Chamomile is a plant well known for its medicinal tea, and is also popularly called margaça, macela-galega, macela-nobre, common chamomile, or wild chamomile. Its scientific name is Matriaria recutita and its use as a calming agent is widely spread, especially among those who suffer from insomnia and anxiety. It can be found in the form of dried flowers or tea bags in some pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and a few supermarkets. There is also roman chamomile tea, a species with the scientific name Chamaemelum nobile, which is less commonly used.

Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile is used to, in addition to relieving anxiety and nervousness, help in cases of colds, nasal inflammations such as sinusitis, or skin irritations, indigestion, and diarrhea. The tea can be prepared using only the flowers of this medicinal plant, or combined with other plants and ingredients, such as fennel, mint, and honey. Chamomile can also be used for sitz baths, inhalations, and compresses.

Main Benefits

In summary, the main benefits of chamomile are:

  • Reducing hyperactivity;
  • Providing relaxation;
  • Relieving stress and anxiety;
  • Soothing the stomach, helping treat ulcers and indigestion
  • Relieving nausea;
  • Relieving menstrual cramps;
  • Helping to treat wounds and skin inflammations.

Chamomile tea has diuretic, relaxing, and sedative properties. It soothes the stomach, providing a feeling of fullness, reducing appetite and the anxious compulsion to eat. For this reason, it is welcome in weight loss diets. Thanks to its ability to detoxify the body and aid digestion, those who use the tea may be able to lose weight more quickly.

Different Ways to Use Chamomile Tea

Depending on the desired benefits, teas and other solutions can be made using different proportions and combinations. For a sedative and calming effect, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of chamomile flowers per cup of boiling water (250ml), let steep for 5 minutes, and drink after meals. By adding a little lemon balm, which also helps control anxiety, stress, and insomnia, or fennel, chamomile tea can have its effects enhanced. In children, it can also help reduce fever. For gas and indigestion, chamomile can be mixed with fennel and marshmallow root, which has anti-inflammatory properties, by using one teaspoon of each herb for 500 ml of boiling water. Yarrow and meadowsweet tea can also be used in the mixture, one teaspoon of each. For sore throat, chamomile can be used alone as a gargle, at a ratio of one teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to cool and then use the solution to gargle. This solution also helps heal bleeding gums. For nausea and stomatitis, chamomile tea can be mixed with raspberry or peppermint, in the same proportion of 1 teaspoon per cup of water, and taken 3 times a day. For inhalation in cases of flu, colds, and sinusitis, use 6 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a pot with 1.5 or 2 liters of boiling water. After letting it stand for 5 minutes, inhale the steam from this tea with deep breaths, preferably with your head covered with a towel. The inhalation lasts about 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. For skin irritations, such as eczema, insect bites, or psoriasis, a compress can be made with one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers for about 100 ml of boiling water. After straining, soak a cloth or flannel and apply it to the affected area. Similarly, a compress can be made to refresh tired and puffy eyes, but after it has cooled. You can use one tablespoon of chamomile and add one tablespoon of fennel and elderflower, to half a liter of boiling water. The cold compress can be applied over closed eyes for 10 minutes whenever needed. Other uses for chamomile can also be found: in topical form as a cream or ointment, as essential oil, lotion, or tincture for herbal remedies.

Contraindications of Chamomile

Chamomile has some contraindications, such as for cases of eye inflammation, as it may worsen the condition. And for pregnant women, only the species Chamaemelum nobile is not recommended, known as roman chamomile. The common chamomile, of the species Matriaria recutita, can be used and even strengthens the woman’s immune system. Therefore, when purchasing the product, it is best to make sure it is Matriaria only. The reason is that roman chamomile tea can cause harm to the fetus, such as brain deficiencies, and even risk of miscarriage in more severe cases. See Also: Photo: nidan, NIKON D5100