It calms us, stimulates us, and keeps us healthy, contributing to longevity. Chamomile is much more than just a drink that older people drink before they go to sleep. But the truth is that chamomile is not a beverage of… old age, as we think of it, but a beverage that can take us into old age as part of a proper and balanced diet. As long as we get to know it better by learning about its health benefits in the short and long term and give it a chance earlier than the age of 80.
The plant and its history
It got its name from its fragrance and its low growth (ground apple). Humble in appearance, but with very important properties, it is considered one of the most useful medicinal plants. Its action, moreover, has been known since antiquity, as the ancient Greeks exploited its valuable and soothing properties. Modern research confirms the usefulness of chamomile as a medicine for a wide range of ailments.
The genus includes more than 70 species, but in Greece there is only one species. It is widespread throughout Europe and North Asia, in cultivated fields, gardens, slopes, in temperate climates. In the common chamomile, the flowers are distributed in inflorescences-headed inflorescences that are very similar to those of the daisy.
What it contains
Chamomile contains essential oil (proazulene, farnesene, spiroether, alpha-bisabolol), flavonoids (avthemidine, rutin, lutein, luteolin), coumarins, choline, tannins and the bitter glycoside anthraimic acid and mucilages. It also contains silicon, calcium, magnesium and potassium salts.
Studies on chamomile and its effects on health have shown that it can benefit us in several areas.
Eliminates stress
Sedative in stressful situations, migraines, neuralgia and dizziness. Chamomile is known for its natural anti-anxiety properties, which help to relax the nerves and relieve intense emotional problems
Helps with sleep
It is used against insomnia (enhancing sleep), anxiety and nervous tension. Just drink some chamomile 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed. It will manage to dispel your anxieties, relax you with its gentle fragrance and eventually lead you to a deep and quality sleep, acting relaxing on the nervous system.
It stimulates the immune system
Chamomile has been shown to have the ability to increase the production of white blood cells, which in turn improve the functioning of our immune system, ridding us of the colds and viruses that we “catch” when our immune system is down. But even if we get sick with the flu or a cold, inhaling steam from chamomile extract can soothe our colds and reduce the runny nose.
Helps the digestive system
Chamomile decoction can relieve bloating and annoying gas, as well as relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In combination, even with mint tea, it may bring better results. Furthermore, it reduces episodes of colic, as well as the duration of diarrhea, and helps significantly in relaxing the stomach.
It has anti-inflammatory action
It is beneficial against various inflammations, (due to the ingredients hamazulin and alpha-disabolol) including gastrointestinal infections, eye or skin inflammation, intestinal inflammation, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, etc.
Treats skin problems
By applying locally a decoction of chamomile, which has been left to cool, we offer a solution to various skin problems, from acne to skin irritations and fungal infections. In fact, according to research, topical application of chamomile to eczema can have 60% of the effectiveness of a cream with 0.25% hydrocortisone. Furthermore, compresses with chamomile decoction can be equally effective.
It has antispasmodic properties
In cases of gynaecological problems, such as period cramps, chamomile can soothe the pain, and even in cases of vaginitis, chamomile enemas relieve the condition.
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