Lush Flower Field
Chamomile! The sweet, sleepy tea that is known and loved all over the world. Millions consume this tea every day for its relaxing and sleepy affects. When brewed, is it used to calm an upset stomach, relieve a sore throat, a fever, nausea, and diarrhea. People often drink chamomile tea at night to help with insomnia and as a way to wind down. The chamomile plant was native to Europe and Asia but can now be found all over the world. Years ago it was introduced to Canada as a seed contaminant or ornamental plant but has since spread throughout all provinces and northwest territories.
Identification
Chamomile Flowers and Leaves
In Canada, the scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum) can be found in disturbed habitats where there is little competition such as roadsides and plowed farms. This plant hosts a delicate daisy-like flower only two to four centimeters in diameter. It has finely dissected, smooth leaves which give it a fern-like appearance. It is uncommon to see them in cold, northern regions of the country but not impossible as they have adapted to harsher environments.
Studied Medicinal Benefits
Medicinal Chamomile Tea
Medicinally, it can be used to help eczema, almost and well as over the counter medicine (60% as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone cream). Although more studies need to be done to fully grasp the medical benefits, current studies have acknowledged that anti-depressive effects have occurred among subjects. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic (anti fever) properties. Studies have shown that chamomile may inhibit cancer growth as well. Inhaling chamomile steam is great to help with common colds and congestion.
The gastrointestinal tract is well supported by chamomile. The herb works by encouraging muscle movement in the digestive system, releasing gas and aiding in dissolving food. It decreases gastro acidity and increases mucus production within the intestines. In this study, volunteers who drank five cups a day showed increased anti-bacterial activity within their body. Finally, chamomile has a sedative affect, which was already well-known by those who drink it.
Warning! If you are allergic to marigolds, ragweed, or similar plants chamomile may cause an allergic reaction. If you have health problems or are taking medication, always check with a professional before consuming.
Cosmetic and Skin Benefits
Chamomile Flower
Chamomile is consumed for cosmetic purposes as well. It can be found in creams, oil, and ointments. As previously mentioned, chamomile can help with eczema, but it has plenty of other benefits for skin. Chamomile can help relieve acne, hyperpigmentation, sores (even in the mouth), redness, and abbesses. Parents can use a topical chamomile cream or tea to help with diaper rash, chicken pox, colic and diarrhea.
Chamomile is an astringent, which means it causes the skin to contract and can theoretically decrease the appearance of wrinkles, loose skin or large pores. It lessens the damage done on skin by day to day wear and can even soothe those with sensitive or irritative skin. In ancient Greece they used to grind up chamomile flowers and apply to reddened, irritated skin.
How to Best Consume Chamomile
Natural Chamomile Tea
For benefits related to digestion, tea is the best way to consume chamomile. You can brew the flowers and let it steep for five to ten minutes. The steam produced from this method can be inhaled if you want help relieving a cough or cold. Another method is over-the-counter capsules which can be used to induce sleep, however tea works just as well. To reduce swelling, inflammation, irritation, or for anti-bacterial properties, apply chamomile oil to the skin. Do a patch test to ensure no allergic reaction first. Chamomile can be put in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, jams and baked goods which will offer near the same benefits as the tea. A variety of methods to receive a variety of benefits!
If you suffer from insomnia, chamomile is one of the most sought out herbs. Although chamomile is under-researched in the medical field, there have been some benefits noticed, such as it’s sedative, anti-bacterial and antiphlogistic effects. It can aid with common ailments such as coughs, colds, eczema, irritation, inflammation, and digestive disorders. It is good for the skin and can help decrease the appearance of aging by attacking redness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne.