Chamomile infusion: health benefits and harms

Each of us knows daisy since childhood. This is a nice flower with a yellow center (core) and white petals. The stem of the plant is somewhat reminiscent of dill. Camomile does not require special attention for breeding, as it is unpretentious and is able to grow almost everywhere. The plant is not without reason called a home pharmacy. Its healing properties were known even to our ancestors. She treated wounds, consumed inside to improve the patient's condition, made decoctions and infusions to cure specific diseases.

Worth to know! Healing properties are not possessed by all types of chamomile, but only by their two types: Roman and pharmacy.

The plant (Roman chamomile) quickly spread to Europe, America and is now found even in Argentina. This perennial herb with a pungent odor is an indispensable component for the preparation of aromatic oils, as well as decor.

The second option (chamomile) is more common, as it can be found almost everywhere where there is a temperate climate. Annual plant with a pleasant smell. If you compare the aroma of a pharmacy look with the smell of field or dog chamomile, the difference will be significant. It is grown specifically for therapeutic use. Distinctive features of a pharmaceutical camomile is a basket. It has the shape of skittles with an empty bottom and small leaves.

In the article, we consider the benefits of chamomile infusion, we will analyze the composition and find out how much and to whom it can be taken regularly to maintain health.

Composition and calorie content

Let's start with the calorie content of chamomile infusion - 9 kcal per 100 ml of decoction.

The composition of chamomile infusion contains many useful trace elements and vitamins, thanks to which doctors and cosmetologists are fighting various ailments and serious diseases. Even Avicenna and Hippocrates used chamomile in their practice. We list some elements that are part of the chamomile "potion":

• potassium:
• iodine;
• calcium;
• boron;
• aluminum;
• selenium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• zinc etc.

Of the natural compounds should be distinguished:

• ascorbic, salicylic, nicotinic acid;
• tanning elements;
• pectin;
• sugar and others

Among the medicinal substances present in the composition of chamomile, we note the following:

1. Apigenin. This substance actively fights inflammation, normalizes the nervous system, and promotes the synthesis of neurons. According to some reports, apigenin is considered a number of drugs that can fight the development of cancer cells in the body.
2. Bisabolol. This substance, due to its antimicrobial ability, effectively removes irritations on the skin, stops inflammatory processes. Some scientists are of the opinion that bisabolol can help with leukemia. When taken orally, pepsin production decreases, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.
3. Coumarin. An excellent tool for stabilizing blood coagulation. It helps with asthma.
4. Flavonoids. They are also called natural antioxidants, as they actively fight harmful viruses and germs.
5. Sesquiterpenes. This substance is an anthelmintic.
6. Hamazulen. Great antiseptic.

What is useful infusion of chamomile

General benefit

The main valuable qualities of chamomile infusion on the body are known to most people:

• is a natural antiseptic;
• has hemostatic properties;
• It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and painkiller;
• has a sedative effect;
• used for seizures;
• used as a diuretic and diaphoretic;
• has many other healing properties.

Chamomile is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Infusions and teas from it were known by ancient beauties. Hippocrates himself recommended taking chamomile to Florentine ladies to prolong and preserve youth and beauty.

We highlight the main healing properties of chamomile infusion:

1. Relieves cramping and eliminates diarrhea. The substances that make up chamomile effectively cope with the pathogenic flora of the intestine and relieve muscle cramps.
2. It treats poorly healing wounds, inflammation of the oral cavity, eczema, rash. The plant in front of the eyes stops the spread of infection and relieves irritation.
3. Effectively combats nervousness by acting on the receptors of inhibition of the nervous system. Promotes normalization of signal transmission by neurons. It is worth noting that the plant is not addictive.
4. Can destroy cancer cells without harming the body.
5. It slows down coagulation, so it is recommended to drink grass for blood clots.
6. It lowers cholesterol, which means it is useful for people with heart and vascular diseases.

For women

Medicinal chamomile is also called uterine, and this is no accident. Women can douche with infusion of chamomile with suspected inflammation of the genitourinary system. Such procedures will reduce pain, reduce or stop the onset of the disease. It is worth knowing that our mothers and grandmothers used this method. This is a well-known common folk remedy, and most importantly - effective.

Taking a bath with chamomile infusion relieves fatigue, irritability, nervousness. Such "wet" procedures are recommended to be carried out during a period of stress, with poor health or insomnia.

Women suffering from painful menstruation are recommended to use the infusion to soothe and relieve pain due to relaxation.

If you add mint or lemon balm to the infusion, you can ensure yourself a good night's sleep. In addition, it will be not only a healthy drink for soothing, but also a delicious decoction with a piquant aroma.

For men

Not everyone knows that Tibetan monks were the first to learn about the unique properties of rejuvenating the body with chamomile. It was they who invented the recipe for youth from grass. To prepare, it was necessary to mash the plant into gruel, pour boiling water, let it brew, then strain it and mix with a spoon of honey.

Herbal infusion helps with prostatitis. It has a healing effect on the organs of men. In the chronic course of the disease, it is worth taking daily three times a day for half a glass of infusion. It is desirable that it is freshly brewed. It is better to take it 30 minutes before meals. You can get a greater effect when combining ingestion with an enema. This will remove the puffiness, improve the work of the urinary apparatus and genitals, and restore the destroyed tissues.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women should not abuse the infusion. This is probably the only exception to the rule when the healing properties of a plant can harm a future mother.

Chamomile contains phytoestrogens, which can cause uterine tone and provoke premature birth or, even worse, a miscarriage. Therefore, women who are at risk are not allowed to consume chamomile infusions, especially for those who have a tendency for the uterus to hypertension.

For the rest, it is allowed to take therapeutic infusions before meals, but not more than 100 ml per day. In moderate doses, chamomile will help reduce toxicosis, nervous state, headaches. With regular consumption of the infusion, the general condition, sleep will improve, intestinal cramps, flatulence and other similar problems will go away.

When breastfeeding

It is impossible to say unequivocally that chamomile broth is useful for breastfeeding.Scientists still can not come to a consensus. Despite the fact that the plant is considered a natural antiseptic and with its help you can fight various ailments without harming the body, it is not recommended to abuse the drink during lactation. You can limit yourself to two cups of tea so as not to harm your baby. Such a dose will not cause harm, but, on the contrary, normalizes sleep and will have a relaxing effect on the body.

Infusion can affect milk production. In one case, the amount may increase, and in the other, decrease. Excessive consumption of chamomile infusion can significantly reduce its production, so you should not risk it and leave the child without maternal “feed”. Yes, and about allergic reactions to individual components that make up chamomile, you should also not forget.

For kids

Chamomile is used when bathing children. The infusion perfectly removes irritation from the baby’s delicate skin and inflammation. It is considered a natural product for the newborn. For the bath, you need to dilute 1 tablespoon of pharmacy chamomile in a liter of hot boiled water, let it brew and strain so that the petals or flowers of the plant do not get on the skin of the baby. Add the prepared product to the bath to calm the child and rest in a good sleep. Do not use daily baths with chamomile for a child. It is better to alternate them with other useful herbs, then the baby will grow strong and healthy.

Infusion can be treated for colic in a child. For this, 1 spoonful of dry chamomile is enough. You can buy medicinal herbs at drugstores. It is necessary to fill it with boiling water and insist 30 minutes, after closing the lid. Then strain the solution and dilute a little with boiled water. The color should be pale yellow. Give the child a drink after eating for several days. Thus, bloating, gas formation in the tummy and fermentation will be eliminated.

Children who can already gargle can be treated with chamomile infusion, which is used as a solution for rinsing the larynx during SARS.

When losing weight

Chamomile belongs to herbal plants, which are useful for weight loss. The value of grass is that with its help you can "gently" reduce weight. The reasons for such a “sparing” diet to lose weight is the ability to infusion:

1. Normalize the digestive system and improve intestinal activity, in particular peristalsis.
2. To establish a metabolism.
3. Remove excess fluid and salt from the body.
4. To clear of slags, toxic substances and other harmful elements.
5. To calm the nerves and prevent “seizing” during a period of stress.

Infusion acts on the body gently and gently. Despite the fact that chamomile will not be able to split subcutaneous fat, it can do the work of normalizing the digestive tract and other internal organs and systems. Losing weight with chamomile infusion is real.

Scientists have proven that the grass can moderate the appetite. Chamomile controls sugar levels, so the urge to eat does not occur very often. On average, for one month with regular consumption of infusion, you can lose up to 3 kg of excess weight. If, simultaneously with the adoption of chamomile, time is devoted to physical activity, then the number of excess kilos thrown off can be brought up to 8.

You should know! Weight lost on phytodiet will not return back! This once again emphasizes the superiority of natural raw materials over tablets!

For women, watching their figure, an important factor will be the fact that chamomile has regenerative properties. It rejuvenates the body and prevents skin stretch marks after losing weight.

Chamomile infusion in medicine

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is considered a serious disease that requires special attention. Saturated solutions should not be taken; they should be diluted with water or completely replaced with chamomile tea. Diluted infusion does not cause allergies, so it can be taken even by small children.

In acute inflammation, it is allowed to drink three times a day after eating. The dosage should not be exceeded. Norm - 100 ml in one go.The course of treatment is a week.

The regular use of a weak solution inside will protect the walls of the pancreas from the harmful effects of acids, and will also contribute to the additional production of the necessary mucus. The infusion will reduce pain during cramping, eliminate fermentation in the intestines and have a beneficial effect on the digestive system as a whole.

With gastritis

It is known that chamomile decoction is able to stop internal bleeding. For this reason, doctors recommend it to their patients in case of the slightest suspicion of intestinal or stomach bleeding.

Worth to know! In ancient Egypt, residents took chamomile infusion to cleanse the stomach. And they drank it on the third day of the month. It was believed that on this day you can get rid of many problems associated with food surplus or poisoning.

Chamomile tincture for gastritis is taken not only inside. Doctors advise the patient to do enemas by mixing the infusion with oil (vegetable). For 60 ml of "potion" you need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Such procedures are useful for hemorrhoids, they are prescribed for proctitis and other similar ailments.

For the intestines

People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases are advised to regularly take chamomile infusions. It:

• improve bowel function;
• normalizes the functioning of the gallbladder;
• clean the mucous membrane;
• reduce inflammation.

Chamomile infusions are taken for intestinal diseases inside, and enemas are also carried out to cleanse. Enema infusions will more effectively cleanse the intestinal tract and relieve inflammation.

For the liver

Chamomile has the most direct effect on liver function. Besides the fact that with the help of herbal infusion the body is cleansed of toxins, liver activity is also normalized and cells are restored. Particularly useful chamomile decoctions will be people who abuse alcohol, take a lot of medications, lovers of fatty foods.

Regular use of the decoction inside as a prophylaxis can prevent cirrhosis, hepatitis and the occurrence of other pathological changes. Chamomile is part of medicines prescribed to patients suffering from diseases of the liver and gall bladder.

With hemorrhoids

When hemorrhoids occur, chamomile infusions are recommended to be consumed not only inside, but also rectally. This relieves irritation, itching in the anus, pain. In addition, chamomile is able to heal wounds and stop bleeding.

We highlight the main advantages of therapeutic effects in hemorrhoids:

• relieving pain and itching;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• the destruction of microbes.

To obtain a greater effect, several methods of eliminating the ailment must be carried out at once. The first is to take the infusion up to 3 times a day for half an hour before eating. The second treatment option consists of taking baths, washing, lotions, microclysters using chamomile “potions”.

For throat

Colds are always accompanied by sore throat and pain. To prevent the spread of infection, it is necessary to clean from the first days, including rinsing the mucous membrane. It is worth noting that chamomile infusions are recommended not only by traditional healers, but also by graduates. The flowers of the plant are perfect for inhalation procedures.

Gargling with chamomile infusion disinfects the membrane and creates a harmful environment for bacteria. In addition, the grass has a number of other medicinal properties:

• eliminates plaque on tonsils and throat;
• tones up;
• strengthens the immune system;
• regenerates the mucosa;
• relieves itching, soreness, swelling and inflammation.

With tonsillitis, the plant is recommended even to the smallest children. The infusion tastes good and does not have a pungent odor, so the kids are happy to agree to rinse.

With thrush

Chamomile is used as an additional therapeutic agent for thrush. With the help of tinctures and decoctions of chamomile, washing, douching, and bathing are carried out. Healing solutions are prepared from the flowers of the plant. For this:

1. Pour a liter of water into the pan and bring to a boil.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons (tablespoons) of chamomile into a boiling liquid and continue to boil for another couple of minutes.
3. Then the solution is removed from the heat, cooled and filtered.

The finished infusion is injected into the vagina with a syringe. The course of treatment is from one week to two. The procedure should be carried out in the morning and in the evening before bedtime.

In case of poisoning

In case of intoxication, the digestive organs and the system as a whole malfunction. If this happens, then the chamomile will be able to benefit. True, it is worth starting to use the infusion from the second day of poisoning. On the first day, doctors are not advised to take anything but water.

The main advantages of a natural medicine:

• decreased manifestations of flatulence in the intestines and colic;
• restoration of the gastrointestinal tract;
• reduced risk of diarrhea or constipation;
• normalization of the intestines, liver and gall bladder;
• effective disposal of toxic substances in the body;
• elimination of nausea and vomiting.

With a cold

Colds have always been treated with chamomile, and nowadays too.

The main manifestations of influenza:

• joint and muscle pain;
• weakness;
• runny nose;
• dryness and sore throat;
• excessive sweating;
• fever;
• cough;
• chills, etc.

To eliminate the aforementioned ailments, it is necessary to take chamomile infusion inside, as well as make inhalations, gargle, etc. If you take miraculous tincture of chamomile during the day, you can quickly remove unpleasant sensations in the throat, reduce febrile symptoms, and increase resistance to penetration and spread infections in the body.

Inhalations are carried out daily several times a day. You also need to drink a cup of chamomile tea with honey before bedtime. This will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

For gums

Not everyone can afford expensive medications for gum inflammation prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, the most reliable and easiest way to eliminate the ailment is to use chamomile infusion. This is an excellent tool for removing inflammatory processes and healing cracks and wounds.

For cooking, you just need to pour boiling water on 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers. Let the solution brew for several hours and strain. Then you can apply and rinse them with an oral cavity.

Rinse with chamomile infusion should be several times a day to relieve swelling, stop inflammation and the spread of infection, reduce pain, get rid of bleeding.

With prostatitis

With prostatitis, chamomile is treated in different ways:

• taken orally;
• do enemas.

Microclysters have the greatest effect. Thanks to their conduct in the body of a man, harmful microorganisms causing inflammation are destroyed. In addition, the intestine normalizes its activity and gets rid of feces. Blood circulation is restored, regeneration of damaged tissue sites occurs.

With menstruation

To normalize the menstrual cycle, it is necessary to carry out herbal medicine using chamomile. This is an effective method, but the prescribed dosage and the number of infusion receptions should be observed. Then you can achieve the desired result and get rid of many unpleasant problems.

We list the main healing properties for PMS and menstruation:

• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerative;
• sweatshops;
• sedatives;
• antihistamines;
• antimicrobial and others.

Phytosterol is present in chamomile.This component is used in the manufacture of drugs to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Chamomile is able to not only adjust the cycle of menstruation, but also make them less plentiful and painful.

Chamomile infusion in cosmetology

Chamomile has been widely used in cosmetology. Creams, lotions, masks, tonics, etc. are prepared from the plant. This affordable folk remedy is rightly called the elixir of health, vitality, beauty and youth. It’s very simple to make a camomile cream on your own at home. In minutes you will receive a useful composition that you can use for yourself or your loved ones. And the effect of its use will please you not for one day, but for a long time.

For face

The beneficial properties of chamomile are due to its composition. With the regular use of funds based on a medicinal plant, you can get rid of many problems associated with skin irritations, rashes and acne. We list the main beneficial effects of chamomile on the skin of the face:

• moisturizes and eliminates dryness;
• has a calming effect on the skin, softens it and restores;
• bleaches, helps get rid of age spots;
• treats acne and acne;
• smoothes wrinkles, scars, cuts on the face;
• tones, rejuvenates and refreshes;
• eliminates greasiness, improves blood circulation and microcirculation;
• removes dark circles under the eyes and bags.

It is worth noting that chamomile has unique properties. It nourishes dry skin and eliminates greasy greasy skin. With its help, you can easily get rid of problems on the face.

Only individual intolerance of a person to the components of chamomile can cause a refusal to use the plant. To do this, you need to conduct a normal susceptibility test by applying a cream or other cosmetic product to the skin area for 15 minutes. If within 30 minutes after application itching or redness does not appear, then you can safely prepare infusions of chamomile and rejuvenate.

Recipes

1. For daily rubbing of the skin of the face, a special tonic is suitable. Take 1 tablespoon of chamomile, pour a glass of water and put on fire until it boils. Remove from heat and insist for several hours. Strain the resulting mixture and add boiled water. Lotion is ready to use.
2. Compresses from camomile. Blot the gauze folded in several layers into a warm broth, wring it out and apply on face for 15 minutes. Prepare the gauze base in advance by making cuts in it for the eyes, nose and mouth. Perform the procedure no more than 2 times a week. Such compresses are effective in controlling acne, various skin rashes, and profuse greasiness.
3. Ice cubes. Freeze the prepared infusion of chamomile in the freezer, after pouring it into special ice molds. Wipe the skin with chamomile dice in the morning. This recipe perfectly rejuvenates the skin, making it resilient and elastic.
4. Chamomile infusion can be washed daily. It will differ from the broth in that when cooking it is not necessary to boil the raw materials. Everything is much simpler: pour 2 tablespoons of chamomile with boiling water and let it brew. In the morning, it is advisable to wash yourself with chilled infusion, and in the evening - warm.

For hair

Rinsing with chamomile infusion after washing improves the condition and structure of the skin and hair. In addition, such procedures can eliminate dandruff, relieve itching, get rid of hair loss, and accelerate hair growth. Regular use of the infusion as a rinse will lighten the color.

There are several ways to use the infusion:

1. After washing the hair with shampoo, the chamomile composition is used as a balm. For this, the hair is squeezed and doused with infusion. Give a little time so that the solution can be absorbed.Dried in a natural way, without the use of a hair dryer.
2. The second method is in the basin. Infusion is poured into a basin. For 10 minutes, the hair is lowered into the solution and thus saturates its structure with useful elements. During the procedure, the head is regularly watered so that the chamomile can soak into the skin and hair follicles. Water is not washed off. Dried natural option, without hairdryer.

You should know! Infusion can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator - 4.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many positive properties of chamomile for the body, the use of infusion must be regulated. Excessive consumption can be harmful. It is necessary to limit the dose or completely abandon chamomile during pregnancy and lactation, as well as with individual intolerance to the components that make up the medicinal herb.

With prolonged ingestion, irritability, fatigue, weakness may appear.

You can not take infusions when a serious surgical operation is ahead. At least 14 days before the appointed date, you must stop taking chamomile.

When to collect and how to store chamomile

The plant should be collected during the flowering period: from early May to early September. The best weather to pick is a hot, dry day. Harvesting on cloudy days is fraught with decay of flowers. It is better to choose the time before dinner, as it is believed that it is at this time that the camomile contains a greater number of useful elements and substances.

You can store chamomile at home for a long time, observing all safety measures and rules. After drying, the plant is placed in a glass or tin container. Canvas bags or cardboard boxes can be used.

Chamomile needs air, so when stored in jars, the container should not be tightly sealed. It is necessary to cover the jars with parchment and secure with an elastic band. The plant is stored in a cool dark place. There should not be other spices with a pronounced sharp aroma.

Shelf life is limited to two years. At the end of the period, the chamomile will lose its healing properties.

How to make chamomile infusion

To prepare a medicinal infusion, water and chamomile flowers will be required. Chamomile can be collected and dried on its own or bought at a pharmacy. An infusion is prepared in a hot and cold way.

1. Cold version of the preparation of infusion. Take the dishes, you can glass, and put 7 tablespoons of chamomile in it. Pour boiled cool water and insist 10 hours. Then filter the resulting solution, squeeze out the flower residues. Such an infusion is good for gargling, disinfecting wounds, compresses for the eyes. It can be taken orally in small doses during the day. Chamomile “medicine” is stored for 2 days, no more.
2. A hot option for the preparation of infusion. It will take 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers and 200 ml of boiling water. Flowers are poured with boiling water and insisted for half an hour. Further, as in the first method, the infusion is filtered. It is worth remembering that you can’t fill it with boiling water! This can destroy the main useful component - chamazulen. Use the infusion 3 times a day for half a glass. It is better to use hot. It helps with inflammation, colds, pathologies of the intestines, kidneys, liver, etc.

How much can I drink

As we said earlier, excessive consumption of any infusion, including chamomile, will not bring any benefits.

Children up to a year should drink tea from chamomile, 2 teaspoons to relieve colic or cramps in the tummy. From 4 months you can take an infusion, but not more than 2 spoons (tea) before bedtime. This will strengthen the child’s sleep, help with the introduction of new foods into the diet for complementary foods, as well as teething.

For an adult, the daily rate of chamomile infusion is half a cup in a warm form before eating in 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.Chamomile tea with mint or honey is allowed for the night with insomnia.

The benefits of chamomile infusion for animals

Animals are also treated with herbs, including chamomile. Tincture can cure various digestive problems in dogs and cats, allergic rashes, bites, fungal or bacterial infections. Chamomile is an excellent remedy for cramps and nervous excitations.

Pregnant animals are not recommended to give drinks from chamomile, as they can cause a miscarriage or slow down the development of the fetus.

Infusion can rinse the animal after washing to eliminate intestinal parasites.

Interesting facts about daisies

1. In some ancient peoples, chamomile was associated with kindness. It was believed that the presence of flowers in the garden or in the house brings peace to the family.
2. Ancient people believed that a bouquet of daisies by the patient’s bed would calm the soul of the sufferer and set his mind to positive.
3. The French have long used chamomile as a healing "potion" for digestive problems. Chamomile infusions are recommended for lovers of coffee and cigarettes. This reduces heartbeat, eliminates nausea, excessive sweating and dizziness.

Photo of chamomile infusion