Health Benefits of Herbs

Chamomile Benefits – The Calming Herb

Chamomile BenefitsToday you will discover the full health benefits of the amazing calming relaxing  camomile herb.

Chamomile or Camomile (Matricaria Recutita), is a general name used to refer to a wide range of daisy-like herbs. These also happen to be members of the “Asteraceae” plant family.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are the commonly used species of the natural herb.

The herb which is considered to be among the oldest and most versatile medicinal plants in the world. It has been used for centuries to cure various diseases in the homeopathic medicine field.

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Health Benefits of Chamomile

Table of Contents

It is estimated that over one million cups of the herbal remedy are consumed each day throughout the world. Chamomile mostly contains flavonoids (patuletin, apigenin, and quercetin), glycosides and volatile oils (matricin, bisabolol oxides A & B and bisabolol) that provide it with most of its scientifically proven health benefits. Below are the leading Chamomile Benefits.

1. Preventing cancer

The natural herbal remedy is rich in potent antioxidants like terpenoids that have been scientifically proven to prevent cancer. The antioxidants actively work to lower inflammation in the body through preventing cell mutation and reversing the damage caused by harmful free radicals.

According to various scientific research findings, there are specific chemicals found in Chamomile that can easily inhibit the growth of leukemia cells. While also slowing the spread and even shortening the average lifespan of dangerous breast cancer cells. The compound Apigenin has also been scientifically proven to inhibit blood supply to cancerous tumors and even prevent the growth of cancerous cells(1).

2. Improving  Heart Health

Coumarin(2) is an active Chamomile compound that provides the potent natural herb with both its blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been shown to provide reliable cardiovascular protection to the user. Chamomile also improves overall heart health through encouraging the development of healthy blood vessels. Improving blood circulation and lowering the risk of developing multiple cardiovascular disorders including stroke, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction.

According to multiple scientific studies, German Chamomile is a highly effective vasoconstrictor that actively lowers and maintains blood pressure levels.

3. Managing Diabetes

Type 2 diabetics can highly benefit from using the potent herbal remedy thanks to its ability to effectively lower blood sugar (glucose) levels. The natural herb has also been discovered to improve and even prevent most of the symptoms like vision loss and kidney damage that are often experienced by type 2 diabetes sufferers.

Chamomile can also be used to prevent diabetes. By working to stop the progression of “hyperglycemia (high blood sugar),” the potent natural remedy encourages the development of healthy blood vessels and body organs while preventing you from contracting the disorder.

4. Alleviating  Menstrual Symptoms

Chamomile has been widely used to alleviate various common menstrual symptoms, especially menstrual cramps for many years now. According to a scientific study that was carried out in England, drinking chamomile herbal tea regularly can increase glycine levels. Glycine is an essential Chamomile amino acid that encourages the body to relax and reduces muscle spasms, hence; soothing menstrual cramps.

Being a potent emmenagogue, the natural herbal remedy can easily regulate irregular menstrual periods through stimulating circulation in the uterus and pelvis area. Chamomile’s potent antidepressant properties make it highly effective in combating mood swings.

5. Improving Digestive Health

According to the “University of Maryland Medical Center,” chamomile can be used to treat various digestive disorders. This includes indigestion, acid reflux, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal issues, colic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas and anorexia. The antispasmodic compounds found in the herb actively work to reduce constipation, cramping and other types of stomach pains.

Chamomile’s antiseptic properties can be used to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, especially in the gut. Thus; protecting you against multiple gastrointestinal disorders.

6. Reducing Inflammation and Pain

Chamomile is full of analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used to lower the inflammation and pain associated with fevers, arthritis, headaches, pregnancy and injuries. The herbal remedy is often referred to as the “herbal aspirin” due to its potent analgesic properties. It has been discovered that Chamomile can offer anti-inflammatory benefits that are similar to those offered by standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can also be used to reduce facial swelling, pain from infections, skin irritations, toothaches and other underlying issues of inflammation.

7. Addressing Multiple Respiratory Issues

The herbal remedy is a key ingredient in most leading nasal sprays as it effectively works to reduce mucous congestion and respiratory-related fight infections. Chamomile’s potent antibacterial properties can easily help to treat and prevent the common cold. Apart from that, these antibacterial properties can be beneficial for offering protection against respiratory infections and diseases that are likely to be caused by bacteria.

Multiple scientific studies indicate that inhaling the natural herbal remedy’s steam can soothe the painful discomfort that is often caused by upper-respiratory infections.

8. Promoting Beauty and Maintaining the Skin

The antioxidant compounds found in Chamomile can be used to remove wrinkles. This is thanks to their unique ability to combat the harmful free radicals found in your body that are responsible for increased aging. Chamomile is also an effective, natural solution for dandruff and hair lice.

Topical application of the natural remedy can alleviate itching, reduce skin irritation, nourish and rejuvenate the skin, hydrate the scalp and even accelerate the healing process of minor wounds. Also, acne scars, sunburns, diaper rash, eczema, contact dermatitis, and breakouts. The herbal remedy’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the swelling caused by skin irritants and rashes.

9. Chamomile for Insomnia

This is among the most popular uses of Chamomile. Taking a warm cup of the herbal infusion before going to sleep will help you relax and even improve your sleeping patterns. This is thanks to Chamomile’s gentle sedative and calming properties. According to the “American Academy of Family Physicians,” the natural herbal remedy can help soothe babies with colic. Also massaging an infant with the herb’s natural essential oil can help them to fall asleep easily.

10. Chamomile for Anxiety and Depression

Chamomile can be used to promote relaxation and combat stress. The extracts of the natural herbal remedy are often taken as mild sedatives to reduce anxiety and calm the human nerves. Regular consumption of the herbal remedy is said to effectively alleviate common chronic stress and anxiety symptoms. These include digestive disorders, hysteria, insomnia, and nightmares.

Roman Chamomile essential oil can be used to help expectant mothers to relax during delivery. Apigenin(3) is an essential Chamomile compound that has been scientifically proven to provide anti-anxiety effects in the body.

CONCLUSION

You can easily use the natural herbal remedy to experience the top 10 benefits of Chamomile discussed above. However, it is important that you first consult a licensed herbalist or qualified health practitioner before using the herb.

Though considered relatively safe for use and even consumption, there are various side effects that have been documented. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, people suffering from allergy and those taking blood thinning medication should avoid using Chamomile. Unless under the care of a medical professional or herbalist.

Further Reading: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283

Medical information provided is for information purposes only. Always get guidance about a medical condition from a health care professional.

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