Plants are gifts from the earth to us. Precious gifts that have their unique colors and scents in different seasons and places. In addition to the beauty and freshness that they add to our surroundings, they have many properties that, with awareness of them, we can use natural medicines instead of chemical drugs in some cases, and sometimes they are also less expensive for us. In this post from Plants Folder, we will introduce a wonderful plant called chamomile and talk about its properties that have been proven by researchers in the field of botany and traditional medicine.
Did you know that the Russian government introduced the chamomile flower as the country’s national flower in 1998?
History and Origin of the Plant
Chamomile, with the scientific name Matricaria chamomilla, is a plant that grows to a height of 40 to 80 centimeters, with thin and tall flowers in the colors of yellow and white. This plant grows in Europe, North Africa, and warm regions of Asia. It has a very high economic value and is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and sanitary industries.
Properties and Contraindications of Chamomile
Traditional medicine believes that this plant, with its extraordinary properties, can help us in many cases. In the following, we will discuss the most important properties of chamomile. Stay with us.
Wound healing
Recent studies have shown that using this plant reduces wound by 61% and accelerates the healing of damaged skin. In ancient times, wound healing was also helped by the topical use of chamomile. Its extract has antimicrobial properties and its effect on bacterial skin diseases is approved by the German Commission E. This commission is a scientific advisory board of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and is scientifically speaking in the field of approval of products that have been used in traditional medicine and herbal medicine.
Effect on stomach diseases
It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties due to compounds such as apigenin and alpha-bisabol Ol and has an effect on some stomach problems such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, stomach bloating, and digestive system, and relieves symptoms of indigestion.
Impact on Improved Sleep
Having enough restful sleep has a significant impact on the quality of our lives. Today, with the increasing pace of life and the stressful lifestyle in the digital world, having enough sleep has become a concern for modern humans. Sleep deprivation and insomnia will have many negative effects such as weight gain, increased aggressive behavior, limited and blurred field of vision, increased risk of heart disease, decreased learning, and headaches. For centuries, this plant has been one of the plants that have been used to increase relaxation and help improve sleep. The presence of apigenin in it has made this plant have a sedative property. Drinking chamomile tea can help you in this regard.
Who should not take chamomile?
In general, chamomile is known as a safe herb in traditional medicine, but it may interact with blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin, heparin, Plavix, Pradaxa, and Xarelto. Also, the use of this herb during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
Remember that if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication, be sure to consult with your doctor before using any herbal medicine.
How to use chamomile
This tea is usually made with dried plant. To dry it, you should place the flowers in a dark place to dry. Never expose them to sunlight. After drying, you can prepare its tea in several ways as follows.
Chamomile tea with honey and lemon
Pour dried chamomile into a cup pour boiling water over it and let it brew for 3 minutes. To brew it better and faster, put the lid on it. If you want to use it in larger quantities, pour more chamomile with boiling water in a pot and then pour the tea into the cup with the help of a tea strainer. For a better taste, you can also add honey or fresh lemon juice to this potent tea and enjoy it.
Chamomile and Orange Blossom Tea
Pour one teaspoon of chamomile, one teaspoon of orange blossom, and one teaspoon of orange blossom water into a pot. Pour boiling water over this mixture and place the pot in a boiling kettle. Let it brew well for 5 to 7 minutes. Then pour the tea into a cup and enjoy it.
Chamomile and Cinnamon Tea
Pour one teaspoon of dried chamomile with cinnamon into a cup of boiling water. To brew this tea, you need to use indirect heat. Place it on the steam of a kettle or stove. It takes 10 minutes to brew. Then strain the tea with a tea strainer pour it into a cup and enjoy it. Please note that the ratio of chamomile to cinnamon should be 70 to 30 when using chamomile and cinnamon for this tea, meaning that more plant should be used than cinnamon.
Chamomile and Apple Tea
To make this tea, first, after the water starts boiling, add a few pieces of apple to it and boil for a few minutes. This combination of apple and chamomile has many properties. Then mash the softened apples in the pot and add the plant. Turn off the heat under the pot and let them brew for 5 minutes by placing a cloth on the pot. Finally, pass your mixture through a strainer and use a little honey and lemon juice to make your amazing tea.
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