Chamomile: a winter drink with miraculous properties
Delightful, invigorating and just what you need for cold winter nights – especially when they are accompanied by synachi – chamomile is a drink to get you through this winter (and beyond) while reaping its benefits.
The image of the fireplace burning and you tossing a log into the fire while drinking chamomile tea as you tie your robe tight may seem like an image from the far distant future where you will have blown out the 80+ candles on your birthday cake. The truth is, however, that chamomile is not a drink of... old age, as we have it in our minds, but a drink that can reach us until old age in the context of a proper and balanced diet. We just need to get to know it better by learning its benefits to our health in the short and long term and give it a chance earlier than the age of 80…
Its varieties and ingredients
Its name comes from the white color it gives to the meadows (chamomile and melon, where melon = the sheep in the ancients and hamae = on the ground) and its two widely used varieties are the German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and the Roman (Chamaemelum nobile). Although both have similar properties, the German one is considered tastier and more soothing.
It contains dozens of beneficial plant nutrients that favor us in various areas of health, as well as minerals. Specifically, it is rich in antioxidant substances called flavones, glycosides (strong antioxidants in the flavonoid family), tannins, salicylic acid, coumarin derivatives (antagonists of vitamin K), copper, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B1, etc.
Friend of our health
Research on chamomile and its health effects has proven that it can benefit us in several areas.
In more detail:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties: It is beneficial against various inflammations, including gastrointestinal infections, eye or skin inflammations, bowel, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, etc.
- Banishes Insomnia: Perhaps one of its most important properties is that it can relax you and make Morpheus… obey your call. Just drink some chamomile 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed. It will manage to banish your anxieties, relax you with its soft aroma and finally lead you to a deep and quality sleep, having a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
- Soothes anxiety: Chamomile is also known for its natural anxiolytic properties, which help relax the nerves, and has been used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Digestive/Gastrointestinal Aids: Chamomile tea can help relieve bloating and gas, as well as relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In combination, even with mint tea, it may bring better results. It also reduces the episodes of colic, as well as the duration of diarrhea, while significantly helping to relax the stomach.
- It has antispasmodic properties: In cases of gynecological problems, such as menstrual cramps, chamomile can soothe the pain, and even in cases of vaginitis, chamomile washes relieve the condition.
- Boosts immunity: Chamomile has been shown to have the ability to increase the production of white blood cells, which in turn improve the function of our immune system, freeing us from colds and viruses that we "catch" when our immunity it is down. But even if we get sick with flu or sinusitis, inhaling steam from chamomile extract can soothe our cold and reduce the runny nose.
- Treats skin problems: Applying chamomile decoction topically, which we have allowed to cool, offers a solution to various skin problems, from acne, to skin irritations and fungal infections. According to research, in fact, topical application of chamomile to eczema can be 60% as effective as a 0.25% hydrocortisone cream. Also, compresses with chamomile tea can be just as effective.
- Improves dark circles and puffiness in the eyes: If you suffer from these types of eye problems, use chamomile sachets soaked in warm water and placed on closed eyelids (or do the same by dipping a cotton ball in chamomile tea). Dark circles will be reduced, while chamomile tannin can reduce puffiness.
- Soothes headaches: You can stop the progress of a headache or migraine by drinking some chamomile tea, which will give you relief before the pain gets worse.
- Controls diabetes: Hyperglycemic symptoms and diabetes can be controlled by consuming chamomile, according to research, as chamomile lowers blood sugar levels and increases glycogen storage in the liver.
- Prevents the occurrence of cancer: In vitro studies conducted showed possible effects of chamomile in the treatment, but also in the prevention of cancer. Its apigenin has very little effect on healthy cells, but induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Other properties: Chamomile has been found to be beneficial in various conditions and ailments, such as Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, asthma, wound healing, and even osteoporosis.
How can you consume it?
The most popular way to consume chamomile is to make a decoction from its dried flowers, to which, in fact, we can add a little honey. Apart from that, however, you can also find it in capsules, tablets, creams for local use, various extracts, ointments, etc.
The most popular way to consume chamomile is to make a decoction from its dried flowers, to which, in fact, we can add a little honey. Apart from that, however, you can also find it in capsules, tablets, creams for local use, various extracts, ointments, etc.
