Chamomile tea: health benefits

Chamomile is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Astrov family and combines more than 15 varieties of low grasses. Dried flowers of this plant can be part of medicinal herbal preparations or used to make chamomile tea, which in turn is one of the best natural remedies for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Composition and calorie content

Tea made from dried chamomile flowers is not only tasty and fragrant, but also an incredibly healthy drink. Even in ancient times, people knew about its healing properties. However, they could not explain their nature. Today, every second person knows that the beneficial properties of a product are explained by the presence in its composition of vitamins and other nutrients necessary to maintain health.

Studies have shown that chamomile and teas prepared on its basis are a rich source of nutrients. Chamomile tea contains many vitamins:

• A;
• beta carotene;
• Group B;
• ascorbic acid;
• PP

Speaking about the chemical composition of chamomile tea, one cannot but note the mineral complex that it contains. The drink is saturated:

• potassium;
• calcium
• magnesium
• sodium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• copper;
• fluorine;
• zinc.

Another positive characteristic of tea made from dried chamomile flowers can be called the fact that it does not include cholesterol and caffeine, and the caloric value is at extremely low levels and is only 1 kcal per 100 ml.

Considering the composition of chamomile tea, it is safe to say that this drink can not only improve the physical condition of a person, but also become part of complex therapy during the treatment of a disease. It can act as an auxiliary drug that can enhance the effect of medications and accelerate the healing process.

What is useful camomile tea

General benefit

Chamomile tea, like many other herbs-based drinks, can be used as a healing agent during the period of exacerbation of many diseases and as a preventive drink with an increased risk of developing a number of pathologies. So, for example, it is recommended to use it for people suffering from various kinds of disorders in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, including:

• from acute or chronic gastritis;
• intestinal colic;
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• disturbances of the microflora of the stomach.

This drink is also useful during the period of the spread of colds. Vitamin C, which is part of it, can increase the protective functions of the body, which in turn will significantly reduce the risks of developing acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.

Herbalists advise to pay attention to chamomile tea in the cold seasons. Daily use of chamomile tea in the autumn-winter period will help not only to protect yourself from colds, but also to maintain a good mood.

Many people perceive teas, which contain chamomile flowers, as a cold remedy. Of course, there is no arguing with this. However, one should not forget about the fact that chamomile tea has excellent antibacterial properties.It is thanks to them that it can be included in the complex therapy in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, pyelonephritis, food poisoning, and also to remove toxins, toxins and other harmful substances from the body.

Experts also note the fact that this drink contains such a substance as nicotinic acid. This allows you to use it as a means to reduce body weight. And the presence of vitamin PP in chamomile makes it possible to use such teas as a means to treat any type of diabetes.

However, the beneficial properties of chamomile tea do not end there. With the systematic use of this drink, an improvement in the functioning of the central nervous system is noted. It helps to relax after a hard day, calm down and get rid of the effects of stressful situations. This drink is recommended for those people who complain of insomnia, nervousness and irritability.

In addition, chamomile tea can be called an excellent way to get rid of problems such as:

• migraine;
• severe pain during menstruation;
• high levels of bad cholesterol;
• impaired kidney function;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• gallstones.

Based on this, we can say that tea made from dried chamomile flowers should be present in the daily diet of each person. This will help maintain good health and prevent the development of dangerous pathological processes that can negatively affect the quality of life.

For women

The advantage of chamomile tea lies in the fact that this drink is capable of surprisingly affecting the female body. It is recommended to use it not only for the prevention of colds, depression, nervousness and as an anesthetic, but also in case of detection of diseases of the female genitourinary system. Chamomile tea will help relieve internal and external inflammatory processes, which allows you to use it as a means for oral administration, douching and in the form of therapeutic baths.

This drink will preserve not only the health of the fair half of humanity, but also attractiveness. Due to its rich composition, it will be able to restore skin elasticity, get rid of minor wrinkles and improve the condition of problem skin, relieving rashes and restoring a healthy complexion.

For men

Practicing doctors claim that chamomile tea is useful for representatives of the strong half of humanity. It is recommended for use in case of the following violations:

1. Erectile disfunction. One way or another, many men face a similar problem. According to qualified specialists, the main reasons for its occurrence are violations of the psycho-emotional state of men, constant overwork and excessive physical exertion. Chamomile tea is able to cope with each of them, which in turn will lead to a normalization of potency.
2. Disorders in the hormonal background. Low testosterone levels can cause serious pathological processes. To prevent the occurrence of such conditions, regular consumption of tea prepared on the basis of chamomile flowers will help.
3. Diseases of the genitourinary system. This drink is recommended for use in identifying diseases such as prostatitis and pathologies, the cause of which is the penetration of infection into the body.
4. Low quality seminal fluid. The substances present in the composition of chamomile tea have a beneficial effect on the quality of seminal fluid, which allows to increase the activity of sperm.

However, it is worth noting the fact that the consumption of chamomile tea for the treatment of one of the above disorders is not always advisable.That is why it is strictly forbidden to treat them without the knowledge of the attending physician! Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess the need to include this natural remedy in complex therapy and exclude all possible risks associated with its consumption.

During pregnancy

During the bearing of a child, a woman should carefully monitor her daily diet. It is better for a woman to refuse some foods and drinks, while others are recommended to consume in large quantities. What group does chamomile tea belong to? Probably, the fact that this drink does not apply to any of them will surprise many. However, this is true. Pregnant women are not recommended to consume too much chamomile drink, but it is not worth excluding it from the daily menu.

Getting into the female body in small amounts, chamomile tea will help prevent the occurrence of frequent colds, relieve inflammatory processes in the body, normalize sleep, relieve insomnia, and improve the psychoemotional state.

When breastfeeding

Chamomile is one of the few herbs that are allowed for use during lactation. However, do not forget that taking teas based on it is possible only if certain indications are available, such as:

1. Violations of the nervous system of a lactating woman. Young mothers often face problems such as insomnia, irritability, and depression. Tea prepared on the basis of dried chamomile flowers can get rid of them.
2. Colds, flu and other viral infections. During lactation, many medications are contraindicated for a woman, which greatly complicates the process of treating a number of diseases. The solution to this problem could be chamomile tea. He will be able to activate local immunity, have a scanning effect on the respiratory system and help a young mother quickly cope with the disease.
3. Skin diseases. Often, lactating women are faced with the problem of cracking the skin, as well as with the appearance of strong rashes and inflammatory processes on it. Chamomile tea, used in the form of lotions, will help accelerate the healing of microcracks, prevent the penetration of infections and relieve inflammation.
4. Diseases of the genitourinary system. In the postpartum period, women are often diagnosed with diseases of the genitourinary system. Baths, douching and oral use of compounds that include chamomile will help to quickly and effectively cope with such problems.

When used correctly, chamomile tea will help a young mother maintain her health and maintain attractiveness, without causing any harm not only to herself, but also to the child.

For kids

In the absence of individual intolerance and other contraindications, implying a complete rejection of the use of this drink, chamomile tea can be given even to infants. However, do not forget that the amount of consumption of this drink should be strictly limited, and before entering it into the children's menu, you need to consult with a children's doctor.

With the correct introduction of chamomile tea in a children's diet, it is able to:

1. Normalize sleep.
2. Relieve stress from the baby’s nervous system, reducing the likelihood of developing many disorders.
3. To prevent the occurrence of diseases arising from the development of disorders in the functioning of the digestive tract.
4. Get rid of flatulence.
5. Boost immunity.
6. Get rid of intestinal colic, which often worries infants.

When losing weight

All qualified nutritionists say that chamomile tea is one of the most ideal drinks for people who want to lose weight. This drink has many beneficial properties and is capable of:

1. Accelerate metabolic processes in the body.
2. Remove excess fluid from the body, which is important for those people who are trying to lose weight.
3. Provide a mild, laxative effect.
4. Remove substances that poison the human body (toxins, toxins, radionuclides).
5. Normalize the work of organs involved in the digestion process.
6. Improve the central nervous system, thereby preventing the desire to "jam" the problem.

However, chamomile does not have a clear fat-burning effect, so you should not expect it only from the use of chamomile tea. It will show all its useful properties and help speed up the process of getting rid of extra pounds, but only if it is used during the diet.

Chamomile tea in medicine

Herbal teas, including chamomile, have long been used as a preventive and therapeutic agent in identifying many dangerous diseases. At the same time, the useful properties of tea made from dried chamomile flowers are also confirmed by modern medicine. Therapists claim that the use of this tea will help to cope with disorders in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, gynecological diseases, as well as with the pathological processes developing in the organs of the genitourinary system. However, in some cases, chamomile will be able to show its useful properties only as part of complex therapy, which is important to consider when deciding on treatment with this natural remedy.

With diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is today one of the most common diseases, and the symptoms that accompany it can significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Recent studies have shown that chamomile tea can cope with the manifestations of this disease. It will help to significantly reduce the patient’s blood sugar level and prevent the development of complications that often arise as a result of this disease, including:

• complete or partial loss of vision;
• serious renal impairment;
• diseases arising from disorders in the central nervous system;
• heart diseases;
• hyperglycemia.

Scientists were able to find out that 500 ml of chamomile tea per day will help reduce glucose levels by as much as 25%, which can be called a real breakthrough and, perhaps, even the first step towards the invention of a drug that can completely cure diabetes.

With pancreatitis

The treatment of pancreatitis requires not only the regular use of medications, but also a strict diet. It implies a complete or partial rejection of many familiar foods and drinks, including chamomile tea, which is explained by the presence of choleretic properties in this drink. The fact is that its consumption can lead to a sharp release of bile, which provokes a deterioration in the patient's condition and becomes the impetus for the development of concomitant diseases.

However, it is worth considering the fact that chamomile has a carminative effect, is an excellent antiseptic, is able to relieve pain and accelerate wound healing. These properties of the plant allow doctors to include it in the complex therapy, but only on condition that the risks from its consumption are minimal, and the patient will comply with the recommended dosages.

Based on these facts, we can say that the benefits of chamomile tea in pancreatitis are a moot point. In some cases, this drink can accelerate the healing process, in others it will aggravate the patient's condition. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use it as a remedy for the treatment of this disease without prior consultation with your doctor!

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease that requires special attention and proper treatment. In case of its occurrence, the chamomile will be an excellent helper. Tea made on the basis of this plant will help normalize the secretory function of the mucous membranes of the affected organ and protect its walls from the negative effects of gastric juice. This will help speed up the healing process and relieve unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

For the intestines

Tea made on the basis of chamomile flowers will have a beneficial effect on the intestines.The use of this drink will help strengthen intestinal motility, relieve discomfort and pain, localized in the abdominal cavity, and normalize microflora. However, it is not recommended to use it with constant pain. Such manifestations require seeking medical help and may indicate the need for urgent treatment.

For constipation

Chamomile tea is recommended to consume in case of stagnation of feces. This medicinal product will have a mild, laxative effect, softening the stool and facilitating the bowel movement.

For the liver

Tea made on the basis of chamomile flowers can have a beneficial effect on the liver. Doctors recommend consuming it to those people who are accustomed to eating too much fatty foods, often consume alcoholic beverages, and are forced to take a large amount of medications daily. The drink will help cleanse the liver of toxins accumulated in it and prevent the development of dangerous diseases such as cirrhosis.

With cholecystitis

The use of chamomile tea as a means of treating cholecystitis is advisable only if it is not accompanied by gallstone disease. However, doctors recommend that you refrain from drinking this healing drink until the onset of persistent remission. After the acute period of the disease has passed, chamomile tea will help the patient restore the functions of damaged organs, increase immunity, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and can prevent the recurrence of pathology.

With a cold

Traditional healers and many qualified therapists call chamomile a natural antibiotic. And it is well deserved. Polysaccharides, vitamin C, antioxidants, tannins, flavonoids and other nutrients that are present in this plant make teas prepared on its basis a means that can cure many diseases, including colds. At the same time, you can use a similar drink not only for the treatment of adults, but also children. A glass of such tea will help:

• relieve inflammatory processes;
• reduce pain;
• lower the temperature;
• get rid of a coughing fit.

Against cough

This drink is effective in the treatment of cough of various etiologies. It is used both as a warming drink and as a means for gargling. Moreover, the effect of its use will be noticed after the first procedure. A glass of tea will relieve a fit of coughing, reduce sore throat and help you fall asleep.

However, it is worth considering the fact that the use of chamomile tea for the treatment of cough as an independent remedy is not always advisable. So, for example, with acute bronchitis, this drink can be part of complex therapy. In this case, alas, one cannot do without medications.

For insomnia

Chamomile, perhaps, can be called one of the best natural remedies for treating insomnia. Tea made from the flowers of this plant will help relieve anxiety, calm down and sleep soundly.

In case of poisoning

The most common cause of poisoning is putrefactive bacteria, which penetrate the human body through the consumption of low-quality food, contaminated water or through poorly washed hands. Intoxication of the body occurs due to its poisoning by the vital products of pathogenic microorganisms, and the first signs of its occurrence are:

• bouts of nausea and vomiting;
• drowsiness;
• severe weakness.

In some cases, poisoning can be accompanied by severe headache, fever, rashes, and impaired vision.

Chamomile tea will help to cope with each of these symptoms and remove toxins from the body. The components that are present in its composition will help:

• relieve inflammatory processes;
• remove harmful substances;
• get rid of diarrhea;
• relieve pain in the abdominal cavity;
• protect the mucous membranes of the internal organs;
• heal minor damage.

Subject to the recommended dosages, chamomile will help to cope with poisoning without any harm to the body.

With angina

Chamomile shows its healing properties in the treatment of tonsillitis, which is easily explained by the presence of esters in its composition, which are able to relieve inflammatory processes, suppress pathogenic viruses and bacteria. In addition, this drink will help reduce fever and relieve pain resulting from severe damage to the mucous membrane of the throat.

At the same time, chamomile tea can be used not only for oral administration, but also as a means for gargling. However, as an independent remedy, chamomile tea is not able to completely cope with this disease. Doctors recommend using it as an adjuvant, including it in the complex, drug therapy.

Chamomile tea in cosmetology

The fact that chamomile tea is the best way to preserve youth and attractiveness, argues, if not every first, then every second beautician. Cosmetics, which include this product, will help:

• get rid of acne;
• narrow the pores;
• remove oily shine from the skin of the face;
• smooth small wrinkles;
• remove unwanted pigmentation;
• smooth complexion;
• remove dark circles under the eyes;
• moisturize dry skin;
• relieve inflammatory processes.

There are many recipes for home care cosmetics, which includes chamomile tea, but only a few are considered the most effective.

1. Chamomile ice. To prepare this product, you only need chamomile tea and an ice mold. Brew tea, cool it, pour it into a mold and place in a freezer. Wipe your face daily with chamomile ice, and after a few procedures the skin of the face will have a healthy appearance, the skin will become more toned, delighting you with its softness and radiance.
2. Chamomile mask for dry skin. A mixture of 100 ml of chamomile tea, 10 g of sour cream and 1 chicken egg can improve the condition of dry skin. Apply it on the skin of the face, leave it to work for 15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water. Such a mask will make the skin more fresh, even out complexion, nourish with useful elements.
3. Means for oily skin. A simple mask made from 150 g of natural cottage cheese and 30 ml of chamomile tea will help to cope with oily sheen and narrow pores that are too wide. Mix the ingredients in the indicated amounts, apply to previously cleansed face skin and rinse after 10-15 minutes.

Beauticians note that before using homemade cosmetics, which include chamomile and its derivatives, a test for the presence of allergic reactions should be performed. Apply a small amount of the product on the inside of the elbow, soak for 7-10 minutes and rinse without using soap or any other products. If, after a similar procedure, minor rashes are detected on the skin, itching, redness or swelling of various intensities appears, it will be necessary to refuse to use it.

Remember! The effect of natural cosmetics appears only over time. The first results from its use can be seen after 3-4 procedures.

Harm and contraindications

Tea made on the basis of dried chamomile flowers has long been used to treat many diseases. However, this does not mean that this drink is absolutely harmless. In addition to useful properties, it has some contraindications, neglect of which can lead to the development of undesirable consequences.

Doctors advise to refuse treatment with this drink in case of individual intolerance to chamomile, as well as in the presence of kidney stones or gall bladder.

The harm from the consumption of chamomile tea is also observed if the patient neglects the recommendations given by the doctor. For this reason, you should not exceed the allowed daily allowance and independently extend the course of treatment.

When and how to collect chamomile for tea

The collection of chamomile for tea should be carried out in the second month of summer. At the same time, it is better to collect flowers early in the morning, in dry, sunny weather. Choose those inflorescences that have not yet begun to bloom, cutting off their third part of the stem with a sharp knife. Such flowers will contain the maximum amount of nutrients and are ideal for making herbal tea.

Remember! You can collect chamomile only in the fields, in the woods or in the summer cottage, which is located far from busy roads and manufacturing enterprises. Only in this case, the plant flowers will not contain toxins and other substances that can negatively affect human health.

How to make chamomile tea

After collecting chamomile flowers, you can begin to prepare herbal tea. There are many recipes for chamomile tea, but the classic option remains the most popular, for the preparation of which you need only a few ingredients:

• 5 g of dried chamomile flowers.
• 200 ml of purified water.

Tea preparation consists of several stages:

1. Pour the indicated amount of liquid into a suitable enameled container. Bring water to a boil and remove from heat.
2. Pour dry chamomile flowers into the bowl, mix and leave for 7-10 minutes to brew, after closing the bowl with a tight lid.
3. After the indicated time, strain the tea with gauze and let it cool slightly.

Chamomile tea should be drunk in a warm form. To improve the taste characteristics of this drink, you can add a small amount of honey, sugar or mint to it.

How often can I drink

In order for chamomile tea to be as useful as possible and not be able to cause unpleasant consequences, it should be consumed in limited quantities. For an adult, the daily intake of tea prepared on the basis of chamomile is 300 ml. In this case, the specified volume should be divided into 3 doses.

The universal treatment regimen with chamomile tea implies a weekly intake of the drink, followed by a weekly break. Only the attending physician can prolong its use.

Interesting facts about daisies

Chamomile is a plant that grows in many countries and is successfully used to treat many diseases. This fact is known to every person. However, it is unlikely that many know such facts:

1. Chamomile is a symbol of clean breathing that is used to promote the fight against tuberculosis.
2. In ancient times, the ability to make people up was attributed to chamomile flowers.
3. Ancient peoples associated chamomile flowers with good.
4. Chamomile oil, extract and decoctions prepared on the basis of this plant are widely used by cosmetologists and are part of many cosmetics used to improve the condition of the skin.
5. Chamomile is a natural antidepressant.
6. Tibetan monks use this plant to preserve youth and health. They drink chamomile tea for a long time and repeat this therapy every 5 years.
7. Chamomile was used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in ancient times.
8. Bulgarians and Czechs were the first to use chamomile decoctions for the treatment of female diseases.

However, the most interesting fact can be called the fact that chamomile has many healing properties and can be used both for the treatment of various pathologies and for preserving beauty and youth.

Chamomile tea is a delicious, aromatic drink. From its consumption you can get not only gastronomic pleasure, but also huge benefits. However, it should be consumed correctly. Failure to comply with recommendations and neglect of contraindications can lead to the development of serious negative consequences, which in turn will lead to the development of serious diseases.

Photo of chamomile tea