Camomile is one of the herbs that have been used for centuries. The Europeans first used it 1600 years ago. Its name comes from the Greek word that means ground apple. It is indigenous in Asia and Europe and belongs to the daisy family. There are two main variants of the camomile, which are the German and Roman. The German variety is used around the world while the Roman one is found mainly in Great Britain.
Its flowers are considered to have the most medicinal properties. The flowers can be either applied externally or infused with hot water to make into camomile tea. People should take precautions when consuming camomile oil or tea, especially those with pollen allergy. But most of the time it is safe for consumption, without causing any side effects.
Camomile Flowers by The Italian Voice
How to Make Camomile Tea
Camomile tea is good for a lot of thing. To make camomile tea, you have to infuse dried camomile flowers with hot water. Just take a handful of dried camomile flowers and place it into a liter of boiling water. You’ll know the infusion is ready when the color changes. Let it cool down so that the blend can get the maximum flavor and extract. You could reheat it later if you want.
If you don’t have access to dried camomile flowers, you can settle for camomile tea bags, which are found in most organic stores. Dip the tea bags into hot water for a few minutes and drink it. Camomile tea is usually mixed with peppermint or other herbs for added health benefits and flavor. Camomile with peppermint is helpful for digestion. Camomile combined with lemon grass is excellent for relaxation.
Benefits of Camomile Tea
Camomile is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Ancient Egyptians drank camomile tea as cure for a bunch of disorders, which include gastrointestinal and gynecologic disorders. At present camomile is used as a mild sedative and a laxative. It can help combat anxiety and depression as well as relieve insomnia.
Camomile’s active ingredient is bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and anti-microbial properties. Camomile tea is used as cure for other ailments, below are some of them.
Camomile tea is effective in decreasing eye strain and fatigue. Get two camomile tea bags and dip them into warm water for at least two minutes. Get the bags out of the water and let them cool down to room temperature. Put the bags on the eyes just like a compress before going to bed at night. This will not only reduce the strain, it can also decrease the dark circles under the eyes.
Camomile is said to be an effective cure for migraine headaches. As soon as you feel headache symptoms, drink camomile tea immediately. It is best to drink the tea before the migraine headache gets too painful.
Camomile tea can cure symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome because of its laxative properties. It helps loosen the intestine muscles, which aids in regulating the bowel movement. The camomile helps relieve bloating and stomach pains by getting rid of the excess intestinal gas. It also has anti-microbial properties that can cure stomach flu.
Insomnia by C.P. Storm
If you’re having a hard time sleeping at night, then drink camomile tea at least 35 to 40 minutes before you go to bed. Camomile is a sedative that can help you sleep calmly throughout the night.
Camomile tea is an efficient cure for stomach cramps. Women drink it during their monthly menstrual periods to relieve cramps. It has antispasmodic properties that help in relieving contractions of the intestinal muscles. It is also safe to be used as treatment for baby colic.
Too much camomile can be harmful. People who are allergic to pollen or are suffering from hay fever should avoid drinking camomile tea. Pregnant women are also advised not to drink it to avoid miscarriage. It is also advisable to consult your doctor about drinking camomile tea, especially if you’re under medication. This is particularly to people who are taking blood thinning medicines because camomile is a known blood thinner as well. You could feel drowsiness when a large dose is taken.
Camomile Oil
Camomile oil is often used as antiseptic and antibiotic because it stops the infection from spreading. It can also cure the infection that already present. When applied to the hair, it can kill lice and mites without damaging the scalp.
Camomile oil is best for relieving stress. It stops restlessness and have a generally soothing effect on the nerves. It promotes relaxation and is a good anti-depressant. The oil can calm down oneself and get rid of annoyance.
Camomile oil can be used as cure for various skin aliments such as rashes, burns, and boils. People also use it for serious skin diseases such as eczema.
Camomile tea has its health benefits but the intake should be within the prescribe limit. Abuse of it might cause complications. You should also seek the advice of your doctor if you have known allergy problems.
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