Home doctor: about the beneficial properties and contraindications of chamomile. Chamomile pharmacy - useful properties, composition, recipes and treatment with chamomile
Many herbs that grow in fields, gardens, have a wide range of useful 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, the use of medicines, recipes for preparing flowers for colds with a photo, its properties, composition.
Chamomile officinalis
Herb chamomile officinalis (pharmacy) is an annual plant that grows up to 35 cm in height. 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 like chamomile - useful medicinal properties and contraindications.
Biochemical composition
- matrixes;
- phytosterols;
- matricaria;
- phenolcarboxylic acid;
- cholines;
- mucus;
- gum;
- luteolin;
- kaempferol;
- apigenin;
- other micro and macro elements.
Useful 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 therapeutic effect on the smooth muscles of the bile ducts, in diseases of the intestines, blood vessels. The herb has a positive effect on the intestinal tract, thereby improving the digestion of food, stimulating appetite. When combined with a plant with yarrow, calendula, St. John's wort, you can enhance the antiseptic, wound healing, antispasmodic effect.
What does chamomile cure?
The plant helps with various diseases. Some mothers use the herb to treat dysbacteriosis and colic in the newborn. The plant is often used in folk medicine due to its medicinal properties. Healing herbs treat diseases in gynecology, ophthalmology. Herbs are used to treat colds, skin rashes. The following are descriptions of diseases that can be cured with a healing drink.
Chamomile in gynecology
Women turn to a doctor in gynecology with problems that are associated with inflammation of the female reproductive system. It can be caused by staphylococci, fungi, tubercle bacillus. They enter the body of a woman through sexual intercourse or during hygiene procedures, gynecological examination or surgery (douching). It is recommended to use the plant for pain during menstruation, with cystitis. For diseases of the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, skin, colds, chamomile is also used - the medicinal properties and contraindications for these diseases are described below.
In ophthalmology
Chamomile is used to treat eye diseases: conjunctivitis, lacrimation, barley, inflammation. The use of the plant in cosmetology is common: the herb is used to soothe tired, reddened eyelids. Folk recipes describe a lot of chamomile ointments, compresses that relieve inflammation, burning sensation after sunburn. The herb is used to wash boils, ulcers or purulent wounds.
Colds
The plant has anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, analgesic properties, which helps to improve the patient's condition during a cold. The herb is used for inhalations and tinctures for bronchitis, 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 throat, flu, and decoctions from plant baskets eliminate sore throats.
Chamomile for the intestines
Chamomile flowers are taken for intestinal diseases. Use enemas or infusions to cleanse the intestines. With colitis, plant components improve the functioning of the digestive tract, reduce the inflammatory process, and normalize the activity of the gallbladder. In addition, medicinal herbs:
- helps with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- used to treat gastritis;
- improves the secretion of the digestive glands;
- reduces fermentation processes in the body;
- eliminates pain.
Skin diseases
In adolescence, adolescents suffer from acne and pimples, which may not leave the skin of the face for a long time. One of the common uses of chamomile is masks, solutions for acne and pimples. The use of a plant for skin diseases for a cosmetic effect:
- chamomile decoction - to cleanse the skin of the face and contaminated pores;
- steam chamomile baths - from a rash;
- chamomile oil - for eczema, dermatitis and diathesis.
Traditional medicine recipes
In order to treat yourself with a medicinal collection, you must first prepare it. To do this, you need to collect herbs, separate the leaves, stems, flowers, petals, and then dry. Dried collection is suitable for the preparation of decoctions, tinctures, teas, lotions. If it is not possible to collect a plant, a package of medicinal chamomile can be inexpensively bought at a pharmacy. The following are recipes for the preparation of medicines.
Chamomile decoction
To prepare a decoction from a plant, fresh or dried flowers are needed. Chamomile infusion can be taken not only by adults. Chamomile for children is also useful, especially for newborns. A decoction of chamomile can have an anti-inflammatory, soothing effect. It is successfully used to heal wounds on the body. In a warm decoction, plants bathe babies to soothe them:
- Before bathing a child, to prepare a bath, pour 1 tablespoon of mint, 1 tablespoon of inflorescences with 1 liter of boiling water.
- The vessel is covered with a lid and, when the flowers and leaves are at the bottom, the infusion is passed through gauze.
- Pour into the bath.
The plant is used for colds, disease prevention in the cold season. Below are a few folk recipes for using medicinal chamomile:
- Recipe number 1. Take a spoonful of raw chamomile, pour boiling water in a cup. Cover the vessel with a lid, leave for an hour. The decoction is ready. Take inside.
- Recipe number 2. Pour a spoonful of medicinal raw materials with a glass of boiling water. You need to take more plants and less water. Keep the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes. Pass the decoction through cheesecloth. Consume as needed.
- Recipe number 3. To prepare decoctions, take dry inflorescences of the plant - pour the mixture with a glass of water. Put on a slow fire, after boiling - remove.
Tea
The plant is part of many preparations and is one of the cheapest means to support immunity. Chamomile herbal tea helps:
- cleanse the liver;
- with the prostate;
- eliminate heavy menstruation, which are accompanied by pain;
- relax, eliminate nervous tic;
- eliminate inflammatory processes inside;
- get rid of headaches or migraines;
- protect the body from viruses.
In the treatment of influenza in children, which is accompanied by a high fever with an uncommitted cough, the child is given 1 teaspoon of tea before meals (the mixture is poured with boiling water). To sweeten the tea, add a teaspoon of honey to it. The easiest way to make tea is described below:
- take ½ tablespoon of herbal collection;
- pour inflorescences with boiling water;
- insist about 25 minutes.
Camomile tea
With warm infusion, you help the body cope with diseases, spasms. Before use, it is recommended to pay attention to contraindications before 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 5 tablespoons of a mixture of leaves and flowers of the plant, insist the mixture for 31 days in a dark place.
To get rid of intestinal inflammation, mix a mixture of herbs (dry chamomile, St. Express the infusion, take a glass three times a day. For pain in the stomach or gastritis, mix 10 grams of dried plant with a glass of boiling water, leave for a day. Then it can be taken 4 times a day.
Contraindications
In some cases, you can not take herbal infusions, they can harm the body. Chamomile has serious contraindications to consider:
- anacid gastritis;
- stomach ulcers;
- diarrhea;
- low acidity of gastric juice.
It is not recommended to drink chamomile infusion or tea with drugs that have diuretic properties: the plant increases this effect. Take chamomile with caution in diseases of the kidneys, bladder. Do not take the herb if you are allergic to it. In some cases, the plant can cause weakness, insomnia, or vice versa, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea.
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Photo of pharmacy 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 since ancient times. 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 to 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 useful qualities that make it an effective medicine. The most valuable is chamomile. It is rarely found in the wild, it has to be grown specially. It is much easier to find odorous chamomile. It is not recommended to confuse them, because only a pharmacy is suitable for internal use.
The composition of this plant cannot but surprise. All elements in it are perfectly balanced, which ensures maximum assimilation. 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 does it affect the body
The health benefits of chamomile are that it effectively treats many diseases. First of all, these are respiratory viral diseases, including influenza, as well as tonsillitis. Flower decoctions are taken internally to support the immune system and help the body cope with the infection. Chamomile with honey in such cases is especially effective. It is also recommended to gargle to relieve pain and inflammation.
Chamomile has a beneficial effect on digestion. It helps the stomach, gently stimulates the production of gastric juice. If you are concerned about discomfort in the intestines, then it is worth introducing chamomile tea into the diet. This will help relieve pain in gastritis and colitis, reduce spasms. The plant relieves diarrhea and bloating. The liver, kidneys and gallbladder also improve their work.
A wonderful flower is valued because of its positive effect on the brain and nervous system. The plant calms and relaxes, as a result of its intake, sleep becomes stronger, it is easier to cope with stress and bad mood. Chamomile has an anticonvulsant effect, so it is often included in the composition of appropriate remedies aimed at treating serious diseases.
This plant is of value to the female body. Decoctions and infusions help to normalize the menstrual cycle and reduce pain. They also help relieve inflammation in the urinary tract.
Chamomile is suitable for external use. It can be seen in a variety of cosmetic products designed for skin and hair care. It is considered hypoallergenic, which is especially important for children's cosmetics. It is allowed to use products with this plant in the composition even for the smallest, 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.
- In the form of infusion, tea or decoction is taken orally. This method helps with diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract and gynecological problems. It is also allowed to drink chamomile as a sedative.
- Outwardly. For skin diseases and allergic reactions in the form of itchy spots, baths and lotions are made. They also help with insect bites.
- As a rinse. This method is used for toothache, gum disease, stomatitis and sore throat.
- In the form of a douche. It is used by women for gynecological problems.
- Enemas. 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 a rash appear on the body. With caution, you need to treat the flower with a disease such as anacid gastritis.
It is impossible to abuse infusions and other means from this plant. As a result, the condition can worsen significantly: nausea, dizziness, headaches will appear, irritability will increase. If there is a suspicion that chamomile affects in this way, then it should be discarded.
The plant promotes blood thinning. Therefore, if there are problems with clotting, then you need to consult a doctor. Chamomile is not recommended when taking blood thinners.
The benefits and harms for women in position are evaluated individually in each case. During this period, medicinal plants must be handled very carefully. Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, it favorably affects the digestive and genitourinary systems. But at the same time, it stimulates the production of hormones that can provoke uterine contractions and miscarriage. So it is better to refuse its use. If you really want to, then you can drink weak chamomile tea, but only in limited quantities.
Infusion and decoction of chamomile
It is not enough to know how chamomile is useful, it is necessary 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 manifest, the plant is exposed to high temperatures. At the same time, it is not recommended to boil it on an open fire, since a significant part of the important elements will be destroyed.
The easiest way to prepare an infusion of chamomile. To do this, pour a large spoonful of plant mass with boiling water and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain before use to remove flower particles.
You can also make a decoction. With this method of preparation, chamomile will give all the beneficial substances. You can not put on an open fire, you need to use a water bath. The raw material is placed in a container and poured ten times as much water. Then bring to a boil, and after 20 minutes remove from the stove. Let stand for 30 minutes, strain before use. It is allowed to make a stronger broth, reducing the amount of water. If necessary, dilute it with water before drinking.
To speed up recovery from a cold, you can do inhalations with chamomile. To do this, you need to brew flowers and breathe steam. It is only necessary to remember that inhalation is contraindicated at elevated temperatures.
It is also possible to obtain funds by boiling. Only this process should not last long, just a couple of minutes, otherwise the main part of the valuable substances will be lost. It is optimal to use a water bath to avoid this.
Chamomile tea preparation
After a busy day, it is recommended to drink chamomile tea. Its benefits and harms lie in a special effect on the body. The drink helps to calm down, guarantees a restful sleep. True, it is not worth combining it with other sedative drugs. Another plus of drinking such tea is that it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, relieves heaviness in the stomach after fatty foods. It is not difficult to make it - you need to pour dried flowers with boiling water and let stand for a while. To improve the taste, add honey.
Chamomile tea and other herbs have a more pronounced effect. You can prepare a useful tool according to 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.
- Melissa tea has a positive effect on the nervous and respiratory systems. They make it in the same way as a drink with mint.
- In order to reduce your appetite, you can try mixing the following herbs: chamomile, and.
Chamomile for women
Chamomile infusion helps improve women's health. It can be drunk to normalize the menstrual cycle. Douches are very popular. With this tool, you will be able to cope with common problems.
- Thrush. A decoction of chamomile quickly removes itching, while not causing dryness of the mucosa.
- 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, then the inflammatory process will stop and relief will come soon.
Before the procedure, you must consult with your doctor. In severe cases, natural remedies are not enough, drug treatment is indispensable. Decoctions of chamomile can be used as an aid.
A decoction for douching is prepared as follows: two large spoons of raw materials are poured with a liter of boiling water and placed on fire. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from the stove. Cool and strain before use. Then the agent 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
Often chamomile is used to care for babies. The first bathing, when the umbilical wound is still healing, is recommended to be carried out by adding an infusion of this herb to the water. It will not allow the inflammatory process to develop, will contribute to faster healing. It also helps with other common problems - diaper dermatitis and diaper rash.
The infusion is made as follows: one large spoonful of dried inflorescences is poured with a liter of boiling water, the container is covered and infused until the plant particles settle at the bottom. Then be sure to filter and add to bathing water. Before lowering the baby into it, check the temperature. Such a bath will not only relieve inflammation, remove redness and relieve itching, but also have a calming effect on the nervous system of the baby, improve sleep.
Chamomile tea is also given to children, but not earlier than three months, so as not to provoke an allergy. The tool helps to improve digestion. It is used for colds, which are accompanied by redness of the throat and cough. But be sure to first show the child to the doctor.
Use in cosmetology
Another area of application of 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: lower the cotton pads into the infusion and place them on your eyes for a quarter of an hour.
A decoction of chamomile is good for rinsing hair. They will become shinier and stronger. In addition, the tool helps to normalize the sebaceous glands on the scalp. Thanks to this, the strands will stay fresh longer, less greasy.
Chamomile is a medicinal plant, whose healing properties and 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 about 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 reaches of the Volga). Currently, Chamomile is of the greatest practical importance and is used as a medicinal raw material in many countries of the world.
A little about the chamomile itself
Chamomile belongs to the genus of perennial flowering plants. Belongs to the family Compositae. The genus unites about 20 species, the most famous of which is Pharmaceutical camomile. In appearance, it is a low fragrant grass. Blooms in the first year of its life.
By the way, in Latin, chamomile sounds like “Matricaria”, which literally means “uterine grass” (“matrix” - “womb”). This name, due to the fact that chamomile was often used to treat gynecological diseases, was used by a Swiss physician and botanist. Albrecht von Haller who lived in the 18th century.
Chamomile in Latin sounds like "Matricaria chamomilla". The second word is derived from the Greek words "chamai" and "melon", which in translation mean "low" and "apple". Since the smell of chamomile vaguely resembled an apple scent, and the chamomile itself was not tall, it was called "Chamaemelon".
In Russian, the name of this plant came from Polish, where it was called "Romanov Tsvet" (Roman flower). The Russians gave him a more gentle and concise name - "chamomile". This is the history of the origin of the name of this plant.
Medicinal properties of chamomile
For the preparation of medicinal raw materials, chamomile inflorescences are used. 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.
HAMAZULEN
Chamomile azulene is called chamazulene. Usually its content in essential oil is from 1.5 to 9%, but in breeding varieties of chamomile, the content of chamazulene can reach 10% or more. Chamazulene, like all azulenes, has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic activity.
QUERCETIN
Quercetin is a substance that has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and anti-edematous effects. It is also a diuretic and an antioxidant. It is present in the composition of many drugs used to treat bronchial asthma, diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is 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 albicanss. 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, as well as reduce irritation from the use of certain drugs.
Carotene inhibits the production of free radicals and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Increases the body's immune potential, regardless of the types of antigens. For this reason, this substance is a non-specific immunostimulant.
APIGENIN
According to the results of research, scientists have found that the substance apigenin stops the spread of cancer cells and makes them more sensitive to drug therapy. It also helps proteins correct disturbances in RNA molecules endowed with genetic information. It is these disorders that account for about 80% of all cancers. It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Internal use of chamomile
For internal use, chamomile is used as a medicinal tea. Chamomile tea is able to enhance the secretion of gastric juice and bile, stimulate appetite, while enveloping the intestine itself, reducing its sensitivity and irritation.
Chamomile tea helps relieve pain and spasms, reduces swelling of the gastric mucosa, and absorbs toxins and wastes from the gastrointestinal tract due to its adsorbing properties. In this regard, chamomile tea is often used for various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as: colitis, diarrhea, gastritis, flatulence. In addition, chamomile tea promotes rapid healing of the duodenum with an ulcer.
Chamomile tea also has a calming effect. It is able to relieve tension, calm the nerves and make it easier to fall asleep.
Chamomile tea can be drunk as a diaphoretic and antipyretic, as well as to strengthen immunity in infectious diseases such as SARS, tonsillitis, influenza, etc.
There are a huge number of herbal preparations, including chamomile inflorescences and other medicines, as well as dietary supplements used for internal use in order 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 rinses for various inflammatory processes in the throat, mouth and nose, as well as inhalations for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
This infusion rubs the eyes with conjunctivitis. With the help of 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 make-up removal) with the use of chamomile infusion helps to rejuvenate the skin.
Rinsing hair with chamomile infusion helps to nourish and strengthen them. Hair becomes shiny and silky. Also, an infusion of chamomile helps to get rid of dandruff, normalizes the sebaceous glands of the head and neutralizes the negative effects of the substances that make up shampoos.
Chamomile infusion can be added to the bath. They can rinse the whole body. This will cleanse the sebaceous glands, relieve minor irritations and minor inflammations in all parts 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 in diseases of the oral mucosa.
Conclusion
Nature is a pantry, all the reserves of which, unfortunately, are not yet known to us. But the amazing is always there, and as a confirmation of this - a beautiful chamomile, has long been known for its healing properties. At the same time, one should not forget that chamomile is a medicine and has a number of contraindications, therefore, 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. On their basis, a variety of medicines are prepared, which can be purchased without problems in almost all pharmacies. Such drugs 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. Instructions for the use of 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 soothing herb in the world. Most often, it is used to brew tea, which helps to relax in a short time and somewhat alleviate unpleasant symptoms in various intestinal diseases.
Chamomile, familiar to everyone, can be purchased at a 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, like capsules and oil, as well as a cream and ointment.
What are the indications for use of the drug "Chamomile Pharmacy"?
Various preparations based on chamomile can be used as a sedative, which has a general relaxing effect and relieves anxiety well. Such compositions can also solve minor problems with sleep, in particular, make it easier to fall asleep.
Consumption of pharmacy chamomile in various forms helps to cope with ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity 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 to cope with various infectious lesions of the dermis, cure eczema, etc. There are recommendations for the use of chamomile formulations to correct skin lesions resulting from radiation therapy.
Many experts advise taking chamomile preparations to correct inflammatory bowel lesions, and such remedies also cope well with digestive disorders and effectively eliminate heartburn.
Chamomile treatment
Dried chamomile flowers can be used to make teas. Four tablespoons of dried vegetable raw materials should be brewed in an enameled container with one glass of boiled water only. Heat such a remedy 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 must be squeezed out. The finished broth should be stored exclusively in a cool place for a couple of days. Consume it in half a glass twice or thrice a day to achieve an antispasmodic and antiseptic effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory, sedative and diaphoretic composition. This tool is also suitable for rinsing, preparing enemas and various lotions.
Pharmacy chamomile in the form of flowers can also be used for 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 sachets at the pharmacy. It is brewed like regular tea and consumed one to four cups a day.
Liquid extract of chamomile is usually consumed one to four teaspoons three times a day, and tincture - one tablespoon three to four times a day. These formulations may also be used in the preparation of mouth rinses. Rinses with such means 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.
Creams and ointments based on chamomile are applied to problem areas of the skin twice a day - in the morning and evening. To date, in pharmacies, you can find formulations of this kind, which contain from three to ten percent of the active substance.
Romazulene
Also in pharmacies you can buy a liquid consisting of chamomile extract and its essential oil. This drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and has deodorizing qualities. It is used for rinsing, washing and preparing compresses for inflammatory lesions of the oral cavity, therapy for inflammatory dermatosis, trophic ulcers, lesions of the genitourinary system (urethritis, vaginitis, cystitis), inflammation of the external ear, etc. Also, this medicine can be consumed internally - with 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 reception involves dissolving half a tablespoon of the composition in a glass of hot water.
Can chamomile be dangerous? Contraindications and side effects
Pharmaceutical preparations of chamomile rarely cause various side effects, however, their likelihood should be taken into account. 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 is a ubiquitous annual plant of the genus Matricaria of the Asteraceae family. The plant can be found on different soils of Eurasia and North America and other extratropical regions of the earth. From Latin, the name translates as Mother Grass, since earlier it was used mainly for the treatment of female diseases.
Once a wild plant, today it is actively cultivated by man, representing medicinal value, 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 pharmacy: description of the plant
The herbaceous plant has an average height of 20-40 cm, the large length of the stem indicates a lack of sunlight during the growth period. The stem is thin and erect, hollow inside. Leaves 2-5 cm long have a regular arrangement, sit on the stem. The narrow-linear leaf has typical cuts with pointed lobules. Taproot, practically unbranched, thin. Small flower baskets have white petals on the edge and yellow tubular flowers in the middle.
Distinctive features of chamomile officinalis from its other species
The petals on the flower basket of the chamomile have a horizontal arrangement or are lowered down. The receptacle itself has a characteristic conical convex shape. The flower head is hollow.
The chemical composition of chamomile
Chamomile flowers:
Dry baskets contain up to 1% (0.1-0.8%) of essential oil, which is called chamomile. The oil has a blue color and is characterized by a rich composition. The most valuable component is azulene chamazulene, the content of which varies between 1-9%. Chamazulene is synthesized from the lactones matricin and matricarin in the process of steam distillation of raw materials. It has a pronounced anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic activity.
Up to 50% of the composition are other sesquiterpenoids: farnesene, bisabolol, myrcene monoterpene, etc.
Medicinal properties of chamomile
The great scientists of antiquity actively used chamomile in their recipes. So, Dioscorides and Hippocrates used the plant to relieve pain and cramps. Pliny the Elder advised using it as an antidote for snake bites (all parts of the plant), and 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, have found application in medicine.
Useful properties of chamomile flowers:
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Medicinal properties of chamomile oil:
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A study conducted at the Medical School of Nottingham Medical University found that chamomile relaxes the blood vessels and smooth muscles of the internal organs. These properties are confirmed in a study by Eulji University, located in South Korea.
A study was conducted at the Pennsylvania Medical School, which confirmed the pronounced antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties of the plant. In other experiments, it was found that the aerial part of the plant (including the stem and leaves) has radioprotective properties.
The University of Texas Galveston School of Medicine 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;
- Diseases of the gallbladder;
- Pathologies of the respiratory organs, 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;
- Connective tissue damage (ligament 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
Chamomile treatment (internal intake) 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;
- Elevated body temperature;
- Uterine bleeding, postpartum metrorrhagia;
- Painful periods;
- Scrofula, malaria;
- SARS;
- Overwork;
- Decreased appetite;
- Insomnia, increased excitability.
Also, the infusion is used for external use when:
- Angina, inflammation of the gums, 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 microclysters);
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes (for washing);
- Sweating of feet and hands (for rubbing);
- 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. Put in a water bath for half an hour, then cool and strain, squeezing out the remnants of raw materials. Take 2-3 times a day after meals for half a glass, preferably with the addition of honey.
- Infusion - flowers in the amount of 4 tbsp. pour into a thermos, add 200 ml of boiling water, cork and leave for 3 hours. Take the strained infusion 3-4 times a day in equal parts.
You can store the decoction and infusion for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.
Chamomile tea
- Tea with a calming and carminative effect: take 3 parts of chamomile (flowers), 5 parts of cumin (seeds) and 2 parts of valerian (roots), mix. Pour two tablespoons of this mixture into 2 tbsp. boiling water, leave for about 20 minutes, strain. Take 100 ml in the morning and evening.
- Slimming Tea- for 200 ml of boiling water, take 1 tsp. dry 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 g of raw materials (the entire above-ground part) are poured with 2 liters of water and boiled for about 10 minutes, filtered and 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, skin peeling;
- Liver disease;
- Cracks in the heels;
- leg fatigue;
- After X-ray exposure.
Cream
Take 50 g of butter (low fat 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 of chamomile infusion. Mix everything thoroughly and pour into a glass jar. The cream will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Effective for:
- dry skin;
- Flaccidity of the skin and a decrease in turgor;
- Cracks in the skin, peeling;
- Irritations;
- Redness of the skin.
douching
1 tsp dry flowers are poured with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml, covered with a lid and insisted for half an hour, filtered. Collect the solution in a douche and gently bring vaginal douching over the bath daily at night for a course of 6-8 days. The introduction of liquid is carried out very slowly.
Shown at:
- Inflammatory processes without exacerbation;
- Thrush;
- cystitis;
- Nonspecific and specific vaginosis;
- Erosion of the cervix.
Douching is contraindicated:
- Women over 40 years of age (in women of this age group, a natural decrease in the moisture content of the mucous membranes occurs, and chamomile can provoke even greater dryness and irritation);
- During pregnancy;
- During the period of menstruation;
- In acute inflammatory diseases;
- In the first month after delivery, abortion, gynecological operations.
Tampons
Chamomile tampons are indicated for the treatment of cervical erosion. Before preparing the infusion, cut and put them in the refrigerator for 2 days. Take 20 g of flowers, pour them with 1 liter of water and insist in a thermos for 1 day, strain the finished infusion. Grind aloe leaves to the consistency of porridge, mix them with the finished infusion in equal proportions. A sanitary tampon is dipped into the solution and placed in the vagina overnight. Repeat daily for 10 consecutive days. Contraindications are the same as for douching.
The use of chamomile for cosmetic purposes
- To get rid of freckles (whitening the face), take 20 g of dried chamomile flowers, pour half a liter of boiling water, insist and strain, add half a liter of yogurt and juice from two lemons, mix. Make napkins out of gauze with a size corresponding to the area of \u200b\u200bfreckles on the face, soak them with a solution and put on the skin for 1 hour. Wash off the rest of the product with cool water and lubricate the face with a fat cream. Make such masks 3 times a week.
- To eliminate redness and irritation of the skin of the face. 1 tbsp dry inflorescences of the plant pour a glass of boiling water, leave for about 1 hour, strain, add 1 tbsp. honey, stir. Moisten gauze pads in the solution and apply to problem areas of the skin, changing the pads as they dry for half an hour.
- Chamomile recipe for acne treatment: take 2 tbsp. dry chamomile flowers and 1 tbsp. dry, pour all 1 liter of boiling water, 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 dry and brittle hair. 4 tbsp flowers mix with 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour, strain. Mix with egg yolk and apply the resulting solution to the entire length of the hair, leave for half an hour, then rinse well. Repeat twice or thrice a week for 1 month.
This solution has a beneficial side effect for blondes - it brightens hair and gives it a golden sheen.
Chamomile oil
aromatherapy
Without a sharp or exotic smell, 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 spend a 15-20-minute session, preferably in the evening.
Internal application
Taken mixed 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 (without exacerbation), menstrual irregularities and during menopause. Eliminates irritability, excitement, stabilizes the emotional background. Activates memory, positively affects mental activity.
Pregnant, lactating women and children under 6 years of age are not allowed to use its oil for internal use.
outdoor use
Chamomile essential oil can be applied to the skin in its pure form, without dilution, but pointwise, on problem areas in the form of applying an oil-soaked cotton pad to the skin for 5-10 minutes when:
- allergic diseases (eczema, dermatitis);
- inflammation after sun exposure or thermal burns (at the healing stage);
- insect bites;
- poorly healing wounds, ulcers;
- acne;
- acne
- small wrinkles;
- rosacea;
- ingrown nail (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.
- Any cosmetic products are enriched with essential oil - creams, lotions at the rate of 3 drops of oil per 5 ml of product.
- Use the oil as a massage oil mixed with base oil (for example, 5 drops of chamomile oil per 10 ml of olive oil).
- To aromatize baths, 10 drops, previously diluted in the base (warm milk, honey), are enough.
- It goes 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 from the age of 1, diluting it in half with boiled water or buying special children's chamomile teas, where age norms are taken into account. For external use, this plant (with the exception of oil) can be used 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 in pregnant women and is prescribed with caution to nursing mothers. If you have chronic diseases or are constantly taking life-saving medications, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using chamomile preparations at the same time. With individual intolerance, the plant can not 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 plant intolerance.
External use can lead to allergic rashes, itching and hives in the presence of hypersensitivity.
Procurement 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 noted.
For external use, chamomile is harvested as a whole, harvested in the same period as the flowers. The raw materials are dried in the shade, providing for good ventilation of the room. If a dryer is used, the maximum air temperature should be 40 C. During drying, the raw material must not be turned over so that the petals from the flowers do not fall off.
Dried raw materials can be used within 1 year, providing storage in clothes or paper bags in a dark and dry room. The plant has a rather strong specific smell, so you can not store raw materials next to products that absorb odors.
Release form
Chamomile is a part of many dietary supplements and herbal remedies, available in the form of:
- Dry raw materials (dry inflorescences, tea, herbal preparations);
- Liquid extract or tincture;
- Fat capsules with plant extract;
- Chamomile oil;
- As part of creams and ointments - chamomile extract.
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| Chamomile filter sachets | Chamomile flowers | Romazulin - liquid extract of chamomile | Chamomile oil extract |
