What are the most important medicinal features of the chamomile plant?
How can it be used to improve health?
What are the caveats?
And from the categories that it does not suit?
The answers are in this comprehensive report.
Chamomile is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-NCCIH of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, chamomile was described in ancient medical literature, and it was an important medicinal herb in ancient Egypt. Greece and Rome.
There are two common types of chamomile:
German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Dried chamomile flowers contain many terpenoids and flavonoids, which contribute to their medicinal properties.
This is according to a research review published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports.
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, and about a million cups are consumed from it daily.
Chamomile tea bags are available in the market, and they contain chamomile flower powder, either pure or mixed with other common medicinal herbs.
The potential medicinal properties of chamomile:
1- Infections
Chamomile flowers contain 1-2% of volatile oils including alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin, which It is normally converted in the body to chamazulene and other flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study in human volunteers showed that chamomile flavonoids and essential oils penetrate under the surface of the skin into the deep layers of the skin.
This is important to use as topical anti-inflammatory agents.
One of chamomile's anti-inflammatory activities includes inhibiting the secretion of "prostaglandin", a compound that plays a role in inflammation.
2- Colds
Studies show that inhaling chamomile extract vapor has been helpful for common cold symptoms.
However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
3- Diseases of the digestive system
Chamomile is traditionally used for many diseases of the digestive system, including digestive disorders, stomach discomfort, stomach upset, and flatulence (gas).
Chamomile is especially useful at dispelling gas, soothing the stomach, and relaxing the muscles that move food through the intestines.
Studies in preclinical models (not conducted in humans) indicate that chamomile inhibits Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can contribute to stomach ulcers.
4- Helping to sleep
Chamomile preparations such as tea and essential oils have been used to treat insomnia, and chamomile is widely regarded as a mild sedative and sleep inducer.
The sedative effects may be due to the fact that it contains flavonoids and apigenin, which binds to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
5- Diabetes
Studies show that chamomile may relieve hyperglycemia and diabetes complications by inhibiting blood sugar levels and increasing glycogen storage in the liver.
However, additional studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of chamomile in managing diabetes.
6- Stress and anxiety
Sipping a cup of chamomile tea may help relax and reduce anxiety disorders, according to a report in Deutsche Welle.
7- Relieve menstrual pain
Several studies have shown that chamomile tea may be able to reduce pain and cramps that occur during menstruation.
8- Heart health
Thanks to its flavonoids, chamomile helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
However, if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or blood pressure, consult your doctor before consuming chamomile, and discuss its potential benefits and suitability for you.
What about the safety of using chamomile?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in the United States, chamomile is likely safe when used in the amounts commonly found in tea.
It may also be safe when used orally for medicinal purposes in the short term.
But the long-term safety of using chamomile on the skin for medicinal purposes is unknown.
Chamomile side effects are uncommon, and may include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
Rare cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have occurred in people who have consumed or dealt with chamomile products.
People are more likely to have an allergic reaction to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants such as chrysanthemums.
Interactions have been reported between chamomile and "cyclosporine", which is a drug used to prevent rejection of organ transplantation, and "warfarin", an anticoagulant treatment, and there are theoretical reasons to suspect that chamomile might interact with other drugs as well.
Little is known about whether it is safe to use chamomile during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
The indiscriminate or improper use of chamomile can be unsafe and harmful.
So before consuming chamomile you should consult a doctor, especially if you are taking any kind of medication;
Because it might interfere with it.
Also, you should consult your doctor before consuming chamomile for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
You should also consult your doctor before consuming chamomile on a daily basis.
Chamomile or any herb or food is not a cure for diabetes, heart disease, or any acute or chronic disease.
Chamomile is not a substitute for a healthy diet, and adherence to medication and doctor's instructions.