the pharmacy in a variety of forms - in the form of a dried plant and tea bags, in the form of a tincture - a liquid extract, as capsules and oil, as well as a cream and ointment.
What are the indications for use of the drug "Chamomile"?
Various types of chamomile-based preparations can be used as a sedative, which provides a general relaxation and relieves anxiety. Such formulations can also solve minor sleep problems, in particular, make it easier to fall asleep.
Consumption of pharmaceutical chamomile in various forms helps to cope with oral ulcers and various gum ailments. Such medicines can also be used to treat skin rashes and burns, as well as sunburn. It is believed that the external use of chamomile will help cope with various kinds of infectious lesions of the dermis, cure eczema, etc. There are recommendations for the use of chamomile compositions to correct skin lesions resulting from radiation therapy.
Many experts advise taking chamomile preparations to correct inflammatory bowel diseases; such remedies also cope well with digestive disorders and quite effectively eliminate heartburn.
Treatment with chamomile
Dried chamomile flowers can be used to make teas. Four tablespoons of dried plant material should be brewed in an enamel container with one glass of just boiled water. Heat this product in a water bath for half an hour, then set aside and leave for another ten minutes. The resulting medicine must be filtered and the plant material squeezed out. The finished decoction should be stored exclusively in a cool place for a couple of days. Consume half a glass of it twice or thrice a day to achieve an antispasmodic and antiseptic effect, as well as as an anti-inflammatory, sedative and diaphoretic composition. This product is also suitable for rinsing, preparing enemas and various types of lotions.
Pharmaceutical chamomile in the form of flowers can also be used for preparing baths. In this case, to prepare the infusion, you need to take five grams of dry raw materials for every liter of water.
You can also buy chamomile in bags at the pharmacy. It is brewed like regular tea and consumed one to four cups per day.
Liquid chamomile extract is usually consumed one to four teaspoons three times a day, and tincture - a tablespoon three to four times a day. These medicinal compositions can also be used to prepare mouth rinses. Rinsing with such products can be carried out very often - as needed, almost every half hour.
It is customary to drink tablets or capsules based on this plant at four hundred to six hundred milligrams of the active substance per day, divided into several doses. Reception is carried out at equal time intervals.
Chamomile-based creams and ointments are applied to problem areas of the skin twice a day - in the morning and evening. Today in pharmacies you can find formulations of this kind that contain from three to ten percent of the active substance.
Romazulen
You can also purchase a liquid consisting of chamomile extract and its essential oil in pharmacies. This drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and has deodorizing properties. It is used for rinsing, washing and preparing compresses for inflammatory lesions of the oral cavity, treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, trophic ulcers, lesions of the genitourinary system (urethritis, vaginitis, cystitis), inflammation of the outer ear, etc. This medicine can also be consumed orally - for the correction of gastritis, colitis and other ailments accompanied by flatulence.
For external application and enemas, a couple of tablespoons of the product should be diluted with a liter of water. Internal use involves dissolving half a tablespoon of the composition in a glass of hot water.
Can chamomile be dangerous? Contraindications and side effects
Pharmaceutical chamomile preparations extremely rarely cause various side effects, however, their likelihood is worth considering. If the patient has any diseases, as well as when consuming any medications, carrying a child or breastfeeding, the advisability of chamomile therapy should be discussed with the attending physician.
Chamomile or medicinal chamomile is a ubiquitous annual of the genus Matricaria of the Asteraceae family. The plant can be found on various soils in Eurasia and North America and other extratropical regions of the earth. From Latin the name is translated as Uterine Herb, since previously it was used mainly to treat female diseases.
The once wild plant is now actively cultivated by humans, providing medicinal value and being a sought-after medicinal raw material. In addition to the active component of many medicines, it is part of shampoos, creams, lotions, soaps and other cosmetics.
Chamomile: description of the plant
The herbaceous plant has an average height of 20-40 cm; a large stem length indicates a lack of sunlight during the growth period. The stem is thin and erect, hollow inside. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and have an alternate arrangement, sitting on the stem. The narrow-linear leaf has typical dissections with pointed lobes. The root is taproot, practically unbranched, thin. Small flower baskets have white petals on the edge and yellow tubular flowers in the middle.
Distinctive features of chamomile from its other types
The petals on the flower basket of chamomile are horizontal or drooping down. The receptacle itself has a characteristic conical convex shape. The head of the flower is hollow.
Chemical composition of chamomile
Chamomile flowers:
Dry baskets contain up to 1% (0.1-0.8%) essential oil, which is called chamomile. The oil is blue in color and characterized by a rich composition. The most valuable component is azulene chamazulene, the content of which ranges from 1-9%. Chamazulene is synthesized from the lactones matricin and matricarin during the process of steam distillation of raw materials. It has pronounced anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic activity.
Up to 50% of the composition are other sesquiterpenoids: farnesene, bisabolol, monoterpene myrcene, etc.
Medicinal properties of chamomile
The great scientists of antiquity actively used chamomile in their recipes. Thus, Dioscorides and Hippocrates used the plant to relieve pain and cramps. Pliny the Elder advised its use as an antidote for snake bites (all parts of the plant), and the decoction as an effective diuretic. Avicenna used the plant as a tonic that restores strength. Today, infusions and decoctions from dried chamomile flower baskets, as well as the essential oil of the plant, are used in medicine.
Beneficial properties of chamomile flowers:
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Healing properties of chamomile oil:
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A study conducted at the University of Nottingham Medical School found that chamomile relaxes blood vessels and smooth muscles in internal organs. These properties were confirmed in a study by Eulji University, located in South Korea.
A study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School that confirmed the pronounced antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties of the plant. In other experiments, it was found that the aboveground part of the plant (including the stem and leaves) has radioprotective properties.
The University of Texas Medical School at Galveston has experimentally proven that regular consumption of chamomile tea reduces the risk of death in people over 65 years of age.
Indications for the use of chamomile preparations, including oil
- Skin diseases of an inflammatory nature, including purulent wounds, burns;
- Gallbladder diseases;
- Pathologies of the respiratory system, accompanied by cough, swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, bronchospasm;
- Chronic and acute diseases of the stomach, resulting in inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane (gastritis and other gastropathy);
- Inflammatory processes of internal organs, including the genitourinary system;
- Inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes;
- Bronchial asthma, allergic gastritis, eczema and other diseases associated with individual hypersensitivity reactions;
- Pain syndrome, including migraine and toothache;
- Damage to connective tissue (sprains);
- Insomnia.
A long treatment period of up to 3 months is allowed: as a rule, addiction and allergic reactions do not develop.
The use of chamomile and its dosage forms
Treatment with chamomile (internal use) helps with:
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis) and biliary tract, liver pathologies, stomach cramps, diarrhea and increased flatulence;
- Inflammatory phenomena, including diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, ENT organs;
- Increased body temperature;
- Uterine bleeding, postpartum metrorrhagia;
- Painful periods;
- Scrofula, malaria;
- ARVI;
- Overwork;
- Decreased appetite;
- Insomnia, increased excitability.
The infusion is also used for external use for:
- Sore throat, gum inflammation, gingivitis, periodontal disease, stomatitis, toothache (for rinsing);
- Ulcers, abscesses, eczema, difficult-to-heal wounds, rashes, weeping, burns and frostbite (for lotions and compresses);
- Hemorrhoids (in the form of microenemas);
- Inflammation of the eye mucosa (for washing);
- Sweaty feet and hands (for wiping);
- Rheumatism, gout, bruises, arthritis (for poultices);
- Rosacea, pimples (for washing, wiping);
Decoction and infusion
- Chamomile decoction - flowers in the amount of 4 tbsp. place in an enamel pan and add 300 ml of boiling water. Place in a water bath for half an hour, then cool and strain, squeezing out the remaining raw materials. Take half a glass 2-3 times a day after meals, preferably with the addition of honey.
- Infusion - flowers in the amount of 4 tbsp. pour into a thermos, add 200 ml of boiling water, seal and leave for 3 hours. Take the strained infusion 3-4 times a day in equal parts.
The decoction and infusion can be stored for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.
Chamomile tea
- Tea with a calming and carminative effect: take 3 parts chamomile (flowers), 5 parts cumin (seeds) and 2 parts valerian (roots), mix. Pour two tablespoons of this mixture into 2 tbsp. boiling water, leave for about 20 minutes, strain. Take 100 ml morning and evening.
- Slimming Tea- take 1 tsp for 200 ml of boiling water. dried flowers and leave for 10 minutes. During the day you should drink up to 5 cups of 200 ml. Course – 2 weeks, no more!
Baths
500 grams of raw material (the entire above-ground part) is poured with 2 liters of water and boiled for about 10 minutes, filtered and the broth is poured into the bath. Take every other day for 2 weeks in a row for 30 minutes. Useful for the following conditions:
- Skin diseases, wounds, ulcers;
- Insomnia, nervousness;
- Cramps of the calf muscles;
- Dry skin, peeling skin;
- Liver diseases;
- Cracked heels;
- Tired legs;
- After X-ray irradiation.
Cream
Take 50 grams of butter (low fat content 60-65%) and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, melt everything in a water bath, add 2 yolks, 1 tsp. glycerin, 30 ml camphor alcohol, 2 tbsp. honey, 50 ml chamomile infusion. Mix everything thoroughly and pour into a glass jar. The cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Effective for:
- Dry skin;
- Skin laxity and decreased turgor;
- Cracks in the skin, peeling;
- Irritations;
- Redness of the skin.
Douching
1 tsp dried flowers are poured with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml, covered with a lid and left for half an hour, filtered. Draw the solution into a syringe and gently perform vaginal douching over the bath every night for a course of 6-8 days. The fluid is administered very slowly.
Shown for:
- Inflammatory processes without exacerbation;
- Thrush;
- Cystitis;
- Nonspecific and specific vaginosis;
- Cervical erosions.
Douching is contraindicated:
- Women over 40 years old (women in this age group experience a natural decrease in the moisture of their mucous membranes, and chamomile can cause even greater dryness and irritation);
- During pregnancy;
- During menstruation;
- For acute inflammatory diseases;
- In the first month after childbirth, termination of pregnancy, gynecological operations.
Tampons
Chamomile tampons are indicated for the treatment of cervical erosion. Before preparing the infusion, cut them and put them in the refrigerator for 2 days. Take 20 grams of flowers, pour 1 liter of water over them and leave in a thermos for 1 day; strain the finished infusion. Grind the aloe leaves to the consistency of porridge, mix them with the prepared infusion in equal proportions. A sanitary tampon is dipped in the solution and placed in the vagina overnight. Repeat daily for 10 days in a row. Contraindications are the same as for douching.
Use of chamomile for cosmetic purposes
- To get rid of freckles (face whitening), take 20 grams of dried chamomile flowers, pour half a liter of boiling water, leave and strain, add half a liter of curdled milk and the juice of two lemons, stir. Make napkins from gauze the size corresponding to the area of freckles on the face, soak them in the solution and place on the skin for 1 hour. The remaining product is washed off with cool water and the face is lubricated with a rich cream. Make such masks 3 times a week.
- To eliminate redness and irritation of facial skin. 1 tbsp. dry inflorescences of the plant, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for about 1 hour, strain, add 1 tbsp. honey, mix. Soak gauze wipes in the solution and apply to problem areas of the skin, changing the wipes as they dry for half an hour.
- Recipe for chamomile for the treatment of acne: take 2 tbsp. dried chamomile flowers and 1 tbsp. dry, pour 1 liter of boiling water over everything, cover with a lid and leave for 12 hours. Wipe the affected skin with the resulting solution at least 5 times a day until the acne disappears.
- Chamomile for hair that is dry and brittle. 4 tbsp. Mix the flowers with 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour, strain. Mix with egg yolk and apply the resulting solution over the entire length of the hair, leave for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat twice or thrice a week for 1 month.
This solution has a beneficial side effect for blondes - it lightens the hair and gives it a golden shine.
Chamomile oil
Aromatherapy
Without having a pungent or exotic odor, chamomile oil is well tolerated by patients, including children and the elderly, has a positive effect on all organs and systems and disinfects indoor air. Meanwhile, you need to get used to it - not everyone likes the taste of bitterness. Add a few drops to the aroma lamp and conduct a 15-20-minute session, preferably in the evening.
Internal use
Take in a mixture with honey: 2 drops of oil per 1 tsp. honey twice a day for 5-7 days. Helps with reduced immunity, decreased appetite, ulcers and gastritis (not exacerbation), menstrual irregularities and menopause. Eliminates irritability, anxiety, stabilizes the emotional background. Activates memory, has a positive effect on mental activity.
Pregnant, lactating women and children under 6 years of age are prohibited from using its oil internally.
Outdoor use
Chamomile essential oil can be applied to the skin in its pure form, without dilution, but precisely to problem areas by applying a cotton pad soaked in oil to the skin for 5-10 minutes when:
- diseases of an allergic nature (eczema, dermatitis);
- inflammation after exposure to the sun or thermal burns (at the healing stage);
- insect bites;
- poorly healing wounds, ulcers;
- acne;
- acne;
- fine wrinkles;
- rosacea;
- ingrown toenail (at the stage of tissue healing after surgical treatment).
- alopecia, dandruff (in this case, the oil is rubbed into the hair roots for half an hour, then washed off).
Apply chamomile oil for 7-10 days in a row.
- Essential oil can be used to enrich any cosmetic products - creams, lotions at the rate of 3 drops of oil per 5 ml of product.
- Use the oil as a massage oil mixed with a base oil (for example, 5 drops of chamomile oil per 10 ml of olive oil).
- To aromatize baths, 10 drops, previously diluted in a base (warm milk, honey), are enough.
- It combines well with other essential oils, enhancing the effectiveness of the latter: bergamot, geranium, bitter orange, cypress, lavender, rose, sage, marjoram.
Chamomile for children
Children can be given chamomile tea starting from 1 year old, diluting it in half with boiled water or buying special children's chamomile teas, which take into account age standards. For external use, this plant (with the exception of oil) can be used for up to a year, also reducing the concentration of the finished infusion by 2 times.
Contraindications to the use of chamomile
The instructions for chamomile indicate that its use is contraindicated for pregnant women and is prescribed with caution to nursing mothers. If you have chronic diseases or are constantly taking vital medications, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of simultaneous use of chamomile preparations. In case of individual intolerance, the plant cannot be used for internal and external treatment.
Side effects
Possible side effects when taken internally:
- Vomit;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Risk of bleeding;
- Bronchospasm, Quincke's edema - with intolerance to the plant.
External use can lead to an allergic rash, itching and urticaria in the presence of hypersensitivity.
Preparation and storage
Medicinal raw materials for internal use are chamomile flowers. They are harvested in dry weather from June to August. It is during this period that the highest concentration of essential oil in the plant is observed.
For external use, chamomile is harvested whole, collected at the same time as the flowers. The raw materials are dried in the shade, ensuring good ventilation of the room. If a dryer is used, the maximum air temperature should be 40 C. During drying, do not turn the raw materials over so that the petals from the flowers do not fall off.
Dried raw materials can be used for 1 year, provided they are stored in clothes or paper bags in a dark and dry place. The plant has a rather strong specific odor, so you should not store raw materials next to products that absorb odors.
Release forms
Chamomile is included in many dietary supplements and herbal medicines and is available in the form of:
- Dry raw materials (dried inflorescences, tea, herbal mixtures);
- Liquid extract or tincture;
- Fat capsules with plant extract;
- Chamomile oil;
- Creams and ointments contain chamomile extract.
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| Chamomile filter sachets | Chamomile flowers | Romazulin - liquid extract of chamomile | Chamomile oil extract |
