Chamomile: Benefits Of Consuming It
To benefit from its properties, we can consume chamomile in infusion or apply it topically. It can have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and is a good digestive.
Chamomile is an herb that enjoys great popularity worldwide due to the amount of healing properties it possesses. And although it is more common to find it in infusions, it is also used in lotions, creams, tonics and other ointments for the aesthetic field.
Beyond being able to relieve stomach upset and calm anxiety, chamomile is one of the most consumed herbs due to its good aroma and flavor. Without a doubt, it is a true goodness that nature gives us. Next, we will tell you what are the benefits of its consumption.
Brief historical summary
It is known that this aromatic plant was already applied as a “medicine” since Ancient Egyptian times and that it became very popular both among the healers and doctors of Ancient Greece and those of the Roman Empire.
During the Middle Ages, its consumption became popular as a remedy for asthma, but also to calm the nerves and nausea, and even to treat certain skin conditions, as it was considered a plant with great potential in the body. Hence, numerous studies were carried out on the properties and applications of this plant. Thanks to this, the ailments of many were alleviated.
With the passage of time, chamomile became a space in the vast majority of homes, orchards and gardens, and thanks to this, its commercialization acquired various formats. Who has not tried an infusion in a tea bag? Definitely, it is difficult for them to be missing from our cupboards.
Properties and benefits of chamomile
- Sedatives
- Antiallergic.
- Antibacterial.
- Anti-inflammatory.
The properties of chamomile are more than proven by science. Now, how do these properties favor the body? For starters, by having a sedative effect, chamomile can prevent spasms, inflammation and related discomfort. It can also help to:
- Make a good digestion.
- Relax (which helps even a good night’s sleep).
- Open the appetite (to promote the recovery of the patient).
- Eliminate toxins through urine.
- Relieve menstrual spasms.
In the market, you can get chamomile in various presentations: creams, essential oils, lotions and capsules. However, the most common is to drink its infusion, since its properties are used to the maximum.
How is it used in aesthetics?
When used topically (cutaneous, ocular, otic), chamomile can also be beneficial.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, this herb is very good for the skin. Creams or poultices that contain it are excellent for regenerating burned or injured tissues. On the other hand, chamomile rinses are very good for healing canker sores or cold sores faster.
Now, in the field of beauty, chamomile is used in cosmetics to maintain blonde hair or to give certain “highlights” to brown and reddish hair.
On the other hand, face masks and make-up removal products with chamomile help to refresh, soothe and properly cleanse the skin.
How to prepare a good infusion?
To enjoy a good chamomile infusion, you just have to put a cup of water to boil. This can be done both in a pot, or in the microwave. The important thing is to introduce the chamomile bag while the water is bubbling.
Next, we cover the container and let it rest for about 3-5 minutes. It is important to respect this time so that the herb can cook well.
Now, you can enjoy this infusion both hot and cold at any time of the year. In fact, it is recommended to drink at least one cup a day, and a maximum of 1 liter to take advantage of its benefits.
In case we do not like the flavor of chamomile too much, we can prepare a smoothie or a shake and, instead of using only water, use an infusion of chamomile. The rest of the ingredients will hide its flavor and we can gradually get used to it until we can drink it without companions.
It is not advisable to add sugar to infusions. Instead, you can add a point of honey, which also has a similar effect and is much healthier than refined sugar.
