Nature has given people many plants that can benefit their health. Among them is chamomile, about the healing properties and the use of which has been known since ancient times.
You can see this flower in your own garden, in the meadows and on the side of the road. What is the use and healing properties of chamomile?
What is this plant?
The name "camomile" is collective. By it is meant various related plant species belonging to the family of asters. All of them have a similar external form of inflorescences and bush.
The most famous type in alternative medicine is the chamomile. But many other plants can be attributed to the same genus. This chamomile is odorous, circumpolar, rocky, and Sevan. There is also field, dog, Russian, Roman, etc.
Nevertheless, when it comes to this flower in medicine, here we have in mind chamomile. This is the most popular, well-known and well-studied species of this plant. Used to get rid of some ailments, Roman chamomile and non-lingual. However, this happens much less frequently.
One of the most popular medicinal plants is still considered chamomile. This is due to the fact that she has an extensive range of medicinal properties that allow this type to be used for various diseases, ranging from infectious ailments to pathologies of the nervous system. Of course, the healing properties of chamomile alone do not allow a person to finally regain health. However, they significantly weaken the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the condition of the patient. That is why the useful properties of chamomile pharmacy (and in some cases its other types) are used as an adjunct to the treatment of various pathologies.
Medicinal raw materials
The healing properties of chamomile grass were actively used by ancient scientists in their recipes. So, Hippocrates and Dioscorides used this plant to relieve seizures and pain. Pliny the elder recommended using all parts of chamomile as an antidote for snakebites, and a decoction as an effective diuretic. Pointed to this plant and Avicenna. He used the healing properties of chamomile to strengthen the body and restore his strength.
To date, in recipes of traditional medicine you can find recommendations on the use of decoctions and infusions of flower baskets of this plant, as well as the essential oil obtained from it. Neither chamomile leaves, nor its stems, nor the roots of healing properties have.
For medicinal purposes, the flower baskets of the plant are dried. During this process, the mass of raw materials is reduced by more than 5 times. But it is worth bearing in mind that fresh inflorescences for the prevention and treatment of diseases are not used.
Persian and Dalmatian daisies also use only dried inflorescences. But they are used only after thorough grinding and obtaining a powder, which is called "pyrethrum". Based on this raw material, some insecticidal preparations are made.
It should be borne in mind that the healing properties of chamomiles of different types have certain differences. That is why the indications for their use vary.
Consider the healing properties of some types of chamomile.
Languageless
Another name for this daisy is odorous. The plant is rather unusual. At first glance, it does not look like chamomile. Instead of petals, flowers form baskets that have a yellowish-green color. However, due to its chemical composition, which is similar to the composition of pharmacy chamomile, the odorous appearance has the same healing properties. This plant has a particularly pronounced ability to relieve spasms and inflammation. Using these properties of chamomile grass, it is often used to get rid of gastritis, colitis, duodenal ulcers and stomach.
Baskets of fragrant plants can be used not only in dried, but also in fresh form.
Field
This daisy is also called meadow and wild. Unlike the pharmacy, it has larger and longer leaves and a dense middle. The chemical composition of this plant is different from that of representatives of the odorous and pharmacy species. That is why the healing properties of field chamomile are also different. This plant is capable of the following:
- has an antiparasitic effect;
- has analgesic antispasmodic effect;
- used as a laxative;
- relieves the body of "bad" cholesterol;
- heals wounds;
- tones up;
- boosts immunity.
Yellow
What are the healing properties of chamomile (plant species considered in the article) are used in medicine yet? The plant possesses unique properties, which are often called as follows: field nails, or umbilicus. This is a yellow daisy growing in the wild. You can meet her in the fields, in green valleys, along ravines, etc. Its main distinguishing feature is the presence of not white, but yellow petals. The chemical composition of this chamomile is similar to the pharmacy look. That is why they have a similar effect on the body. Especially often, yellow chamomile is used when undergoing treatment for diseases of the gallbladder and liver.
Chemical composition
All types of daisies used for medical purposes are divided into two groups:
- Medicinal. These daisies include a pharmacy, Roman, fragrant, etc.
- Insecticidal. This group includes plants that belong to the genus pyrethrum.
As part of the inflorescences of medicinal daisies, there are components that affect the work of systems and organs of the human body.
So, the medicinal properties and use of chamomile are influenced by the phytosterols and coumarins contained in its composition, polyene compounds and polysaccharides, luteolin and apigenin, quartzetine, as well as isovalerianic, antemis and caprylic organic acids, carotene, vitamin C, tannins, mucus, bitterness and nicotinic acid. The most valuable components that affect the healing properties of chamomile flowers are azulene and chamazulene. These substances have a pronounced bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effect.
As for insecticidal daisies, pyrethrins, which are the most active components of their composition, can kill insects. That is why before they were used as a means for disinsection of premises. Plants also helped in the fight against parasites such as lice, scabies and scabies.
Application area
Consider the beneficial properties of chamomile pharmacy (they are also possessed by many of its other species). Among them there are three main ones. Namely, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and hemostatic. Disinfecting as well as astringent properties are inherent in this plant. They are used in the treatment of colds and intestinal ailments.
The choleretic healing properties of chamomile flowers are used in order to restore the liver. In addition, taking this plant helps relieve cramps, cramps and pain. Scientific studies have convincingly proven that chamomile is able to relax blood vessels, as well as smooth muscles of internal organs. Eliminates the medicinal plant depressive states, accompanied by excessive anxiety. Scientists at the University of Texas have proved the ability of chamomile tea to reduce the mortality of older people over the age of 65.
In gynecology
Knowledge of the healing properties and contraindications of chamomile for women is very important. This plant is widely used in gynecology. Doctors often recommend that their patients undergo a douching procedure using a decoction of this herb. This allows you to quickly eliminate the ailment.
What are the medicinal properties of chamomile pharmacy important for women? In diseases of the reproductive system, the plant contributes to:
- Get rid of inflammation.
- Reducing the intensity of cramps and pain.
- Mucosal regeneration.
- Elimination of pathogenic microorganisms.
For women, the medicinal properties of chamomile pharmacy can accelerate the healing process for vulvitis, cystitis and erosion. Gynecologists recommend that their patients brew chamomile inflorescences. The resulting solution must be taken orally, used for douching, as well as for baths. All this will help get rid of the ailments listed above.
The use of the medicinal properties of chamomile and its use in vulvitis will be most effective if the procedures are carried out in the form of baths. They are organized twice a day for 10 minutes. The duration of the course is 7 days.
The healing properties of brewed chamomile also help with thrush. Only with this ailment, with an infusion brought to 38 degrees, is it necessary to douche.
If a recently developed cervical erosion is detected, a woman will come to the aid of a chamomile, which will need to be combined with aloe leaves, the pulp of which is added to the decoction of the healing plant. The resulting product must be soaked in a swab and inserted as deep as possible into the vagina.
The use of chamomile is recommended (the healing properties of the plant are truly wide) and with cystitis. This disease is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the bladder, which cause a lot of trouble for women. They suffer from frequent urination and cutting pains in the lower abdomen. In this case, the prepared healing infusion of chamomile flowers is injected into the rectum using a syringe. Women are recommended to brew a camomile and wash themselves. This will prevent the further spread of infection.
There are rules for using the healing properties of chamomile and with severe menstrual pain. To get rid of spasms, you should prepare an infusion of chamomile with knotweed, horsetail, cinquefoil and centaury (a teaspoon of each component per liter of liquid). This drug a woman needs to drink during the day in small portions.
When using pharmacy chamomile, you must also know about the contraindications available to her. Among them:
- individual intolerance to the components of the grass;
- a tendency to diarrhea due to the fact that chamomile contributes to the relaxation of smooth muscles;
- lactation;
- pregnancy (use chamomile during this period with caution);
- increased acidity of gastric juice.
With a cold
How does chamomile help in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections? With such diseases, the medicinal plant is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. You can apply her infusion to gargle. This will reduce the severity of pain, reduce the time of their manifestation.
Chamomile can also be used for washing the nose. A decoction of the medicinal herb will somewhat weaken the swelling and normalize breathing. The same procedures are carried out to provide an antibacterial effect. After all, as you know, chamomile is able to suppress the development of certain types of streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, which in most cases inhabit the nasopharynx and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the common cold.
In the case when there is not enough time to prepare healing broths, it is recommended to purchase oil from the plant in question at the pharmacy. You can use this drug for rinsing. Preparing a solution for this procedure does not take much time. You only need to take a glass of warm water and add a few drops of essential oil to it. 7-10 drops are dissolved in a liter of water for inhalation.
It should be borne in mind that the use of chamomile for colds should be limited in time. It is necessary to take 3-4 days to conduct procedures with a medicinal plant. In the event that the patient will not feel any improvement in his health, he will need to see a doctor. It should be remembered that prolonged use of chamomile can be addictive. Nevertheless, during the period of the flu epidemic, the use of a solution of its flowers will be an excellent preventive measure. In this case, the solution must be used to rinse the mouth and rinse the nose after visiting places with a large crowd of people. Such procedures will wash all bacteria and viruses that have settled on the mucous membranes.
For allergies
This ailment cannot be acquired by inheritance. Allergy is an individual human problem and may not occur for a long period. The main reason for its occurrence is impaired immunity, which can be eliminated with chamomile. This medicinal plant has proven particularly well in allergic skin rashes. Moreover, a similar problem can be eliminated even in the smallest children. To do this, just add a decoction of chamomile in the bath for bathing the baby. Such procedures are recommended for a course of 2-3 days. An alternative to the baths will be lotions in the form of a piece of fabric soaked in chamomile infusion, which should be applied to the lesion.
With prostatitis
Prostate disease can occur in men for several reasons. One of them is the negative impact of pathogenic microorganisms. They contribute to the activation of the inflammatory process. In order to eliminate the disease, traditional medicine recommends the use of herbs, including chamomile. To eliminate such a delicate problem, you will need an infusion of the plant (3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). It must be drunk several times throughout the day. You can use the infusion in the form of enemas. Such procedures allow you to get a good effect with prostatitis in its acute forms.
For eye treatment
Chamomile is also used in ophthalmology. With its help, it is recommended to treat conjunctivitis, which often becomes the cause of allergies, as well as the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body. The use of infusions and decoctions of chamomile can relieve inflammation and soothe pain. With these funds, an eye wash is performed. Such procedures must be carried out every 2 or 3 hours. Eliminates inflammatory processes and a compress with chamomile. For him, take the infusion of the plant, moisten a cotton pad in it and apply it to the inflamed eye.
Chamomile also helps in the fight against conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria. But if after 1-2 days after the start of treatment the patient does not feel any noticeable improvement, it would be better to consult a doctor.
With hypertension
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cope with an increase in blood pressure. Nevertheless, a person can significantly improve their condition and forget about the unpleasant sensations that hypertension causes for a long time. For this, it is not necessary to constantly take pharmacological preparations, to which the body quickly gets used to it, “requiring” an increase in dosage. Herbal teas from the collections of medicinal plants will help to feel healthy. Such drugs will dilate blood vessels and have a diuretic and sedative effect. The medicinal potion is brewed in the same way as ordinary tea. Drinking it is recommended in the form of heat. Store infusions of herbs for no more than two days by placing them in the refrigerator. But if there is such an opportunity, it is still better to prepare a single dose.
To reduce blood pressure, hawthorn, hibiscus, strawberry leaves, Chinese lemongrass, motherwort, valerian root, calendula, peppermint, rosehip and chamomile are used. Their healing properties make it possible to restore well-being by solving many of the health problems that accompany hypertension. But it is worth keeping in mind that the greatest effect can be achieved by applying not single herbs, but fees from them. This will solve the problem in the complex.
For joints
Chamomile is also used to combat pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The composition of the plant includes essential oil, the main components of which are bitterness and organic acids, matricarin and matricin, amazulene and glycerides of fatty acids. During the boiling of flowers, chamazulene forms in them. This substance is the result of the breakdown of matricarin and matricin. This element has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties. It activates the processes of tissue regeneration, including the musculoskeletal system.
When rheumatic and gouty pains occur, take baths in which a decoction of chamomile is added. The water temperature should not exceed 40-50 degrees. Otherwise, the chamazulen will partially decay. Such treatment is carried out externally. At the same time, compresses from steamed inflorescences of chamomile and black elderberry are applied to sore joints for 4-6 hours. To eliminate the pathology, you can also use the bath. To prepare them, you need a decoction of chamomile flowers, in which the diseased joint of the leg or arm is placed. Such procedures must be carried out for 10-15 days. The duration of each of them should be from 15 to 20 minutes.
Chamomile tea helps with attacks of gout and arthritis. In addition to the analgesic effect, it produces a sedative and diuretic effect. And as one of the components of herbal gathering, chamomile is used to cleanse vessels. A similar procedure is important to combat arthritis.
With problems with the digestive tract
Chamomile benefits people suffering from diseases of the intestines, stomach and pancreas. Before using this natural remedy, it is recommended to consult a specialist. But in any case, the course of treatment with chamomile should be limited to 3 months.
A decoction, infusion or tea of this healing herb is recommended for acute or chronic gastritis. Chamomile will also help with pain in the stomach, removing inflammation from its mucous membrane. It is recommended to drink the prepared drug only in a warm form. It will not only eliminate the problem with the gastrointestinal tract, but also help strengthen the immune system and help you relax.
Chamomile will also help with constipation, as well as bloating. Such phenomena are accompanied by a fermentation process, which is why the stomach swells, leading to flatulence. Chamomile will certainly get rid of such problems. It can be purchased in bags and drunk throughout the day like regular tea. You can cook a decoction or infusion of this healing herb.
With gases constantly arising in the intestines, drug collection will help. It should include mint leaves, chamomile inflorescences, seeds, caraway and fennel, as well as valerian root. You can apply another mixture of herbs. For example, combining chamomile with St. John's wort and plantain (all in equal proportions).
This healing plant also helps with ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. In this case, apply its infusion, applied in 30 minutes. before meals or immediately after it (2-3 tsp. per liter of liquid). The course of treatment is 1 month.
Toothache
Medicinal chamomile is also used in dentistry. Infusions and decoctions prepared from its inflorescences will well help with toothache. To soften the discomfort will allow rinsing the oral cavity with the infusion of the plant. In order to enhance the effect, sage or fennel can be added to the drug.
Reduce the sensitivity to pain and calm down will allow chamomile tea. You can buy it in bags at any pharmacy.
With gum disease, a compress from a healing plant will help. For the procedure, moisten the cotton wool in chamomile oil and apply it for 10 minutes. to the diseased area. In relation to the gum, the compress should be located immediately on both sides. This will allow the active substances of the plant to penetrate into the tissues faster.
For skin diseases
The healing properties of chamomile help us in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. That is why the plant allows a person to get rid of various skin diseases caused by microbes, which are the causes of the formation of ulcers and boils. To eliminate lesions, the skin around them must be treated with cotton swab dipped in an alcoholic solution of chamomile. A decoction of the flowers of this plant is able to cure ringworm. This tool will need to be rubbed into the scalp 30 minutes before washing it.
Chamomile will also help with a pathology called “red nose”. This disease is caused by the demodex tick. Compresses based on a decoction of chamomile flowers will help to get rid of it. This plant perfectly helps with abscesses and abscesses. To remove the inflammatory processes will allow compresses and lotions with the use of medicinal herbs. They are applied for a maximum of 60 minutes.
As you can see, the use and healing properties of chamomile are extremely diverse. Be healthy!