Nature has given people many plants that can benefit their he alth. Chamomile is among them, the healing properties and use of which have been known since ancient times.
You can see this flower in your own garden, in meadows and along roadsides. What are the uses and healing properties of chamomile?
What is this plant?
The name "chamomile" is a collective one. It is understood as various related plant species belonging to the Aster family. All of them have a similar external shape of inflorescences and a bush.
The most famous species in alternative medicine is chamomile. But many other plants can be attributed to the same genus. This is odorous chamomile, subpolar, rocky, Sevan. There is also field, dog, Russian, Roman, etc.
Nevertheless, when we talk about this flower in medicine, we mean chamomile. This is the most popular, well-known and well-studied species of this plant. Apply forgetting rid of some ailments roman and tongueless chamomile. However, this happens much less frequently.
One of the most popular medicinal plants is still considered to be chamomile. This is due to the presence of an extensive complex of medicinal properties in it, which allow the use of this species in various diseases, ranging from infectious diseases to pathologies of the nervous system. Of course, the healing properties of chamomile alone do not allow a person to finally restore he alth. However, they greatly weaken the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the patient's condition. That is why the beneficial properties of chamomile (and in some cases, its other species) are used as an adjunct to the treatment of various pathologies.
Medicinal raw materials
Healing properties of chamomile herb were actively used in their recipes by ancient scientists. So, Hippocrates and Dioscorides used this plant to relieve convulsions and pain. Pliny the Elder recommended the use of all parts of chamomile as an antidote for snake bites, and the decoction as an effective diuretic. Pointed to this plant and Avicenna. He used the healing properties of chamomile to strengthen the body and restore its strength.
Today, in the recipes of traditional medicine, you can find recommendations for the use of decoctions and infusions of flower baskets of this plant, as well as the essential oil obtained from it. Neither chamomile leaves, nor its stems, nor roots have healing properties.
For medicinal use flower basketsplants dry out. During this process, the mass of raw materials is reduced by more than 5 times. But it should be borne in mind that fresh inflorescences are not used for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Persian and Dalmatian chamomiles also use only dried inflorescences. But they are used only after careful grinding and obtaining a powder, which is called "feverfew". Based on this raw material, some insecticidal preparations are made.
It should be borne in mind that the healing properties of chamomile of different types have certain differences. That is why the indications for their use also differ.
Let's consider the healing properties of some types of chamomile.
Languageless
Another name for this chamomile is odorous. The plant is quite unusual. At first glance, it does not look like a chamomile at all. Instead of petals, flowers form baskets that have a yellowish-green color. However, due to its chemical composition, which is similar to the composition of pharmacy chamomile, the odorous appearance has the same healing properties. This plant has a particularly pronounced ability to relieve spasms and inflammation. Using these properties of chamomile herb, it is often used to get rid of gastritis, colitis, duodenal and stomach ulcers.
Baskets of a fragrant plant can be used not only dried, but also fresh.
Field
This chamomile is also called meadow and wild. Unlike pharmacy, it has larger and longer leaves and a dense middle. The chemical composition of this plant differs from that possessed by representativesodorous and pharmaceutical appearance. That is why the healing properties of field chamomile are also different. This plant is capable of the following:
- has an antiparasitic effect;
- has an analgesic antispasmodic effect;
- used as a laxative;
- rids the body of "bad" cholesterol;
- heals wounds;
- toning up;
- increases immunity.
Yellow
What healing properties of chamomile (plant species are discussed in the article) are still used in medicine? A plant that is often called so: field marigold, or navel has unique properties. This is a yellow daisy that grows in the wild. You can meet her in the fields, in green valleys, along ravines, etc. Its main distinguishing feature is the presence of not white, but yellow petals. The chemical composition of this chamomile is similar to the pharmacy look. That is why they have a similar effect on the body. Especially often, yellow chamomile is used when undergoing a course of treatment for diseases of the gallbladder and liver.
Chemical composition
All types of chamomile used for medical purposes are divided into two groups:
- Medicinal. These daisies include pharmacy, Roman, fragrant, etc.
- Insecticidal. This group includes plants that belong to the genus feverfew.
In the composition of the inflorescences of medicinal chamomile there are components that affect the functioning of the systems and organs of the human body.
So, the healing properties and use of chamomile pharmacy are affected by itscomposition of phytosterols and coumarins, polyene compounds and polysaccharides, luteolin and apigenin, quartzetin, as well as isovaleric, anthemis and caprylic organic acids, carotene, vitamin C, tannins, mucus, bitterness and nicotinic acid. The most valuable components that affect the medicinal properties of chamomile flowers are azulene and chamazulene. These substances have a pronounced bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
As for insecticidal chamomile, pyrethrins, which are the most active components of their composition, are able to kill insects. That is why they were previously used as a means for disinfestation of premises. The plants also helped in the fight against parasites such as lice, scabies and lice.
Scope of application
Consider the beneficial properties of chamomile (many other types of it also have them). There are three main ones among them. Namely, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and hemostatic. This plant has disinfectant and astringent properties. They are used in the treatment of colds and intestinal ailments.
The choleretic healing properties of chamomile flowers are used to restore the liver. In addition, taking this plant helps relieve cramps, spasms and pain. Scientific studies have convincingly proven that chamomile is able to relax blood vessels, as well as the smooth muscles of internal organs. Eliminates the healing plant depressive conditions, accompanied by excessiveanxiety. Scientists at the University of Texas have proven the ability of chamomile tea to reduce mortality in older people over the age of 65.
In gynecology
Knowledge of the medicinal properties and contraindications of chamomile for women is very important. This plant is widely used in gynecology. Doctors often recommend that their patients perform a douching procedure using a decoction of this herb. This allows you to quickly eliminate the disease.
What are the medicinal properties of chamomile for women? In diseases of the reproductive system, the plant contributes to:
- Relieve inflammation.
- Reducing the intensity of spasms and pain.
- Regeneration of the mucosa.
- Pathogen elimination.
For women, the medicinal properties of chamomile allow you to speed up the healing process with vulvitis, cystitis and erosion. Gynecologists recommend their patients to brew chamomile inflorescences. The resulting solution must be taken orally, used for douching, as well as for baths. All this will allow you to get rid of the above ailments.
The use of the medicinal properties of chamomile and its use in vulvitis will be most effective if procedures are carried out in the form of baths. They are organized twice a day for 10 minutes. The duration of the course is 7 days.
Healing properties of brewed chamomile help with thrush. Only with this ailment, with infusion brought to 38 degrees, it is necessary to douche.
When a newly developed cervical erosion is detected, helpa woman will receive chamomile, which will need to be combined with aloe leaves, the pulp of which is added to a decoction of a medicinal plant. The resulting product must be soaked in a tampon and inserted as deep as possible into the vagina.
It is recommended to use chamomile (the healing properties of the plant are truly wide) and for cystitis. This disease is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the bladder, which cause women a lot of trouble. They suffer from frequent urge to urinate and from cutting pains in the lower abdomen. In this case, the prepared healing infusion of chamomile flowers is injected into the rectum using a syringe. Women are encouraged to brewed chamomile and wash. This will prevent further spread of the infection.
There are rules for using the healing properties of chamomile for severe menstrual pain. To get rid of spasms, you should prepare an infusion of chamomile with knotweed, horsetail, cinquefoil and centaury (a teaspoon of each component per liter of liquid). This drug a woman needs to drink during the day in small portions.
When using pharmacy chamomile, you need to know about its contraindications. Among them:
- individual intolerance to herb components;
- prone to diarrhea due to the fact that chamomile helps to relax smooth muscles;
- breastfeeding;
- pregnancy (use chamomile during this period with caution);
- increased stomach acidityjuice.
For colds
How does chamomile help in the treatment of SARS? In such diseases, the medicinal plant is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. You can use its infusion for gargling. This will reduce the severity of pain, reduce the time of their manifestation.
Chamomile can also be used to wash the nose. A decoction of the medicinal herb will allow you to slightly weaken the swelling and normalize breathing. The same procedures are carried out to provide antibacterial action. After all, as you know, chamomile is able to suppress the development of certain types of streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, which in most cases inhabit the nasopharynx and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in colds.
In the event that there is not enough time to prepare healing decoctions, it is recommended to purchase oil from the plant in question at the pharmacy. You can use this drug for rinsing. Preparing a solution for such a procedure does not take much time. You just need to take a glass of warm water and add a few drops of essential oil to it. 7-10 drops are dissolved in a liter of water for inhalation.
It should be borne in mind that the use of chamomile for colds should be limited in time. It is necessary to take 3-4 days to carry out procedures with a medicinal plant. In the event that the patient does not feel any improvement in his well-being, he will need to see a doctor. It should be remembered that prolonged use of chamomile can be addictive. However, induring the influenza epidemic, the use of a solution from its flowers will be an excellent preventive measure. The solution in this case must be used to rinse the mouth and rinse the nose after visiting places with a large crowd of people. Such procedures will wash out all the bacteria and viruses that have settled on the mucous membranes.
For allergies
This disease cannot be inherited. Allergy is an individual problem of a person and may not manifest itself for a long period. The main reason for its occurrence is disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, which can be eliminated with the help of chamomile. This medicinal plant has proven itself especially well for allergic skin rashes. Moreover, such a problem can be eliminated even in the smallest children. To do this, just add a decoction of chamomile to the bath for bathing a baby. Such procedures are recommended to be carried out in a course of 2-3 days. An alternative to baths will be lotions in the form of a piece of cloth soaked in chamomile infusion, which should be applied to the lesion.
For prostatitis
Prostate disease can occur in men for several reasons. One of them is the negative impact of pathogenic microorganisms. They contribute to the activation of the inflammatory process. In order to eliminate the disease, traditional medicine recommends the use of medicinal herbs, including chamomile. To eliminate such a delicate problem, you will need an infusion of the plant (3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). It must be drunk several times throughout the day. The infusion can also be used inthe form of enemas. Such procedures allow you to get a good effect on prostatitis in its acute forms.
For eye treatment
Chamomile is also used in ophthalmology. With its help, it is recommended to treat conjunctivitis, which often causes allergies, as well as the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body. The use of infusions and decoctions of chamomile can relieve inflammation and soothe pain. With these funds, eye washing is carried out. Such procedures must be carried out every 2 or 3 hours. Eliminates inflammation and compress with chamomile. For him, they take an infusion of the plant, moisten a cotton pad in it and apply it on the inflamed eye.
Chamomile also helps in the fight against conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria. But if after 1-2 days after the start of treatment the patient does not feel any noticeable improvement, it would be better to consult a doctor.
Hypertension
With the increase in blood pressure, unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cope. Nevertheless, a person can significantly improve his condition and forget about the unpleasant sensations that hypertension causes for a long time. To do this, it is not at all necessary to constantly take pharmacological preparations, to which the body quickly gets used to, “requiring” an increase in dosage. Herbal teas from the collections of medicinal plants will help you feel he althy. Such drugs will dilate blood vessels and have a diuretic and sedative effect. The medicinal potion is brewed in the same way as ordinary tea. It is recommended to drink it warm. storeherbal infusions for no more than two days by placing them in the refrigerator. But if possible, it's still better to prepare a single dose.
Hawthorn, hibiscus, strawberry leaves, Chinese lemongrass, motherwort, valerian root, calendula, peppermint, rosehip and chamomile are used to lower blood pressure. Their healing properties allow you to return to good he alth, solving many he alth problems that accompany hypertension. But it should be borne in mind that the greatest effect can be achieved by using not single herbs, but collections from them. This will solve the problem in a complex.
For joints
Chamomile is also used to combat pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The composition of the plant includes an essential oil, the main components of which are bitterness and organic acids, matrikarin and matricin, amazulene and fatty acid glycerides. During the boiling of the flowers, chamazulene is formed in them. This substance is the result of the breakdown of matricarin and matricin. This element has disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties. It activates the processes of tissue regeneration, including the musculoskeletal system.
When rheumatic and gouty pains occur, baths are taken in which chamomile decoction is added. The water temperature should not exceed 40-50 degrees. Otherwise, chamazulene will partially disintegrate. Carry out such treatment and outwardly. At the same time, compresses from steamed inflorescences of chamomile and black elderberry are applied to diseased joints for 4-6 hours. Baths can also be used to eliminate pathology. For theircooking, a decoction of chamomile flowers is needed, in which the diseased joint of the leg or arm is placed. It is necessary to carry out such procedures for 10-15 days. The duration of each of them should be between 15 and 20 minutes.
Chamomile tea helps with attacks of gout and arthritis. In addition to the analgesic effect, it produces a sedative and diuretic effect. And as one of the components of the herbal collection, chamomile is used to cleanse blood vessels. A similar procedure is important in the fight against arthritis.
For problems with the gastrointestinal tract
Chamomile benefits people suffering from diseases of the intestines, stomach and pancreas. Before using this natural remedy, it is recommended to consult a specialist. But in any case, the course of treatment with chamomile should be limited to 3 months.
Decoction, infusion or tea of this medicinal herb is recommended for acute or chronic gastritis. Chamomile will also help with pain in the stomach, removing inflammation from its mucosa. The prepared drug is recommended to drink only in the form of heat. It will not only eliminate the problem with the gastrointestinal tract, but also strengthen the immune system and help you relax.
Chamomile will help with constipation, as well as bloating. Such phenomena are accompanied by a fermentation process, which is why the stomach swells, leading to flatulence. Chamomile will definitely get rid of such problems. It can be purchased in bags and drunk throughout the day like regular tea. You can prepare a decoction or infusion of this healing herb.
With constant gas in the intestinesdrug collection will help. It must include mint leaves, chamomile inflorescences, seeds, cumin and fennel, as well as valerian root. Other mixtures of herbs can also be used. For example, by combining chamomile with St. John's wort and plantain (all in equal proportions).
This medicinal plant also helps with ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. In this case, apply its infusion, applied for 30 minutes. before meals or immediately after it (2-3 tsp per liter of liquid). The course of treatment is 1 month.
Toothache
Medicinal chamomile is also used in dentistry. Infusions and decoctions prepared from its inflorescences will help well against toothache. To soften the discomfort will allow rinsing the mouth with infusion of the plant. In order to enhance the effect, you can add sage or fennel to the drug.
Reduce sensitivity to pain and calm down with chamomile tea. You can buy it in bags at any pharmacy.
In case of inflammation of the gums, a compress from a medicinal plant will help. To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to moisten cotton wool in chamomile oil and apply it for 10 minutes. to the affected area. In relation to the gum, the compress should be located immediately on both sides. This will allow the active substances of the plant to penetrate the tissues faster.
For skin diseases
The healing properties of chamomile help us in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. That is why the plant allows a person to get rid of various skin diseases caused by microbes that are the causes of the formation of abscesses and boils. Forto eliminate lesions, the skin around them must be treated with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution of chamomile. A decoction of the flowers of this plant is able to cure ringworm. This product will need to be rubbed into the scalp 30 minutes before shampooing.
Chamomile will help with the pathology called "red nose". This disease is caused by the Demodex mite. Compresses based on a decoction of chamomile flowers will help get rid of it. This plant is excellent for abscesses and abscesses. To remove the inflammatory processes will allow compresses and lotions with the use of medicinal herbs. They are applied for a maximum of 60 minutes.
As you can see, the use and medicinal properties of chamomile are extremely diverse. Stay he althy!
