Health Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb of the Asteraceae family that includes daisy-like flowering plants. It occurs in two varieties - the Roman Chamomile that grows in England and the German Chamomile that grows in other parts of the world. The flowers of both the varieties are a good source of herbal medicine that cures a range of ailments. It can be consumed internally in the form of tablets or tea, or applied externally as oils and ointments.

Therapeutic Ingredients in Chamomile

The active ingredients in the flowers that have the medicinal properties are the essential oils and flavonoids. While essential oils are very useful in soothing skin problems, flavonoids act as anti-oxidants that nullify the harmful effects of free radicals produced in the body, thereby helping the body to recover faster from any disease.

Health Benefits of Chamomile

For Skin
Chamomile is extremely useful for curing skin allergies, burns, rashes, abrasions or other skin problems. It may be applied as an ointment containing the flower extract or may be consumed in the form of tablets. However, in case of burns, ointments should not be used as these contain certain oily substances that trap the heat inside the burnt area. Instead, the affected area must first be cleaned and then washed by cool chamomile tea for a soothing effect.

Chamomile is also useful in lightening the skin tone. Bathing with water containing chamomile tea or taking the steam from a pot of boiling water with chamomile tea bags will bring the desired result.

This herb has properties that reduce eye fatigue and dark circles around the eyes. To use it to soothe the eyes, dip two bags of chamomile tea in hot water. Take them out after 5 minutes and let them cool. Once they have cooled down to room temperature, place them on the eyes.

For Muscles
Chamomile flower extracts contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help in relaxing stomach and intestinal cramps. They are specially useful in alleviating menstrual cramps. The extracts can be used either in the form of creams and tablets, or you can brew your own chamomile tea from flowers bought from drug stores.

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Chamomile reduces pain and cramps in the bowel. It also prevents the formation of gas in the intestines. Not only does a cup of chamomile tea cure bowel problems, it is also useful for treating other stomach infections like gastroenteritis, heartburn and ulcers.

For Migraine
A cup of chamomile tea is a very effective home remedy for curing migraine. It works best if taken just when the pain starts, rather than waiting till it has already become severe.

Other Uses

Besides the benefits already discussed above, chamomile is useful in curing the following ailments:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Conjunctivitis and eye irritation

Precaution

Chamomile contains a naturally occurring compound called coumarin that has anti-coagulant and blood-thinning properties. Hence, it should not be taken with medicines that have similar effects on blood or by people suffering from bleeding disorders. This herb is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, and also for those who have undergone surgery. As the Asteraceae family also includes chrysanthemum and ragweed, certain people may be allergic to chamomile. In case there is vomiting, tightness in chest, rashes or itching after chamomile has been consumed, medical help should be sought immediately.

Chamomile extract has a soothing effect on the muscles and brain which helps it to ease a wide range of ailments. Though this herb has quick effect, better results are obtained with prolonged and continuous use. However, like most other drugs, chamomile may also cause some side effects. Though generally safe, it is always advisable to consult an expert in the field of herbal medicine or follow the instructions given with the medicine carefully.