Chamomile
Chamomile belongs to the two types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile, to the astral family of flowering plants. Its flowers resemble the sun, and it is worth noting that the two types are similar in their medicinal effect, except that there are some subtle differences in their appearance, and in their life cycle, and German chamomile is the most common, and its aromatic oils have a dark blue color, It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic properties, and chamomile tea can be prepared by adding one teaspoon to one and a half teaspoons of dried flowers to 200 milliliters of water; It is one of the top five herbal teas. Because of its antioxidant content.
Benefits of chamomile oil
Chamomile contains different varieties of bioactive ingredients, which are isolated and used in both cosmetic and medicinal preparations; It also contains a volatile oil from 0.24% to 1.9%, and exposing it to steam distillation causes its color to vary from bright blue to dark green when it is fresh, but it turns into a dark yellow after storage, as for the benefits of chamomile oil, it is considered one of the popular ingredients For aromatherapy, hair care, and body massages, chamomile extract is recommended in liquid form as a sedative; To relieve anxiety, depression, calm nerves, and insomnia.
Benefits of chamomile herb
Chamomile tea can provide a range of benefits for a healthy body, including the following:
- Promote digestive health: Limited evidence indicates that chamomile may be effective in improving digestion. By reducing the risk of some digestive problems, as some studies conducted on mice found that chamomile extract may protect against diarrhea; Another study in rats found that chamomile helps protect against stomach ulcers, and is popularly used. In the treatment of nausea, and flatulence.
- Promote heart health: It is rich in flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant, and studies have been conducted on them; To know the possibility of reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important factors indicating the risk of heart disease, but more studies are still needed on this.
- Protection from some types of cancer: Contains antioxidants such as Apigenin, and laboratory studies have found that it fights cancer cells such as breast, gastrointestinal, skin, prostate and uterus
- Reducing menstrual pain: Several studies have linked chamomile tea to reducing the severity of menstrual cramps. For example, a 2010 study showed that taking it for a month might ease the pain of cramps, anxiety, and stress associated with menstrual pain. .
- Lowering blood sugar: Some studies have found that it can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. In one study involving 64 participants who drank chamomile tea three times daily after meals for eight weeks, a significant reduction in markers of diabetes, as well as total cholesterol, was observed compared to people who consumed water.
- Improve the ability to sleep: This is because it contains the antioxidant Apigenin that binds to specific receptors in the brain, which may improve sleep and reduce insomnia.
Precautions for consuming chamomile
Chamomile is considered safe, according to what most experts have indicated, and the effect of its long-term use is not yet known, and it is worth noting that in the event of itching or discomfort, its use should be stopped, and although the reports of the toxic effect did not mention that it has effects Negative to health for young children, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and those with liver and kidney diseases, but it has also not been proven safe for these groups, and here are some caveats that must be taken into account when using chamomile tea:
- Allergies: may lead to an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to asterisks, including chrysanthemums and many other herbs, and it is worth noting that this is rare, and the allergic reaction may range from a rash to anaphylaxis. Skin cream containing chamomile might cause allergic eczema and irritation of the eyes.
- Surgery: May affect the anesthesia process when surgery is performed. Therefore, it should not be used two weeks before surgery.
- Drug interactions: It is always helpful to consult a doctor when using herbs, as chamomile may interact with over-the-counter medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, and these drugs may be increased along with chamomile. Risk of internal bleeding. The herb also increases the effect of narcotic analgesics and epilepsy drugs, and it may interact with some medications. By changing the metabolism inside the body.
- Interaction with nutritional supplements: May interact with nutritional supplements, such as ginkgo, garlic, and St. John's wort.
