Chamomile is an herb native to Europe, widely used for its large number of properties. Its effects are mainly on the nervous system, as well as its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory power. Its physical structure is characterized by being a plant that has a long stem that reaches 25 centimeters in length, with elongated leaves, and small white flowers predominating in meadows and having good tolerance to extreme weather conditions.
It can be planted in a garden or a pot, which makes it easy to grow at any home. The flowers are very commercialized and cultivated for medical purposes.
What is the historical background of this plant?
Chamomile has been known and appreciated for thousands of years by various cultures. In ancient Perú, the friar San Martin de Porras, the first mulatto saint of America, popularly known as “the saint of the broom” for being represented with a broom in his hand as a symbol of his humility, picked chamomile plants in the forest, where he collected healing herbs to treat the sick without resources. Thus, the popular chronicles tell that the “Manzanilla” (as Chamomile is called in Latin America) was the favorite plant of the mentioned Saint.
What precautions should we take when consuming chamomile?
Remember that everything taken in excess amounts is counterproductive and this natural product apart from being very positive and having many benefits for our health also has its downside, which is that its excess consumption can cause irritability in the nervous system and nausea. Also, it is very important to emphasize that its use is not recommended in pregnant women since it has been associated with an increased risk of having abortions.
What uses are most commonly given to chamomile?
One of the main ways to use chamomile is by preparing infusions from fresh or dried flowers, which have a pleasant flavor. It achieves effects such as a soothing or a sedative action of the nervous system, as well as its antispasmodic effect that helps relieve colic-type pains.
This infusion can be used cold by means of compresses on areas of inflammation, is one of its main applications in the treatment of eye disorders such as conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelids, inflammation of the face in sinusitis crisis and painful hemorrhoids.
In the area of aesthetics, it is used by women, applying it on the hair for achieving more brightness and obtaining golden reflections on it. In addition, it is used for the care of the skin because it helps to clean impurities and regenerates cells. Also, with its dried flowers, facial masks are made; it is also used to make shampoos, natural dyes, and to minimize gray hair. Adding it to your bath helps to relax and decongest the skin. It is also accessible since you can find it in any local market and up to several presentations such as creams, essential oils, lotions, and capsules. However, the most common one is an infusion.
What are the medicinal properties of chamomile?
Its infusion has gained fame for its soothing properties mentioned above and also to counter difficult digestion and stimulating the appetite. It is also known to act as a mild sedative, as anti-allergic, helps in cases of allergies also antispasmodic since it prevents muscle spasms in the digestive system, it has antihistaminic properties that can help treat skin irritations, as anti-inflammatory it helps relieve inflammations of various causes, the healing of wounds, sores, and burns, as natural eye drops to treat ocular diseases, it helps relieve fevers, also as a diuretic it favors the elimination of liquids and toxins and regulating the menstruation cycle in women.
Chamomile can be easily obtained all over the world and is very resistant to any weather. It is advisable to drink a cup of tea after eating to relieve pain, calm the heaviness and even in cases of ulcers or gastritis. It is also very good to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, colds, high fever, and bronchitis. On the other hand, those people who suffer from insomnia are advised to drink an infusion of chamomile.
For all these reasons, it is advisable to use this plant for the benefit of our body but always with caution. Remember that everything in excess is bad, and it should always be in small quantities as well as being properly informed.
