9 Ways Chamomile Can Benefit Your Health

Probably the best known and most available herb in the world for making a relaxing, soothing and delicious tea.

When we think of medicinal herbs, chamomile is probably among the first ones that come to mind. It is no surprise really when its medicinal properties have been known for thousands of years.

For instance, ancient Egyptians rubbed chamomile products on their skin for a youthful look or to slow down the signs of aging. They even dedicated the herb to the sun and worshipped it.

There is also a record of Greek physicians prescribing it for fevers and female ailments.

Ground apple

Chamomile belongs to the family of daises/sunflowers (Latin: Asteraceae) along with yarrow, dandelion, milk thistle etc.

There are two main types of chamomile most widely used today, German and Roman chamomile. There are certain differences but they are both very similar in regard to medicinal properties.

It is an herb originating from and cultivated in Europe and it is regarded as a European version of the Chinese herb ginseng.

Photo by montillon.a on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Latin 'Matricaria' represents its ability to help with menstrual ailments (from Latin 'matrix' which means 'womb') and the greek part 'chamomilla' comes from the words 'chamai' meaning 'the ground' and 'melon' meaning 'apple', because it grows near the ground and has an apple-like scent.

Health benefits

1. Insomnia

Chamomile tea is an unbelievable helper when it comes to insomnia.

It contains sedative properties and it affects the nervous system in a relaxing way.

It all depends on the quantity of chamomile ingested. Small amounts can aid in relaxation or improvement in anxiety, but greater amounts can aid insomnia.

Drink at least 3 cups of chamomile tea a day by putting a tea bag in a cup of hot water. If you have ground chamomile, you can put around 3 teaspoons in a cup of water.

2. Skin ailments

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a great remedy for various skin ailments such as wounds, burns, ulcers, acne, eczema etc.

Antioxidants boost the immune system in damaged skin areas and relieve free radical effect on the skin. In fact, ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used it exactly for that purpose.

It can be applied in the form of face oil, skin cream, body lotion or just by applying some chamomile tea on the skin.

3. Anxiety

Studies have shown that chamomile extracts can ease anxiety and even act as a mild sedative.

It can be used for chronic anxiety, work or school-related stress and other similar problems which can, if not treated, lead to physical disbalances.

Many chamomile products like tea or tincture can aid these problems, but one that is very helpful for this specific remedy is vapor and scent. Inhaling chamomile can help the most because of the fast reaction in the brain.

Therefore, use chamomile scented candles, inhale fresh chamomile tea or use other aromatherapeutic treatments.

4. Depression

Research showed that chamomile extract has a capability to serve as a natural antidepressant, as well as an anti-anxiety remedy as mentioned before.

It is believed that flavonoids contained within chamomile, stimulate the extraction of dopamine and serotonin, or simply neurotransmitters which act as mood enhancers and can help you fight depression. 

5. Diabetes

Studies have shown that chamomile is capable of regulating insulin levels and drop blood sugar levels. This is highly relevant to diabetes patients.

Of course, this doesn't mean chamomile is capable of curing diabetes but it can help increase the life quality of diabetes patients.

6. Antioxidant

Again mentioning a highly beneficial property of many herbs.

Containing antioxidant compounds terpenoids and flavonoids, chamomile is a great protector from free radical damage and cellular mutation.

Those antioxidant compounds can improve and strengthen our immune system and aid in many problems such as aforementioned skin problems (antioxidants can greatly reduce premature aging and general symptoms of aging as well), swelling, inflammation, eye problems etc.

They are known to be unstable so the best way to get the most out of them is from tincture or essential oils.

7. Hair health

Chamomile strengthens and brightens the hair, creates a silky texture, helps to get rid of the irritation and itchiness and gets rid of dandruff.

To improve hair health, rinse your hair with chamomile tea.

8. Digestive problems

Chamomile is also known to help with stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, gas, motion sickness, acid reflux, and other digestive ailments.

Its relaxing nature can even affect our digestive system as a consequence of reduced stress and anxiety.

It contains antispasmodic properties, which alleviate stomach cramps and improve digestive flow.

9. Menstrual ailments

Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of chamomile make for a great menstrual pain reliever.

Its relaxation properties serve the uterus as well and provide an easement for the muscle spasms.

Also bloats, sweats, mood swings and other ailments associated with menstruation cannot resist the effect of chamomile. It is good to drink chamomile tea during the menstrual period.

Here are some other health problems it can help with:

• gum inflammation
• colds
• conjunctivitis
• mild laxative
• irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn's disease
• helps with headaches
• eyelid inflammation
• helps with psoriasis
• parasite remover

Here's how you can prepare chamomile beverages and supplements:

• Against parasites: a pinch of dry flowers on a liter/quart of water and cook for 2-3 minutes (drain and drink 1 cup in the morning on an empty stomach

• Headache: a half handful of dry flowers on a liter/quart of water and cook for 2-3 minutes

• Depression: 2 pinches of chamomile, 1 pinch of linden and 2 pinches of orange flowers in a liter/quart of water, cook for a couple minutes, drain and drink 2 cups a day

• Shampoo supplement: 100g of chamomile flowers on a liter/quart of water, cook for around 5 minutes

Some precautions:

Chamomile may cause allergic reactions because of pollen, it may interfere with blood thinners and pregnant women should not be using it because it may cause miscarriage. Always consult your doctor before taking any medical supplements

To buy top-quality chamomile products, click here.