What is common chamomile? What are the benefits of the herb? For the treatment of what diseases is the plant used in folk medicine? We would like to consider the answers to these and other questions in our article.
Common chamomile - plant description
This grass is an annual plant. It has a persistent fragrant aroma. Common chamomile has a highly branched stem with small, alternate, pinnate leaves. Inflorescences are collected in baskets. The flowers are yellow and white. The plant bears fruit with small, ribbed seeds.
Growth areas
Common chamomile, which is described in our material, is widespread in Eurasia. You can also meet the plant in some areas of North America and the southern part of the African continent.
Common chamomile grows mainly in meadows. Occasionally found in wastelands, gardens,roadsides. The plant grows well in home gardens. Therefore, chamomile is often cultivated by planting mature seeds collected in the wild into the soil.
Composition
Common chamomile, the photo of which can be seen in our article, is rich in essential oils. Terpenes and flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins are isolated from the plant. The composition contains mineral s alts, organic acids, ascorbic acid, carotene.
Procurement of raw materials
Common chamomile is cut when the leaves of the plant begin to wither and move to a horizontal position. Drying takes place under awnings. Common chamomile is laid out on a flat surface in a thin layer. In the process of harvesting, the plant should be well ventilated with fresh air and at the same time not exposed to direct sunlight. When chamomile is completely dried, it loses about 75% of its original weight.
Pulling a plant from the soil with a root is considered barbaric. After all, next year in this place, most likely, nothing will grow. It is recommended to cut the stems with a knife under the stalk so that a high leg sticks out of the ground.
It is absolutely not recommended to collect common chamomile in places where transport runs, as well as near zoo farms, industrial enterprises, landfills. The shoots of such grass perfectly absorb harmful substances from the environment. Instead, it is better to harvest plants that grow in the forest, away from human habitation.
Pharmacological preparationsbased on chamomile
Common chamomile, the description of which we reviewed above, is the basis for the production of a number of medicines, such as:
- "Rotokan" - the medicine has a local anti-inflammatory effect. Most often used in dentistry, where it is prescribed to patients in need of recovery after a variety of surgical procedures.
- "Rekutan" - relieves inflammation, perfectly heals all kinds of wounds. It is prescribed in order to eliminate erosions of the mucous membranes, it is used for colpitis.
- "Ayurom" - is an effective local pain reliever. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed for people who suffer from radiculitis and arthritis. Prevents the formation of bedsores when forced to stay in the supine position for a long time.
- "Romazulon" - used for disinfecting rinses, washing damaged tissues. Eliminates inflammatory processes in the treatment of the oral cavity.
- "Essential oil of chamomile" is an effective bactericidal agent. It is prescribed for a cold, which is accompanied by a strong cough, the development of inflammation of the respiratory tract. The remedy is also used externally to combat skin ailments, in particular, ulcerative manifestations.
Properties
The chemicals that make up the plant can have the following effects on the human body:
- Antibacterial.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Sweatshop.
- Sedative.
- Antihistamine.
- choleretic.
- Painkiller.
- Astringent.
- Hemostatic.
Common Chamomile Application
The use of remedies based on a medicinal plant is indicated, first of all, for colds. They take decoctions from such a herb in case of the development of influenza, tonsillitis, SARS.
The healing properties of chamomile help to eliminate the accumulation of gases in the intestines. Helps with digestive problems. The active ingredients in the composition of the plant have a positive effect on the production of gastric juices. Herbal decoctions improve appetite, help relieve inflammation from the intestinal mucosa. Chamomile acts as an excellent adsorbent, absorbing toxins and toxins. Doctors recommend resorting to the use of the remedy with the development of any discomfort in the intestines. The beneficial effect of common chamomile affects the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
The plant is used to treat muscle spasms. The remedy helps, if necessary, to relieve nervous irritability. In particular, herbal decoctions make it possible to eliminate sleep problems. Teas made from chamomile allow you to calm down, have a relaxing effect on the body.
Chamomile is actively used in the manufacture of cosmetics. The plant is indispensable in the production of skin creams with a calming effect. Healing herb extract is added to all kinds of shampoos, toothpastes, shower gels, soaps.
How to make chamomile decoction?
For the preparation of a healing agent, you can use raw materials prepared by yourself. However, it is better to apply safe pharmacy fees. There are several recipes for making healing decoctions based on the plant:
- Grass flowers are poured with boiled water. The composition is left to infuse in any capacious container until completely cooled. After a few hours, the healing agent is ready for use.
- If a rich decoction is required, raw materials based on a large number of flowers are used. The latter are brewed in a water bath. After about half an hour, the composition is filtered through cheesecloth. In order to reduce the concentration, the decoction can be diluted with boiled water.
- The flowers are placed in an enamel bowl and poured with boiling water. The liquid is put on a slow fire. It is enough to wait until the broth acquires a dark shade. Then it can be removed and used for medicinal purposes.
Baby bath
Useful properties of chamomile have been used for centuries in bathing babies. Such baths help to relieve all kinds of skin irritations. Preparing a remedy is easy. It is enough to take a tablespoon of raw materials and pour boiled water in an amount of not more than 1 liter. The container must be covered with a lid. The composition will be ready when the chamomile flowers completely fall to the bottom. Having filtered the infusion,it can be added to the water when bathing the baby. Such baths will have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin of the child. Parents note that the tool helps to improve the sleep of newborns. However, resorting to this solution too often is not recommended.
Hair infusion
In order to strengthen the hair, the following remedy is being prepared. A few tablespoons of dry chamomile collection is poured with a liter of boiled water. The composition is insisted for half an hour. The liquid is then filtered and used when washing hair.
Chamomile decoction allows you to give blond hair a golden hue. To prepare such a remedy, you need to take about 200 grams of raw materials and brew in 0.5 liters of boiling water. The composition should be boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. Then the remedy is allowed to brew. The composition is applied to the hair immediately after washing.
Using chamomile for douching
Plant-based medicines have antispasmodic, laxative and choleretic properties, which is confirmed by the reviews of numerous doctors. A good use of the tool was found in gynecology. Women who are forced to endure discomfort due to the development of thrush are often prescribed douching with chamomile infusions. This decision eliminates the use of antibiotics. Regular douching using the product makes it possible to get rid of discomfort in a short time, in particular, to remove discomfort in the form of itching.
Side effects
Common chamomile hasthe widest range of medicinal properties. However, in case of exceeding the concentration of active substances in the composition of plant-based infusions or individual intolerance to certain chemical components, some negative manifestations may occur. Among the likely side effects when using chamomile medicines, one should highlight:
- Epigastric pain.
- Feeling nauseated, urge to vomit.
- High blood pressure.
- Specific allergic reactions that are accompanied by tissue swelling.
- Internal bleeding.
- Local hyperemia, rash, itching of the skin (when applied externally).
If one or more of the negative reactions from the above list is noted, the use of funds based on chamomile must be stopped urgently.
Contraindications
Using common chamomile for therapeutic purposes is prohibited when:
- Stomach ulcer.
- The development of severe pain during menstruation.
- Prone to diarrhea.
- Mental disorders.
- Pregnancy.
In closing
As you can see, common chamomile is an excellent medicinal plant. The benefits of infusions based on such herbs can bring a variety of people. At the same time, you should not abuse this tool. After all, a high concentration in the body of chemicals that are part of chamomile can lead to some unforeseen consequences.
