Chamomile is for sure one you have heard of, whether it's the essential oil or the herb itself you are familiar with, you may not know the studies that have backed his beauty up.
Chamomile is a small sweet flower that has become famous in the herbal world. It's a great source of the amino acid tryptophan, which converts into serotonin. It relaxes and eases the body which makes it great for stress and sleep.
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
The oil is also an antifungal agent that can help relieve itching; and little known fact, it can also promote hair growth by improving circulation in the scalp.
Studies on this flower outline it's ability as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal activities, angiogenesis activity, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects. Besides those, it is beneficial for knee osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, premenstrual syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents make it excellent for helping treat acne, and even skin conditions like eczema.
These properties make this nature's gift to improve our health and beauty.
Although used for thousands of years, it's beauty benefits and positive reports have not been reported to the masses until recently. This is starting to change and people are realizing the many benefits that chamomile has.
So how exactly can chamomile help you? It is a great source of natural antioxidants which fight free radical damage in the body, making it an excellent anti-aging potion for your skin.
It also helps balance out hormones.
It is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent so it is very good for treating arthritis and rheumatic disease. Other symptoms that can be helped from chamomile include digestive problems, heartburn, insomnia, allergies and even anxiety. Chamomile also helps with hair loss, skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, bladder problems, headaches and toothaches.
The scent of chamomile is so soothing that it makes you feel relaxed yet uplifted at the same time. There are two types, Roman and German, and each has it's own delectable scent.
As an essential oil it is excellent for aromatherapy, and Chamomile can be made into a poultice to help reduce inflammation. It can also be used topically for rashes, burns and blisters.
When using chamomile remember to use organic as many pesticides will create a toxic reaction (and pesticides are just bad anyway!)
The reason chamomile is used for so many problems and conditions is that when you ingest it or apply to your skin, it can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream and into the cells. This gives the body a boost in overall health.
It's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the swelling in your body, caused by allergies, arthritis or other conditions. It is also very beneficial to sleep disorders as it naturally relaxes you.
With so many ways to use it, it definitely should be a staple found in every home.
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