14. November 2016 Health & Life Magazine

It’s book, "20,000 Secrets
no surprise that
Victoria Zak refers
to chamomile as
'The All-Around
Comforter', in her
of Tea". Chamomile has been popular for
centuries—the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians
used the flowers for their healing properties.
Modern scientific research confirms the
amazing health, nutrition and cosmetic
benefits of chamomile and its popularity as a
modern day remedy continues to grow.
WHAT IS CHAMOMILE?
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family
Asteraceae, native in many countries
throughout Europe, and cultivated in
Germany, Egypt, Morocco and parts of
Eastern Europe. The two commonly used
species are German and Roman chamomile—
their active ingredients and uses are similar.
The plant's healing properties come from
its flowers, which contain essential oils and
flavonoids—particularly a compound called
apigenin, also found in parsley.
USING CHAMOMILE
Chamomile is commonly used to make herb
infusions to serve various medicinal purposes
both for adults and children. You can buy
chamomile in the form of dried flowers, tea
(infusion), liquid, tinctures or as a lotion.
A SURPRISINGLY POPULAR BREW
Rob McCaleb, President of the Herb Research
Foundation based in Colorado USA, estimates
that over one million cups of chamomile
tea are enjoyed worldwide every single day,
making it one of the most widely consumed
herbal teas!
Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free and
very mild. Add two to three grams of the herb
to a cup of water, and enjoy this calming brew
three or four times a day. You can add a dash
of honey but you might find the subtle taste,
with just a hint of apple, pleasant enough.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF
THIS AMAZING HERB?
CALMS AND RELAXES
Both chamomile tea and oil have a calming
effect and promote a general sense of wellbeing
in cases of nervousness or anxiety.
In fact, studies on animals have shown
that chamomile contains substances that act
on the same parts of the brain and nervous
system as anti-anxiety drugs. That said, it is
not adviseable to stop taking prescription
medications without consulting your
Chamomile is commonly
used to make herb infusions
to serve various medicinal
purposes both for adults
and children.
physician.
Chamomile’s mildly sedative and musclerelaxing
effects may help those who suffer
from insomnia to fall asleep more easily. A
study published in the May 2005 edition of
the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin
showed that chamomile reduces the time it
takes to fall asleep. Try drinking a cup about
an hour before bedtime.
AIDS DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
Coumarin is a naturally occurring active
ingredient which gives chamomile its antiinflammatory
properties. Sometimes called a
“herbal aspirin”, chamomile helps to soothe
spasms that occur in the muscles lining the
stomach and intestines. It is recommended in
the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints
such as:
Diverticulitis
Inflammatory bowel diseases
(such as Crohn’s disease)
Nausea, heartburn, and stress-related
flatulence
Menstrual cramping
SOOTHES SKIN
Chamomile flower is a common ingredient
in skincare because of its anti-inflammatory
and anti-bacterial properties. The oil has a
delicate, sweet and fruity scent.
It can be applied to the skin, used as a lotion
or even added to a bath. Try it and experience
its healing power for yourself:
Soothes redness, irritation and itchiness
Soothes skin rashes, minor burns and
sunburn
Speeds up the healing of skin ulcers and
wounds
29
FIGHTS INFECTION AND
INFLAMMATION
Cooled chamomile tea is an exceptionally
versatile remedy:
Use as a compress to soothe tired,
irritated eyes
Clean and protect wounds from
infections
Use as a mouthwash to heal mouth sores
or a dental abscess
Use it as a vapour to alleviate cold
symptoms or asthma
ADVERSE REACTIONS?
Essential oils are generally safe, however
we advise you consult your physician before
use if:
You suffer from allergies to plants
such as daisies, ragweed and
chrysanthemums
You are pregnant or nursing; the
US National Institute of Health
recommends avoiding chamomile
You use blood thinners, due to the
presence of coumarin in chamomile
NATURE’S ANTIOXIDANT,
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-
BACTERIAL REMEDY
With heaps of health benefits and almost no side
effects, chamomile is a timeless go-to remedy
for almost every ailment in the body, from
indigestion to insomnia and dry skin. Brew a
cup of chamomile tea, add a few drops of oil to
a diffuser, pillow or bath, or mix in with your
favorite massage oil to ease away tension and
promote a sense of calm. Just what you need to
cope with the challenges of modern life!