-Oh, what gorgeous looking flowers!
-They are not just beautiful but also very beneficial to the body.
-Really?
-Yeah, those are chamomiles.
What Is Chamomile?
The term chamomile comes from the Greek word “chamomaela” which literally means “ground apple”. What better name to describe its delicious, apple-like scent. Chamomile is basically a superstar when it comes to its use, it features in almost everything from cosmetics to beverages and also makes a fantastic food flavoring.
The daisy-like flowering plant belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants, which also includes sunflowers, Echinacea, and marigold (Wow, that is one large family). Chamomile is most known for its soothing properties and has been around for ages, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. There are two varieties of the chamomile flower. These are German chamomile and Roman chamomile. These two varieties are often cultivated and used for herbal purposes. German chamomile is mainly found in Europe and temperate parts of Asia, and is widely cultivated in Eastern Europe. Roman chamomile, on the other hand, is found in Central Europe and North America.
Why Chamomile?
Okay, folks! I bet you’re already wondering what’s in this chamomile game for me but I bet you didn’t know the amount of chamomile imported into the US each year is between 750,000 and one million pounds, with an estimated 90% of it used for herbal purposes.
That’s right! I did tell you pretty little chamomile is a superstar. So why exactly do people love it so much? I’ll tell you some awesome benefits of chamomile that will have you super excited the next time you spot a chamomile on a farm or the store.
Chamomile is Good for your Heart
Chamomile contains flavonoids which is great for preventing cardiovascular problems. Chamomile consumed in foods is associated with a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease in elderly men.
It is a Fantastic Anti-cancer Agent
Chamomile is believed to help fight cancer. Evidence shows positive effects of chamomile stopping cancerous tumor growth and acting as a natural cancer treatment. The prevention of formation of cancerous cells is due to chamomile’s antioxidants called apigenin which are bioactive properties that fight skin, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Chamomile extracts cause significant reductions in human cancer cells, especially androgen-refractory cells that often lead to prostate cancer. Chamomile benefits start with antioxidants that are associated with better immune function; lower rates of mood disorders; reduced pain and swelling; and healthier skin, hair, nails, teeth, and eyes.
Works Magic for your Skin
Chamomile tea has amazing healing, antioxidant, cleansing, and moisturizing properties and is considered an effective remedy for skincare. If you are suffering from acne, eczema or dry, irritated, aged, red skin? You might want to use chamomile oil mixed into lotion. Chamomile leaves your skin feeling smooth and looking healthy. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it relieves irritations, disinfects and accelerates the healing process of wounds on the body,
Chamomile also tightens the pores of the skin, help erase scars, reduces dark circles and moisturizes the skin. It can also be used as a facial scrub and helps in exfoliating dead cells on the skin. It helps to prevent radical damage to the skin, hence controlling aging and retaining the youthful suppleness of your skin. Chamomile’s flavonoids and essential oils penetrate below the skin surface into the deeper skin layers of the skin, preserving its youthful appearance, complexion, and immune defenses.
Also, it makes a great natural diaper rash treatment. Isn’t that just awesome news for babies?
Want Great Hair? Take Chamomile
Chamomile works wonders when it comes to keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. It enriches the radiance and color of the hair. A chamomile tea rinse brightens up blond hair instantly. You can combine chamomile with henna to create natural highlights for dark hair. Using chamomile tea as a final hair rinse adds a stunning golden sheen to brown hair. You can also use the chamomile tea rinse regularly to lighten your hair color over a period of time. So whatever hair color you have, chamomile’s got you covered.
Chamomile is also great for preventing dandruff and relieving itching scalps. With chamomile, say goodbye to bad hair days!
Fights Anxiety and Depression
Chamomile is great for fighting stress and promoting general well being. This is because it contains all the essential oils required to relieve anxiety and general depression, which is one reason chamomile oil is a popular ingredient in many candles, aromatherapy products, and bath-soaking treatments.
Chamomile is frequently used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety. This is because its vapors move directly to the olfactory system, relieving tension and stress in the body. Chamomile is effective in reducing symptoms of chronic anxiety and stress. Chamomile relieves pain, generally affects personality and improves your mood.
Aids Digestion
Chamomile can be used to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances, including gas, acid reflux symptoms, indigestion, diarrhea, anorexia, motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. Chamomile helps in ameliorating the effect of diarrhea and colic in children, as well as relieve symptoms associated with the conditions like pain and anxiety. Chamomile also contains anodyne compounds that are great for relieving constipation and other stomach pains. Chamomile is also great for pregnant women as it helps reduce nausea. Bye bye, morning sickness!
No More Migraines
We all know how terribly frustrating migraines can be. Well, not to worry, chamomile to the rescue! Chamomile has been found to be beneficial in treating migraines and headaches. So the next time you get that head-splitting migraine, grab a hot cup of chamomile tea.
Sleep Like a Baby
Having trouble sleeping at night? You could be suffering from insomnia. Chamomile is an amazing therapeutic stimulant that helps you sleep better and faster. This is because it contains mild sedating antioxidants that help lull you to sleep.
Chamomile Contains Strong Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Reducing Abilities
Chamomile has been used for relieving pain for centuries, dating as far back as the Egyptian period. Chamomile flowers are used alone or in combination with other foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain, congestion, swelling, and redness. Chamomile is great for reducing facial swelling, skin irritations, toothaches, pain from infections and inflammation. No wonder why most beauty products like facial or body lotions, toothpaste, and bath soaps contain chamomile extracts. See why I said chamomile is a superstar?
Chamomile can also effectively lower pain associated with arthritis, injuries, back pain, fevers, and pregnancy. What else? Chamomile is effective for soothing the body and mind after giving birth. In places like Mexico, chamomile tea is prescribed to women after labor to relax their abdominal muscles and help them rest.
Relieves Congestion
Nasal congestion is one of the worst symptoms of flu, so isn’t it good news to know that your good old chamomile is great at easing nasal congestions? It also helps in fighting infections and reducing mucus congestion. Guess we don’t have to wonder why it’s added to many nasal sprays.
Chamomile tea is also a good choice when you’re sick or coming down with flu or sinus infection. Studies have shown that inhaling steam with chamomile extract is helpful in relieving common cold symptoms.
Keeps Gum and Teeth Healthy
In addition to all those super amazing benefits chamomile has to offer, it also has the ability to fight various bacterial infections of the oral cavity; teeth and gums. Chamomile also helps reduce pain associated with cancer sores, wounds, and toothaches, giving your mouth that all round chamomile goodness.
Final Words…
So, I’ve basically told you all the awesome benefits you can get from chamomile. It contains the essential oils and antioxidants to help fight anxiety and depression, improve your general mood, boost your hair and skin. It`s also great for the heart and studies have shown that regular intake of chamomile can reduce the chances of cancer. Not forgetting that it’s also good for your dental cavity and effective at relieving pain. I bet the next time you take a cup of chamomile tea, you’ll ask for another!
