Chamomile (Matricaria recuita)
Chamomile is a unique herb, as beautiful as it is useful. Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs.
it is considered a safe plant and has been used in many cultures for stomach ailments and as a mild sedative.
benefits of chamomile
Some of the purported benefits of chamomile likely stem from the fact that the essential oil and flower extracts derived from chamomile contain more than 120 chemical constituents, many of which are pharmacologically active.
They include chamazulene (an anti-inflammatory), bisabolol (an oil with anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties), apigenin (a phytonutrient that acts as a strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral), and luteolin (a phytonutrient with potential anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity).
Whether as a result of these compounds or others, research shows chamomile possesses properties that can help ease inflammation, spasms, and flatulence, promote calm and sleep, and protect against the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.
Health Benefits:
Insomnia:
Chamomile is one of the most widely used alternative therapies for promoting sleep and treating insomnia.
Anxiety
Research has shown chamomile to have meaningful benefits when it comes to reducing anxiety.
Digestive Issues
Preliminary studies suggest that chamomile inhibits Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can contribute to stomach ulcers. Chamomile is believed to be helpful in reducing smooth muscle spasms associated with various gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, though research is needed to confirm that use.
Wound Healing
Topically applied chamomile may be able to speed wound healing. Studies show that substances in chamomile can kill viruses and bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, the cause of staph infections, reduce inflammation, and prevent and treat the growth of ulcers.
Eczema
Chamomile is often used to treat mild skin irritations, including sunburn, rashes, sores, and even eye inflammations.
Diabetes
Some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. In one study, 64 participants that consumed chamomile tea three times a day after meals for eight weeks saw a statistically significant decrease in markers for diabetes as well as total cholesterol compared to people who drank water. (https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40618-014-0170-x)
