What is an ordinary chamomile? What are the beneficial properties of grass? For the treatment of which diseases is the plant used in folk medicine? I would like to consider the answers to these and other questions in our article.
Chamomile - plant description
Such grass is an annual plant. It has a persistent fragrant aroma. Common chamomile has a highly branched stem with small alternate, cirrus leaves. Inflorescences are collected in baskets. The flowers have a yellow and white tint. The plant bears fruit with small ribbed seeds.
Habitat
Common chamomile, the description of which is considered in our material, is widespread in Eurasia. You can also meet the plant in some areas of North America and the southern part of the African continent.
Common chamomile grows mainly in meadows. Occasionally found in wastelands, in gardens, along roadsides. The plant survives well in home gardens. Therefore, chamomile is often cultivated by planting ripened seeds collected in the wild in the soil.
Composition
Chamomile, a photo of which can be seen in our article, is rich in essential oils. Terpenes and flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins are isolated from the plant. The composition contains mineral salts, organic acids, ascorbic acid, carotene.
Harvesting raw materials
Common chamomile is cut off when the leaves of the plant begin to fade and move to a horizontal position. Drying takes place under awnings. Chamomile is laid out on a flat surface with a thin layer. In the process of harvesting the plant should be well purged with fresh air and at the same time not be exposed to direct sunlight. When the chamomile is completely dried, it loses about 75% of its original weight.
Pulling a plant from the soil with the root is considered barbarism. Indeed, next year, most likely, nothing will grow on this place. It is recommended to cut the stems with a knife under the cuttings so that a high leg sticks out of the ground.
It is absolutely not recommended to collect common chamomile in places where transport runs, as well as nearby animal farms, industrial enterprises, landfills. The shoots of such grass perfectly absorb harmful substances from the environment. Instead, it is better to harvest plants that grow in the forest, away from human habitation.
Pharmacological preparations based on chamomile
Common chamomile, the description of which we examined above, acts as the basis for the production of a number of medicines, such as:
- "Rotokan" - the medicine has a local anti-inflammatory effect. Most often used in dentistry, where it is prescribed to patients if it is necessary to recover after a wide variety of surgical procedures.
- “Rekutan” - relieves inflammation, perfectly heals all kinds of wounds. It is prescribed in order to eliminate erosion of the mucous membranes, it is used for colpitis.
- Ayur - is an effective local painkiller. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed to people who suffer from radiculitis and arthritis. Prevents the formation of pressure sores when forced to remain in a lying position.
- "Romazulon" - is used for disinfecting rinses, washing damaged tissues. Eliminates inflammatory processes in the treatment of the oral cavity.
- “Chamomile essential oil” is an effective bactericidal agent. It is prescribed for colds, which is accompanied by a strong cough, the development of inflammation of the respiratory tract. They use the drug externally in order to combat skin ailments, in particular, ulcerative manifestations.
The properties
The chemicals that make up the plant are capable of exerting the following effects on the human body:
- Antibacterial.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Sweatshops.
- Sedative
- Antihistamine.
- Choleretic.
- Painkiller.
- Astringent.
- Hemostatic.
Chamomile ordinary: application
The use of remedies based on a medicinal plant is shown, first of all, for colds. Take decoctions from such a grass in case of the development of flu, sore throat, SARS.
The healing properties of chamomile common help to eliminate the accumulation of gases in the intestines. The remedy helps with digestive problems. The active ingredients in the plant have a positive effect on the production of gastric juices. Decoctions of herbs improve appetite, help relieve inflammation from the intestinal mucous membranes. Chamomile acts as an excellent adsorbent, absorbing toxins and toxins. Doctors recommend resorting to the use of the drug in the development of any discomfort in the intestine. The beneficial effect of chamomile affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Apply the plant in order to treat muscle cramps. The tool helps if necessary, removing nervous irritability. In particular, herbal decoctions provide an opportunity to eliminate sleep problems. Teas made from chamomile help calm down and have a relaxing effect on the body.
Chamomile is actively used in the manufacture of cosmetics. The plant is indispensable in the manufacture of skin creams with a calming effect. The extract of the healing herb is added to various shampoos, toothpastes, shower gels, and soap.
How to cook a chamomile broth?
To prepare a medicinal product, you can use your own raw materials. However, it is better to use safe pharmacy fees. There are several recipes for making medicinal decoctions based on the plant:
- Flowers of grass are poured with boiled water. The composition is left to infuse in any capacious container until completely cooled. After a few hours, the remedy is ready to use.
- If saturated broth is required, raw materials based on a large number of flowers are used. The latter are brewed in a water bath. After about half an hour, the composition is filtered through cheesecloth. In order to reduce the concentration, the broth can be diluted with boiled water.
- Flowers are placed in an enameled bowl and pour boiling water. The liquid is placed on a slow fire. It is enough to wait until the broth gets a dark shade. Then it can be removed and used for medicinal purposes.
Baby Bath
The beneficial properties of chamomile for centuries have been used for bathing babies. Such bathtubs helps to remove all kinds of skin irritations. Preparing a healing agent is not difficult. It is enough to take a tablespoon of raw materials and pour boiled water in an amount of not more than 1 liter. The container must be covered with a lid. The composition will be ready when the chamomile flowers completely fall to the bottom. Having filtered the infusion, it can be added to the water when bathing the baby. Such baths will have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin of the child. Parents note that the tool helps to improve the sleep of newborns. However, resorting to such a solution is too often not recommended.
Infusion for hair
In order to strengthen the hair, the following remedy is prepared. A few tablespoons of dry collection of chamomile is poured with a liter of boiled water. The composition is insisted for half an hour. Then the liquid is filtered and used for washing hair.
Chamomile decoction allows you to give blond hair a golden hue. To prepare such a tool, you need to take about 200 grams of raw materials and brew in 0.5 liters of boiling water. The composition should be boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. Then the tool is allowed to infuse. The composition is applied to the hair immediately after washing.
The use of chamomile for douching
Medicines based on plants have antispasmodic, laxative and choleretic properties, which is confirmed by reviews of numerous doctors. They found good use in gynecology. Women who are forced to endure discomfort due to the development of thrush are often prescribed douching with chamomile infusions. This decision allows you to abandon the use of antibiotics. Regular douching with the use of the drug makes it possible in a short time to get rid of unpleasant sensations, in particular, to remove the discomfort in the form of itching.
Side effects
Chamomile common has a wide range of healing qualities. However, if the concentration of active substances in the composition of the infusions based on the plant or the individual intolerance of certain chemical components is exceeded, some negative manifestations may occur. Among the likely side effects when using chamomile medications are the following:
- Epigastric pain.
- Sensation of nausea, vomiting.
- High blood pressure.
- Specific allergic reactions, which are accompanied by the occurrence of swelling of the tissues.
- Internal bleeding.
- Local hyperemia, rash, itching of the skin (with external use).
If one or more negative reactions from the above list are noted, the reception of funds based on chamomile ordinary must be stopped urgently.
Contraindications
The use of chamomile ordinary for therapeutic purposes is prohibited when:
- Stomach ulcer.
- The development of severe pain during menstruation.
- Propensities for diarrhea.
- Mental disorders.
- Pregnancy
Finally
As you can see, chamomile is an excellent healing plant. Infusions based on such herbs can bring benefits to a wide variety of people. At the same time, do not abuse this tool. After all, a high concentration in the body of the chemicals that make up chamomile can lead to some unforeseen consequences.