A brief description of the medicinal plant chamomile. Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.))
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - annual plant genus Chamomile
Description of chamomile
Chamomile is also called medicinal and common chamomile; this plant with a round branched stem reaches half a meter in height and has a specific smell. Chamomile blooms from May to autumn. It grows in grassy places, in vacant lots and near housing, and is found throughout the European part of Russia, the Caucasus and Far East. Very unpretentious to the places where it grows. One of the features of this plant is the strong shedding of the flower’s seeds; the seeds germinate very easily and therefore chamomile reproduces very well. The flowers of this plant are used in medicine.
Chamomile pharmaceutical properties
Chamomile flowers contain large number essential oils (chamomile oil), tannins, salicylic acid, a large number of various organic acids, proteins, carotene, vitamins and other compounds.
The use of chamomile
Chamomile flowers are used in the treatment of many diseases (gastritis, gynecological problems, as a bronchodilator and expectorant).
Tinctures, infusions, and decoctions are made from chamomile flowers. All this is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, choleretic, and diaphoretic. Chamomile is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and has excellent antiseptic effect. The use of chamomile has a dilating effect on the blood vessels of the brain.
Traditional medicine recommends chamomile infusion (mixed with table salt) for the treatment of gout of the hands and feet, with infected wounds, ulcers, abscesses. Chamomile is used for gargling. A mixture of chamomile and lemon balm taken equally well removes sharp pains in the stomach. Helps well with gastritis and intestinal spasms. Relieves pain in the uterine area and promotes recovery menstrual cycle. In ancient times, they rinsed their hair with a decoction of chamomile (by the way, the beauties of that time really had smooth and shiny hair).
Recipes
There is a very large number various recipes for making infusions, tinctures, and decoctions of chamomile, here are some of them:
Pour one teaspoon of dried crushed flowers with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day as an emollient and antiseptic. Recommended for intestinal spasms in the form of an enema.
Expectorant infusion
Grind the dried flowers, brew boiling water in a thermos, add crushed mother and stepmother and sage. Insist for a day. Drink warm decoction throughout the day.
Proportions:
chamomile - 2 tablespoons;
mother and stepmother - 2 tablespoons;
sage - 1 tablespoon;
water - 1 liter.
For douching for gynecological colds
Pour boiled water over crushed chamomile, wrap and leave for 30 minutes, strain and do vaginal douching, after the procedure, go to bed and wrap yourself well.
Proportions:
3 tablespoons chamomile;
1 liter of water.
For stomach diseases
The tincture should be made with the addition of blueberries, cinquefoil rhizomes, caraway flowers, sage and chamomile. Mix all ingredients in equal proportions, add boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, leave for 20 minutes. Take half a glass 3 times a day after meals.
Proportions:
2 tablespoons blueberries, 2 tablespoons cinquefoil rhizome, 2 tablespoons caraway flowers, 2 tablespoons chamomile and 2 tablespoons sage. Water -2 glasses
If your body is full of tobacco and coffee, you can take this infusion
Pour boiling water over dried flowers, leave for 30 minutes and strain. Drink hot 3 times a day, 1/3 cup before meals.
Proportions:
Chamomile - 1 tablespoon;
Water - 0.2 liters.
Contraindications
And finally, make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction to chamomile or intolerance to one or another component, then the use of this plant is contraindicated for you. It is also contraindicated to use chamomile in large doses; the use of large doses can cause depression of the central nervous system, headache.
CHAMOMILE is a genus of flowering plants, belongs to the family Compositae (Compositae) of perennial and annual herbaceous plants, or the Asteraceae family - low, often fragrant herbs. Currently, there are more than 350 species of daisies, a third of which grow in Russia.
The most effective and beneficial for humans is medicinal chamomile.
The name of the plant in Latin - Matricaria chamomilla (Matricaria recutita, Anthemis nobilis) - is of Greek origin and was given to chamomile due to its external characteristic features: short stature, the presence of small flowers and leaves, as well as the specific smell of the plant, vaguely reminiscent, as it seemed to the ancient sages, of the smell of apples.
Description of the chamomile plant
Chamomile is widely distributed in Europe, Asia, North America, South Africa and Australia.
Chamomile - medicinal herbaceous plant height 20 - 40 centimeters.
The root is thin, branched, taprooted, slightly branched.
The stem is erect or ascending, branched, glabrous, ribbed-furrowed, thin, hollow.
The leaves are alternate, sessile, twice or thrice pinnately dissected into narrow linear leaves, up to half a millimeter wide, with pointed filiform lobes. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide.
Flower baskets with white marginal petals (reeds), in the middle with yellow tubular flowers. Flower baskets are small, hovering at the tops of stems and branches on long peduncles. The marginal flowers are pistillate, ligulate, white, the inner ones are golden yellow, bisexual, funnel-tubular. The receptacle is oblong-conical, hollow inside, bare, lengthening towards the end of flowering.
So, let's focus on the flower baskets of chamomile, which differ from the baskets of other types of chamomile. The petals appear first, and the receptacle (the middle outer part of the flower) is flat. Then the petals are arranged horizontally, and the receptacle rises upward. Then the petals bend downwards, and the receptacle takes on a conical shape with an empty recess inside the size of a match head or a grain of wheat.
Inflorescences are baskets, single, large, with a diameter of 18 to 25 mm, located at the tops of stems and branches - on long peduncles, 1 to 5 cm long. The leaves are multirowed, obtuse, imbricated, yellowish-greenish-yellow, brownish at the edges. membranous, have a width from 5 to 8 mm. The outer leaves are slightly shorter than the inner ones and narrower. The basket bed is bare, hollow, hemispherical at the beginning of flowering, and elongated at the end of flowering and during fruiting.
Marginal flowers - from 2.5 to 3 mm wide, from 8 to 14 mm long, pistillate, white, ligulate, with 5 teeth at the apex. Towards the end of flowering they bend down. The internal ones are bisexual, tubular, yellow-golden, with a five-toothed corolla, much smaller than the reed ones. The chamomile pistil has a lower single-locular ovary, a thread-like style and two linear curved stigmas. Chamomile has five stamens with fused anthers in tubular flowers.
Seeds (fruits) - a curved achene, narrowed at the base, from 1 to 2 mm long, from 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide, on inside with 5 ribs, brownish-green color. The weight of 1000 achenes is from 0.03 to 0.07 grams, and in selected polyploid varieties it is 0.075-0.08 g.
All organs of the plant have a strong aromatic odor. It blooms from May to September, mass flowering occurs in June, seed ripening begins in July and continues until August.
Chamomile is propagated by seeds and by dividing the bush.
Area
In its wild form, chamomile grows in the south and in the middle zone of the European part of the country, in the Caucasus. The main procurement areas are Crimea, Kherson and Nikolaev regions. Cultivated on many state and collective farms. The plant is cultivated in illuminated, moist, fertile soils. Fertilize the soil with rotted manure, phosphorus and nitrogen mineral fertilizers. Propagated by seeds. Sow in early spring, summer or better before winter. When sowing in summer, seeds are planted to a depth of 0.5-1 cm; before winter, they are sown on top of the soil. Row spacing is 45 cm. If the soil is dry, the seedlings die easily. The soil is loosened and weeds are destroyed. The yield of dried inflorescences is 5-10 c/ha. Field weed.
Use of chamomile in medicine
Chamomile is one of the most consumed plants in folk medicine European countries. Chamomile baskets - Flores Chamomillae - are used as raw materials.
Pharmaceutical chamomile contains active substances, the basis of which is essential oil, essential component which is chamazulene, which has great healing power. In addition, the plant contains nicotinic, salicylic, ascorbic and some other acids, as well as carotene, bitterness, gums, sugars, proteins and other substances.
Infusions and decoctions of chamomile flower baskets and its essential oil are used.
An infusion of chamomile flower baskets has anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antiseptic, weak astringent, analgesic, sedative, anticonvulsant, diaphoretic, and choleretic effects.
Chamomile is used as an infusion orally as an antispasmodic for diseases of the digestive system, spastic chronic colitis accompanied by fermentation in the intestines, gastritis, to stimulate bile secretion; used externally to rinse the mouth and throat for sore throats, laryngitis, etc. Chamomile infusion is used for colds, severe abdominal pain, cramps, flushing, etc.
Essential oil chamomile has a disinfectant and diaphoretic effect, reduces the formation of gases, relieves pain, weakens inflammatory processes, normalizes impaired function gastrointestinal tract, has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system: strengthens and speeds up breathing, increases the number of heart contractions, dilates blood vessels in the brain. Large doses essential oils cause headaches and general weakness.
Medicinal raw materials are chamomile inflorescences. The inflorescences are harvested at the beginning of flowering, when the white reed flowers in the baskets are located horizontally (prostrate). With later preparations, the baskets crumble during drying, and the raw materials lose presentation. The collection is carried out in dry weather, since raw materials collected after rain, dew or fog dry poorly and darken when dried. The collected raw materials are dried in the open air, spread out in a layer of up to 5 cm. When drying, it is not recommended to turn the baskets over to avoid the flowers falling off. In good weather, the raw material dries in 5-7 days. Can be dried in attics, under awnings, and also in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Shelf life of raw materials is 1 year. The smell of the raw materials is strong, aromatic, the taste is spicy and bitter. To ensure self-renewal of chamomile, when collecting raw materials, at least 20% of well-developed specimens should be left on each thicket.
Chamomile flower powder is used in folk medicine for migraines; Chamomile juice is used internally in the treatment of gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach, with spasms and pain in the stomach and intestines, flatulence, diarrhea, liver diseases, gall and bladder, renal colic.
Chamomile is recommended for high acidity gastric juice. Taken with honey and cream at night causes sound sleep. Externally in the form of rinses it is used for sore throats, for washing eyes, wounds, and for sweating of the extremities.
Chamomile is included in sedative, carminative and emollient mixtures.
Chamomile plant. Photo
Photo of chamomile. Photo: Nickolai Kashirin
Chamomile plant. Photo: Olivier Bacquet
Use on the farm
IN food industry Chamomile essential oil is used to flavor (flavor) liqueurs, wines (for example, sherry) and tinctures.
Chamomile herb due to strong smell, due to the presence of essential oil in it, is almost not eaten by livestock on pasture, although it is not thrown away from the hay by animals. In dried form, chamomile does not spoil the taste of milk, but eaten on the vine, it gives the milk an unpleasant aftertaste.
Beekeepers believe that this plant is harmful to bees.
Flowers can dye wool yellow
Mice do not like the smell of dry chamomile.
Video: Chamomile
Medicinal properties of chamomile
Feb-27-2017
What is chamomile
What's happened pharmaceutical chamomile, medicinal properties and what are the contraindications of chamomile? beneficial properties this plant, all this is of great interest to those who lead healthy image life, monitors his health, and is interested in traditional methods treatment, including with medicinal herbs and berries. So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.
In nature, there are about a dozen plants called chamomile (chamomile, Dalmatian chamomile, chamomile, fragrant chamomile, etc.). But not all of them have healing properties. Chamomile (ordinary, medicinal) is considered the most beneficial for humans.
Medicinal characteristics also distinguish fragrant chamomile (fragrant, or tongueless), which came to Europe from North America during the time of Christopher Columbus. But valuable substances it contains less than chamomile, so it is less effective and is recommended only as an external anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and weak astringent for lotions, rinses, baths and enemas. But you shouldn’t drink infusions and decoctions from it.
You should also not confuse chamomile with similar plants that do not have any medicinal properties. These are popovnik, field navel, dog's navel, odorless chamomile, or odorless three-rib.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita) is an annual herbaceous plant with a strong aroma, an erect stem, branched at the base. The height of a fully formed plant reaches 60 cm. The leaves of chamomile are sessile, alternate, double or triple pinnately dissected, narrow, up to 5 cm long and up to 1.8 cm wide. The internal flowers are tubular, golden yellow in color. The marginal flowers are white, ligulate, with three teeth along the edge. Inflorescences in the form of baskets are located on the top of the stem and branches. The fruit is an oblong greenish-brown achene. Chamomile root is thin, taproot, slightly branched. Chamomile blooms from late spring to early autumn, the seeds ripen in July-August.
Where is chamomile found?
Unlike fragrant chamomile, brought from America, chamomile has always grown in Eurasia. It can be found in the Caucasus, in Eastern Europe, in the European part of Russia and southern Siberia.
Chamomile prefers open sunny areas. In the wild, it can be seen in clearings, meadows, wastelands, roadsides, and vegetable gardens; in crops of various crops it grows like a weed.
Flower baskets and partly stems are used as plant raw materials for the preparation of medicines.
Chemical composition of chamomile
Chamomile flower baskets contain up to 0.85-1% essential oil. It includes more than 40 useful substances, including chamazulene, bisabolol and its oxides, enine bicycloesters, flavonoids, terpene, sesquiterpene, sesquiterpene alcohols, cadinene, isovaleric, caprylic and nonylic acids.
The most important component of chamomile is chamazulene, which provides essential oil blue. It is not synthesized by the plant, but is formed from certain compounds during the processing of plant materials with steam, acids and alkalis. It is thanks to chamazulene and some other substances that chamomile is endowed with anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. In addition, this compound accelerates the process of tissue regeneration. Apigenin-7-glucoside, quercimeritrin, some coumarins and sesquiterpenoids contained in the plant have an antispasmodic effect.
Chamomile also contains nicotinic, salicylic, ascorbic acid, glycerides of fatty organic acids (oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic), gum, bitterness and mucus, macro- and microelements (for example, copper, zinc, selenium).
A. A. Grossheim pointed to chamomile as a plant containing small amounts of vitamins A and C. According to other data, in plants collected in mid-July, the vitamin C content was 223 (in leaves) and 135 (in stems) mg% .
Medicinal properties of chamomile
Among the beneficial properties of chamomile are the following:
- An excellent antiseptic. Has antimicrobial properties.
- It is an excellent pain reliever. Moreover, it is excellent to use chamomile for various pains: for headaches, as a remedy for bloating, pain in the stomach, pain in the limbs, and others.
- Relieves inflammation.
- Has a sedative effect. And all thanks to the combination of zinc and valeric acid.
- Chamomile has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
- Has antiallergic properties.
- Has a beneficial effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract.
- It has antiviral activity, so it can be successfully used for influenza.
- An excellent antipyretic.
- Chamomile has antirheumatic properties.
- Strengthens the secretion of bile.
- Beautiful anthelmintic. Kills lamblia, oscorides and pinworms.
- Chamomile is considered a “female herb”, therefore it is very widely used in gynecology.
- Widely used in cosmetology. It relieves irritation and inflammation, and it is no coincidence that it is included in many creams and masks for the care of hypersensitive facial skin. Also takes good care of hair health.
For a long time, chamomile was used only in folk medicine; certified doctors were skeptical about the beneficial properties of this plant and did not recognize it therapeutic effect. Mistrust was overcome only after the publication of the results of many years scientific research, which were carried out throughout almost the entire 20th century. Official medicine finally approved chamomile as a medicinal plant and began to use drugs made from it.
Scientists have experimentally proven that chamomile can be successfully used to treat acute and chronic gastritis, colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. Preparations made from it stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and bile, so they can be prescribed to improve digestion.
Chamomile has a beneficial effect on women's diseases(painful menstruation, uterine bleeding, etc.), increased nervous excitability, neuralgia. External use of preparations from this plant is effective in the treatment of burns, frostbite, wounds, boils, trophic ulcers, hemorrhoids and increased sweating legs With the help of inhalations with chamomile, you can improve the condition of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, the plant is used to treat diseases of the liver, kidneys, and bladder.
Russian scientists have proven the effectiveness of treatment aqueous extract chamomile inflammations that are caused by the action chemicals and ultraviolet rays. Due to the presence of chamazulene in the plant, preparations made from it stop asthma attacks, relieve allergic reactions.
Chamomile has a pronounced antibacterial property, so it can be used to suppress the activity of staphylococcus and individual species streptococci.
Most valuable qualities chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antihistamine, analgesic, diaphoretic and sedative effects.
Preparations made on its basis have a choleretic, carminative, diuretic, antipyretic, hemostatic, expectorant, anticonvulsant, laxative, antispasmodic, emollient effect. Eating chamomile can improve your functioning cardiovascular system And general condition body.
Both folk and official medicine chamomile preparations are recommended for treatment gynecological diseases, lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (furunculosis, eczema, fungus, abscesses, burns, frostbite, wounds, ulcers, allergic reactions), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory processes in the intestines).
Medicines based on chamomile are very effective for diseases of the kidneys and bladder, liver and biliary tract, nervous system, joints and connective tissue, respiratory organs, dysfunction of glands internal secretion and metabolism. Preparations from chamomile can be used for adenoma prostate gland, hemorrhoids, paraproctitis, sore throat, flu, benign and even malignant tumors.
Found chamomile wide application in cosmetology. Its extract and essential oil are included in many toothpastes, creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos. Toothpastes with chamomile have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, they reduce bleeding gums, eliminate suppuration from pathological periodontal pockets, improve metabolic processes in periodontal tissues and mucous membranes oral cavity, and also effectively relieve unpleasant odor from the mouth.
Chamomile is very beneficial for children. Its decoctions are added to baths when bathing newborns; its infusion is used to treat irritated skin of babies and treat diaper dermatitis. Chamomile decoction is used to wash the eyes for souring and conjunctivitis. For colic, doctors recommend feeding babies chamomile tea, which eliminates increased gas formation. This tea relieves nervous excitability, improves sleep and appetite, and normalizes the functioning of the child’s gastrointestinal tract.
Chamomile contraindications
It is advisable to carry out a course of herbal medicine after consultation with your doctor, who will help you choose the form of a medicine made from chamomile, or the composition of the herbal collection that includes it. The doctor will take into account the desired effect, age and health status of the patient. Allergies to chamomile are extremely rare, but the plant is usually used together with other herbs and a reaction can occur to any component of the medicinal mixture.
But even if your doctor has approved the chamomile drug, you should not take it for a long time. Despite the benefits of chamomile infusions, it is not advisable to drink them every day throughout the year instead of regular tea.
- It is contraindicated to use chamomile preparations for anacid gastritis, which arose against the background of a lack of hydrochloric acid. Chamomile is also contraindicated for stomach ulcers caused by anacid gastritis.
- At mental disorders Chamomile treatment should be abandoned.
- Heavy, painful menstruation and a tendency to diarrhea are also contraindications to the use of chamomile.
- For the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases, chamomile preparations can only be used under the supervision of a doctor and with great caution.
- One of the contraindications for chamomile treatment is pregnancy.
- Combining chamomile and homeopathic remedies is contraindicated.
- Drug overdose of this plant may cause nausea or diarrhea, dizziness, nervous tension, headaches, cough and hoarseness. Women may experience painful exacerbations during menstruation. Excessive consumption of chamomile essential oil may cause muscle weakness.
In addition, it should be remembered that treatment with medicinal herbs requires compliance with:
Chamomile for gastritis, colitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Chamomile infusion for the treatment of colitis, gastritis, enteritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers:
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers.
Directions for use:
Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the raw material and let it brew for 10 minutes, then strain.
Take 40-100 ml warm 3-4 times a day (before breakfast, 1 hour before lunch, at 17:00 and before bed, but not earlier than 2 hours after the last meal).
Chamomile infusion with honey for the treatment of diarrhea, flatulence, and intestinal spasms.
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons of honey.
Directions for use:
Place the plant material in an enamel bowl, pour in 500 ml of boiled water and place over boiling water. water bath.
Heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain, squeezing out the raw materials. Bring boiled water to the original volume and dissolve honey in the infusion.
Take 70-100 ml 3 times a day after meals.
This infusion can also be used as an external rinse for sore throat, stomatitis, and also as a lotion for wounds and ulcers.
Chamomile for colds, flu and runny nose:
Infusion of chamomile and celandine to treat a runny nose.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon of greater celandine herb.
Directions for use:
Pour celandine into 100 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes, then strain.
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over chamomile in another bowl, leave for 10 minutes, then strain.
Mix the prepared infusions in a ratio of 1: 1. Instill the resulting product into each nostril 2 drops 4-5 times a day.
Chamomile for sore throat
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 1 tablespoon of greater celandine herb.
Directions for use:
Mix celandine with chamomile and add 200 ml of boiled water. Place in a water bath and heat for 15 minutes, then strain. Pour in boiled water to bring the volume back to the original volume.
Gargle with diluted infusion 5-7 times a day until the symptoms of sore throat disappear completely.
Chamomile for diseases of the joints and spine
Chamomile ointment for the treatment of radiculitis.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 4 tablespoons of butter.
Directions for use:
Grind the chamomile inflorescences into powder, add butter and mix well.
Apply to the affected area of the body. Repeat the procedure daily until the pain completely disappears.
Chamomile for acne
A remedy made from infusion of chamomile and salicylic alcohol against acne:
Recipe No. 1
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 50 ml of salicylic alcohol. Directions for use:
Pour 100 ml of boiling water over the chamomile and let it brew for 10 minutes. Add to chamomile infusion salicylic alcohol and mix thoroughly.
Soak a cotton swab in the prepared mixture and wipe your face 2 times a day, morning and evening.
Recipe No. 2
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers.
Directions for use:
Pour 500 ml of boiling water over the chamomile and let it brew under the lid in a dark place for 15 minutes.
Then dip a cotton swab into the infusion, squeeze lightly and wipe the affected area of skin.
This infusion can also be used for compresses.
Chamomile decoction for the treatment of deep cracks and keratinization of the skin of the feet.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers and herbs.
Directions for use:
Pour 1 liter of crushed raw materials hot water, put on fire and heat for 10 minutes. Strain and cool slightly.
Pour the broth into a basin, add warm water and make a foot bath.
Based on the book by Vera Kulikova “Chamomile for 100 diseases.”
Flower formula
The formula of the chamomile flower is: false-ligulate marginal flowers - Ch0-∞L(3)T0P(2), tubular inner flowers - *CH0-∞L(5)T5 P(2).In medicine
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An infusion of chamomile flowers is used internally in complex therapy for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, chronic enteritis, chronic colitis, flatulence, intestinal cramps, diarrhea. Chamomile is used locally for diseases of the ENT organs (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis); at spastic colitis, hemorrhoids, painful menstruation. In dentistry, chamomile infusion is used for diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.).In dermatology, chamomile is used internally for eczema, neurodermatitis, urticaria, prurigo, red lichen planus, externally – in the treatment of poorly healing wounds, allergic itchy dermatoses. Chamomile chamazulene is used for bronchial asthma, rheumatism, radiation burns.
Chamomile flowers are included in many domestic herbs and dietary supplements.
For children
As a medicine, an infusion of whole and crushed chamomile flowers can be used by children from birth, following the instructions for medical use.
Chamomile is one of the most favorite herbs for bathing babies. Chamomile baths have a positive effect on the nervous system of babies, are very calming and help them fall asleep quickly. Such baths improve skin tone, make it softer, relieve inflammation and irritation.
In cosmetology
Chamomile is a well-known cosmetic product.
Infusion of dried inflorescences (100 g per 1 liter of boiling water) is used to wash your face in the morning. The skin becomes velvety and soft. For evening cleansing of aging skin, use an infusion of chamomile with the addition of cologne (a teaspoon of cologne per glass of infusion).
A steam bath made from chamomile infusion is good for cleansing the skin of the face. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into a bowl, add a tablespoon of dried chamomile inflorescences, tilt your head over the water and cover with a terry towel. After the procedure, dry the skin paper napkin. After some time, rinse your face cold water and wipe dry. The procedure is used for normal and dry skin once a month, for oily skin - once every 2 weeks. The duration of the procedure is from 3 to 10 minutes.
To give your hair a golden hue, boil 4 tablespoons of chamomile for 15 minutes in 1 liter of water, leave for 30 minutes, filter and rinse your hair after washing. This infusion is also good for dandruff.
Classification
Chamomile (lat. Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert (lat. Matricaria recutita L., M. chamomilla L.)) belongs to the aster family (lat. Asteraceae). The chamomile genus includes about 50 species native to Eurasia and Africa.
Botanical description
Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant up to 60 cm tall. The root is taproot, weakly branched, the stems are solitary, sometimes branched from the base, ribbed, glabrous, leafy to the top. Leaves are alternate, 2-5 cm long, sessile, twice or thrice pinnately dissected into linear subulate-pointed segments, lower leaves with a semi-stem-encompassing base. The baskets are hemispherical, 15-20 mm in diameter, with white marginal false-lingulate and yellow inner tubular flowers. The inflorescence bed is conical, hollow, bare, lengthening towards the end of flowering. The involucre of the baskets consists of elongated, blunt leaves that are arranged in rows like tiles. Chamomile blooms all summer. The formula of the chamomile flower is: false-ligulate marginal flowers - Ch0-∞L(3)T0P(2), tubular inner flowers - *CH0-∞L(5)T5 P(2). The fruit is a curved achene, narrowed at the base, 1-2 mm long, with 5 ribs on the inner side.
Spreading
Chamomile is widespread in all regions of the European part of the CIS (except for the Far North), less often in Siberia and some regions of Central Asia. More common within Ukraine and North Caucasus. Grows in meadows and steppes with sparse grass, young fallow lands, as a weed in gardens, wastelands, borders, populated areas, along the sides of the roads. Introduced into culture.
Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.
Procurement of raw materials
Chamomile flowers (Chamomillae flores) are used as medicinal raw materials. Flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering, when the marginal flowers are located horizontally or directed slightly upward. Baskets with remnants of peduncles no longer than 3 cm are torn off by hand or using special combs. Chamomile flowers should be dried in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40 o C, as well as under a canopy and in attics with good ventilation, scattering the inflorescences on bedding thin layer(2-3 cm) and stirring occasionally.
Chemical composition
Pharmacological properties chamomile depends on the biologically active substances contained in the plant. Chamomile inflorescences contain essential oil (0.2 - 0.8%), consisting of the main biological active substance- chamazulene, its predecessor - prochamazulene and other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes; flavonoids, derivatives of apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin; coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones: matricin, matricarine, phytosterols, phenolcarboxylic acids, choline, organic acids (isovaleric, salicylic, caprylic), vitamin C, carotene, gums, mucus, bitterness, polyacetylenes, macro- and microelements.
Pharmacological properties
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and mild antimicrobial effect, reduces fermentation processes in the intestines, increases the secretion of digestive glands.
Chamomile essential oil improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Flavonoids have an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles bile ducts, intestines, blood vessels and ureters, increase the outflow of bile, prevent stagnation of bile in gallbladder and thereby prevent the possibility of stone formation, facilitate bile secretion in duodenum as a result of reducing spasm of the sphincter of the hepatic-pancreatic ampulla, spasms of the colon and small intestines, restore normal peristalsis, thereby improving the digestive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, and stimulate appetite.
The soft enveloping properties of chamomile are to a certain extent due to mucus, which has a high absorption capacity, as a result of which it adsorbs various poisons. By covering the inflamed tissue, it prevents heat transfer and acts as a warming compress. Also, mucous substances protect the tissue from external stimuli and accordingly reduce its sensitivity. This reduces pain and relieves spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. are being created normal conditions work.
Chamomile is an intestinal eubiotic. Chamomile infusion and decoction exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, fungistatic effects, which served as the basis for the use of chamomile preparations in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, to herbal preparation resistance of pathogenic pathogens does not develop.
For diseases of the liver and biliary tract, chamomile preparations relieve spasms of the bile ducts, increase bile secretion, and reduce inflammation.
When treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with chamomile in combination with calendula and yarrow, best results than with monotherapy. At the same time, pain, belching, flatulence disappear in patients, and general health. The complex use of these plants enhances their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing effects, and yarrow, in addition, increases blood clotting and has vasodilating and analgesic properties.
Use in folk medicine
In folk medicine, tincture and decoction of chamomile are widely used for migraines and insomnia, stomach catarrh, increased excitability, toothache and colds. The infusion is used for lotions and washes for abscesses, ulcers, eczema, rashes, inflammation of the eyelids, boils and sweating. Chamomile vapors are inhaled for the flu. Popularly, the inflorescences of the plant, often referred to as “chamomile flower,” are used to prepare steam baths used to combat chronic runny nose, sharp and chronic inflammation mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx.
In Romania, the medical industry produces medicinal drug, which contains chamomile. It has an anti-inflammatory and deodorizing effect and is used for rinsing the mouth, washing the outer ear, for urethritis, cystitis, trophic ulcers. Inside – for gastritis, colitis and other diseases accompanied by flatulence.
In Bulgarian medicine, chamomile is used to treat acute and chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers, colitis, neuralgic pain, painful menstruation And uterine bleeding. Externally – for inflammation of the mucous membranes, hemorrhoids and for foot baths with sweaty feet.
In France, chamomile infusion is used for digestive disorders, fatigue, physical overload, excessive consumption coffee and tobacco, when you feel unwell and have a cold.
In Poland, the plant is used to increase appetite, for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some types of hypertension as an analgesic.
In Germany, chamomile is used internally and as an external remedy. It is used internally for acute stomach diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastric mucosa, with gastric ulcers. For gallbladder diseases, tea is prepared from a mixture of chamomile and peppermint.
Popular in some countries medicinal tea from chamomile, which is drunk at night with honey or sugar and cream. This tea induces sound and restful sleep.
Historical background
As medicinal plant chamomile was known to doctors Ancient Greece And Ancient Rome. Chamomile was included in the encyclopedia natural sciences ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). Ancient doctors Hippocrates and Dioscorides used this plant for diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder and headaches. In the Middle Ages, chamomile was also popular with doctors. In Russia, chamomile has been known in culture since the 17th century.
Literature
1. Medicinal plants of the state pharmacopoeia. Pharmacognosy. (Edited by I.A. Samylina, V.A. Severtsev). – M., “AMNI”, 1999.
2. Mashkovsky M.D. "Medicines." In 2 volumes - M., Novaya Volna Publishing House LLC, 2000.
3. “Herbal medicine with the basics” clinical pharmacology"edited by V.G. Kukesa. – M.: Medicine, 1999.
4. P.S. Chikov. “Medicinal plants” M.: Medicine, 2002.
5. Sokolov S.Ya., Zamotaev I.P. Handbook of medicinal plants (herbal medicine). – M.: VITA, 1993.
6. Mannfried Palov. "Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants". Ed. Ph.D. biol. Sciences I.A. Gubanova. Moscow, "Mir", 1998.
7. Turova A.D. "Medicinal plants of the USSR and their use." Moscow. "Medicine". 1974.
8. Lesiovskaya E.E., Pastushenkov L.V. "Pharmacotherapy with the basics of herbal medicine." Tutorial. – M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2003.
9. Medicinal plants: Reference Guide. / N.I. Grinkevich, I.A. Balandina, V.A. Ermakova and others; Ed. N.I. Grinkevich – M.: graduate School, 1991. – 398 p.
10. Nosov A.M. "Medicinal plants". –M. : EKSMO-Press, 2000.- 350 p.
11. Plants for us. Reference manual / Ed. G.P. Yakovleva, K.F. Blinova. – Publishing house “Educational Book”, 1996. – 654 p.
12. Medicinal plant raw materials. Pharmacognosy: Textbook. allowance / Ed. G.P. Yakovlev and K.F. Blinova. – St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2004. – 765 p.
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A story about chamomile for children: “Chamomile is our favorite flower”
Shatokhina Sofia, 6 years 10 months, pupil of GBDOU No. 43, Kolpino St. PetersburgSupervisor: Efimova Alla Ivanovna, teacher of GBDOU No. 43, Kolpino St. Petersburg
Purpose works: The story is intended for children of senior preschool and junior school age, workers preschool institutions, teachers primary classes, as well as for loving parents.
Target: formation of love for native nature, to the surrounding world.
Tasks:
- develop observation and attention to the surrounding world;
- cultivate a love for nature, a desire to appreciate and protect nature.
Little sun on my palm -
White chamomile on a green stem.
Yellow hearts with a white rim...
How many of them there are in the meadow, how many of them there are by the river!
The daisies bloomed - summer has come.
Bouquets are made from white daisies.
In a clay jug, jar or cup,
Large daisies crowd merrily.
Chamomile is a small flower on a thin stem. The stem is green and there are many small daisies on it. Flower petals white, and the middle is yellow. Chamomile grows both in the field and in the garden.
Every day I love to admire and collect chamomile. Chamomile reminds me of small suns, just as warm, bright and sunny.
Chamomile is a healing and useful flower. Tea is made from chamomile flowers; it helps with colds. First the flowers
collected, then dried.
We'll pick a lot of daisies,
Through the fields and along the roads.
They are healthier than all the flowers -
They treat various diseases.
It smells very tasty in the cup,
Fragrant chamomile tea.
Chamomile is also an analgesic and sedative. You can buy dried chamomile flowers at the pharmacy.
Gargle with chamomile infusion, make various baths, and wash your hair. My mother and I also wash our hair with chamomile infusion, our hair becomes soft and silky. Chamomile is also used in cosmetology, but you need to handle it very carefully, otherwise it may side effect. Whiten your face, rinse your teeth, and you can also gargle. But this is only field chamomile, and garden chamomile does not have healing properties.
My mom freezes ice cubes with chamomile and wipes her face with them.
Girls weave beautiful wreaths from chamomile, decorate their heads, and give them to their friends.
Older girls also use daisies to tell fortunes.
Look out the window
There is chamomile
A drop of sun.
Tear off the petals
And find out your destiny!
What gorgeous bouquets are made from daisy flowers. I'm sure many people like these flowers. Here is a bouquet of field daisies.
And this is a bouquet of garden daisies.
Daisies look very good in bouquets with other flowers.
And you can grow chamomile both in your garden plot and in the area near your house. Buy seeds in the store, make holes - beds for seeds and sow. Water this bed, weed it and you will have a gorgeous chamomile. Chamomile flowers can be collected several times during the season.
Chamomile is very beautiful flower. She delights us with her blooms all summer long. Many insects fly to chamomile with great pleasure, thereby pollinating it.
It is a symbol of Russia; our chamomile is also loved in other countries of the world. She is also a symbol of purity and beauty, white and immaculate, a symbol of family, all families love chamomile flowers, men love to give women chic chamomile bouquets.
Chamomile, emitting light,
Looks like the sun
He hurries after us everywhere,
Its own, not crossed over.
Until late autumn is upon us,
Casts bold glances.
Her cheerful yellow eye
Through the eyelashes are white...
Across all the clearings and fields,
Chamomile from May.
For your happiness, for our joy,
It grows, blooms and glows.
There are many poems and songs about chamomile. In the summer, on July 8th, we celebrate the “Day of Love, Family and Fidelity,” where the daisy is a symbol of the holiday.
Chamomile flowers come in large and small varieties. She is considered the queen of fields, meadows, and forests. Likes to grow near roadsides.
And how many of these daisies grow on our site? They seed and grow on their own. Neighbors come to capture our daisies as a souvenir, and they themselves take great pleasure in taking pictures with our daisies.
I take great pleasure in collecting gorgeous bouquets myself and giving them to my family and friends. Chamomiles fill the room with a unique aroma, decorate it and give it a special charm.
Love your loved ones, give them chamomile pleasure.
Daisies bloomed on the field,
Lots and lots of beautiful flowers.
And the white sea sways -
Like a dream from impossible dreams!
How I want to plunge into it.
Fall into them and look at the sky.
And smile with happiness in your soul.
Fly with your heart to the sky like a bird!
Ah, daisies! Meadow flowers –
Golden-white dope...
You are like someone's holy souls,
How healing heart balm!..
