Common chamomile (Latin Matricaria recutita) is one of the most famous and popular medicinal plants. The dried baskets are the herbal raw material. Chamomile is native to the eastern Mediterranean; today it is widespread almost everywhere. Also common in Poland. What are the properties of chamomile?

Common chamomile(LatinMatricaria recutita- formerlyMatricaria chamomillaL.) is a medicinal plant whose tiny, white-yellow flowers contain substances rarely found in the plant world. It is primarily about an exceptionally large amount (even up to 1.5%) of essential oil rich in compounds with specific healing properties, including antiallergic chamazulene, as well as alpha-bisabolol and its oxides.

It should be remembered, however, that despite the content of chamazulene, chamomile often sensitizes sensitive people - of course when they use it externally.

Chamomile is an annual plant with a strong, characteristic smell. The chamomile stem is 15-50 cm high and branched - flower baskets 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter with a conical, hollow flower bottom form at the tops of the branches. Lingual (marginal) flowers are white, and tubular (inner) flowers - yellow. The chamomile blooms from May to September.

Chamomile - a popular medicinal plant

The herbal raw material isdried baskets , which are harvested at the beginning of flowering (when the lingual flowers are not hanging yet). It is best to harvest on dry, sunny days, in the afternoon - then the plants contain the most active substances. The baskets are dried in an airy and shaded room spread out in a thin layer.

A chamomile basket is a component of many ready-made preparations and medicinal mixtures. In chamomile flowers there are:

  • flavonoids
  • spiroeter
  • phenolic acids
  • phytosterols
  • polyacetylenes
  • catechin tannins
  • bitterness
  • coumarin and mucus compounds
  • choline
  • vitamin C
  • numerous mineral s alts

It is this variety of ingredients that chamomile owes its reputation as one of the most valuable medicinal plants.

Chamomile - properties and application

Chamomilecommon hasproperties :

  • anti-inflammatory
  • relaxing smooth muscles
  • accelerating wound healing
  • deodorizing
  • antibacterial and neutralizing bacterial toxins
  • stimulating metabolism in the skin

Chamomile basketsare used internally :

  • in stomach cramps
  • in inflammation of the stomach
  • in enteritis

Externally, chamomile is used with:

  • inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes
  • bacterial diseases of the skin and mouth
  • ranach
  • burns
  • ulcers
  • skin allergies
  • inflammation of the respiratory tract (in the form of inhalation)

Chamomile baskets are also often used in cosmetics.

Chamomile for conjunctivitis

The ingredients of the chamomile infusion have antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they inhibit the secretion of histamine. This makes the infusion a very effective cleanser and compresses for irritated eyes - whether it's due to conjunctivitis or allergy.

Chamomile for skin irritations

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of chamomile - which is related to the content of alpha-bisabolol and spiroether, and to a lesser extent chamazulene - the infusion of its flowers is a great help in many skin problems.

It can be used, for example,for preparing hot dogs , compresses or forwashingacne-affected skin,soothing irritationand even skin lesions caused by mycosis.

It will also help with ulcers, burns, itching. That is why chamomile extract is a highly valued ingredient of many cosmetics - creams, masks, washing and bath lotions - intended for delicate and sensitive skin.

Camomile for hair

Chamomile extract is a component of manyhair care cosmetics- but only blond, because it has strong brightening properties. It restores their natural light color, gives them shine and elasticity, making them easier to style.

In the case of oily hair, it prevents the appearance of dandruff. Moreover, thanks to the content of numerous minerals , it prevents hair lossby nourishing the hair bulbs.

Chamomile for wounds

Oilobtained from chamomile flowers not only has a strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, but also stimulates the metabolism in the skin and thus accelerates the healing of minor wounds.That is why it is found in many healing creams, ointments and gels that have an antiseptic effect and at the same time facilitate the healing of skin wounds.

Calming chamomile

Chamomile has relaxing properties, helps to relax and soothe shattered nerves - this is due to, among others, spiroether and coumarin compounds.

After a tiring, stressful day, plunge into a bath withchamomile tea . And the problems with sleep will disappear when we put our head on a small pillow, into which we put some dried chamomile flowers.

Chamomile for stomach

Thanks to the active substances contained in chamomile, it effectively copes with various digestive ailments.

Spiroeter inhibits the secretion of histamine, serotonin and bradykinin - substances that cause inflammation. Flavonoids and coumarin derivatives have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines and bile ducts. As a result, chamomile infusion has an anti-inflammatory effect on the gastric mucosa, improves the flow of bile, and has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract and the liver.

Chamomile teaAfter a heavy and greasy meal, it will facilitate digestion. It is also recommended as an aid in gastric hyperacidity and excessive gastric acid secretion, and provides relief from peptic ulcer disease.

Chamomile for pain

Since the flavonoids and coumarin compounds contained in chamomile reduce the tone of the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, chamomile tea is a very effective carminative agent.

Brings relief at:

  • over-fermentation and flatulence
  • intestinal spines
  • copes well with stomach pains

Its relaxing and antiseptic properties make it also useful for kidney and bladder problems.

Chamomile for throat and mouth infections

The essential oil, especially the alpha-bisabolol and spiroether contained in it, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties on the oral mucosa. As a result, chamomile is very effective in dealing with:

  • throat infections
  • oral fungal infections
  • inflammation of the gums

That is why chamomile extract is an important ingredient in toothpastes, mouth and throat rinses.

See the gallery of 9 photosYou must do it

Versatile chamomile infusion

Pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers and leave it covered for 10 minutes. Drain. You can drink the infusion - it will help with stomach aches, digestive disorders, nervousness and sleep problems;or used to rinse a sick throat, wash eyes or irritated skin.

The article was published in the monthly "Zdrowie"

Category:

He alth