Chamomile: benefits, harm, contraindications, application

Chamomile is a flower familiar to everyone since childhood. But have you ever wondered what benefits this beautiful plant brings? Today we’ll talk about the benefits and harms of this simple but very necessary plant, consider its contraindications and methods of use.

Benefits of chamomile

Despite the simplicity and availability of chamomile, it is a very valuable plant. It contains a large number of substances needed by our body. And the beneficial properties of the plant can be listed for a very long time.

The composition of chamomile is valuable because it contains:

• vitamins- A, C, D;
• essential oils;
• tannins;
• acids;
• flavonoids;
• polysaccharides;
• carotene, etc.

So what are the benefits of all these listed substances? Beneficial properties of chamomile:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Expectorant.
• Antiviral.
• Eliminates intestinal gas pollution.
• Relieves spasms.
• Helps eliminate sleep problems.
• Phytoestrogen.
• Antifungal.
• Normalizes appetite.
• Stabilizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• Eliminates dandruff.
• Treats childhood skin rashes.
• Fights against parasites living in the human body.
• Mild choleretic.
• Reduces temperature.
• Mild pain reliever.
• Vasodilator.
• Saves you from depression.
• Relieves allergic inflammation.
• Anticonvulsant.
• Strengthens immune system.
• Sweatshop.
• Removes well from the body toxins, waste and cholesterol.
• Accelerates skin restoration.
• Strengthens nervous system.
• Helps the brain work correctly and not be overloaded.
• Improves digestive processes.
• Indicated for diseases of the female sphere.
• Strengthens joints.
• Eases PMS.
• Reduces bleeding losses.

With such a rich track record, it is not surprising that chamomile is the most sought-after flower in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals.

Harm of chamomile

Even such a useful and harmless plant as chamomile can cause harm to the body. If it is not used correctly. Do not neglect the list of contraindications or exceed the dosage. If you use this plant for a long enough time, without a break, you can get a large number of side effects. Such as:

• headache;
• nausea;
• irritability;
• weakness.

You should use this plant with caution if you are prone to frequent allergies. It is also recommended to conduct an allergy test before using the product on infants.

Uses of chamomile

So, in what cases should chamomile flowers be used?

1. Inflammations and wounds on the skin.
2. Diseases of the biliary system.
3. Cough, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
4. Gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea and other stomach diseases.
5. Inflammation of internal organs, for example, cystitis.
6. Irritation of the mucous membrane.
7. Allergies.
8. Eczema, ulcers, boils, burns.
9. Migraine.
10. Toothache and other types of pain.
11. Sleep problems.
12. Sprain.

It is recommended to use the infusion of the plant internally for the following ailments:

• Hyperactivity and increased excitability of the central nervous system.
• Fever and high temperature.
• Bleeding in the female part, including postpartum.
• Malaria.
• Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pain syndrome during menstruation.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Insomnia.
• Pulmonary inflammatory processes.
• Viral colds.
• Decreased appetite.

Use the decoction for rinsing, steaming or rubbing:

1. Sore throat and diseases oral cavity.
2. Dryness and tightness of the epidermis.
3. Cracks and inflammation of the skin.
4. Thrush.
5. Cystitis.
6. Cervical erosion.
7. Cosmetic purposes - skin whitening, acne treatment, relieving irritation and redness.
8. Aromatherapy, for room disinfection and reassurance CNS.
9. Cramps.
10. Insect bites.
11. Eye irritation.
12. Dandruff.
13. Increased sweating.
14. Injury.
15. Rheumatism, gout.
16. Liver diseases.
17. Tired legs.

Chamomile can be used for up to 3 months without interruption. Usually, allergies and side effects do not arise from the duration of the course of use.

Please note that douching with chamomile is not recommended in the following situations:

• menstruation;
• pregnancy;
• age after 40 years, due to natural vaginal dryness;
• the first 30 days after childbirth, surgery;
• acute inflammatory processes.

By the way, a decoction of this flower can be given to children from 1 year old. It is also possible to use it at an earlier age, in the form of baths or creams. Remember to dilute chamomile with water before using it on children.

Chamomile contraindications

For all its harmlessness and positive properties, chamomile has contraindications. Namely:

1. The period of bearing a baby.
2. Breastfeeding.
3. Individual intolerance.
4. Concomitant use with other potent drugs.
5. Before treating chronic diseases with chamomile, you should discuss this with your doctor.

If used incorrectly, side effects are possible in the form of:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• Quincke's edema;
• increased blood pressure;
• rash;
• itching;
• skin redness.

Chamomile tincture

In addition to using dry raw materials, you can purchase or make your own chamomile alcohol tincture. It can be used when:

1. Cold.
2. Stagnation of bile.
3. Malfunction of the liver.
4. Heart rhythm disturbances.
5. Mild nervous conditions and fatigue.
6. Disruption of the sebaceous glands during puberty.
7. Ranah.
8. Low blood pressure.
9. Sanitation of the oral cavity.
10. Gastritis and ulcers.
11. During periods of increased mental stress.
12. Some women's ailments.

You can prepare chamomile tincture at home as follows:

1. Take dried chamomile flowers.
2. Fill with vodka. For 1 part chamomile there are 5 parts vodka.
3. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking the container occasionally.
4. After 7 days, carefully squeeze out the raw materials and pour the liquid into a dark glass container. Store the tincture in the refrigerator.

The finished infusion has a rich brown color. The liquid is clear and smells like a flower. It is recommended to coordinate the use with a specialist.

It is best to purchase ready-made raw materials at a pharmacy. When collecting plants yourself, you can confuse pharmaceutical chamomile with another variety, which cannot be taken orally.

An alcohol tincture of this plant is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Acute gastrointestinal diseases.
• Pregnancy.
• Lactation.
• Children's age up to 12 years.
• Individual intolerance.

If using an alcohol tincture is not possible, prepare a decoction of the flowers. Just pour a tablespoon of dry raw material with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Cool and strain before use.

You can also place the flowers in an enamel bowl and boil. This method will help brew herbs better.

Chamomile for hair

Today, many people give their preference to natural cosmetics, among which chamomile decoction takes pride of place. Benefits of chamomile for hair:

• increasing the natural shine of hair;
• ease of combing;
• decrease loss hair, strengthening the hair follicle;
• getting rid of dandruff;
• restoration of hair after exposure to chemicals - curling, dyeing;
• soft lightening.

You can use chamomile for hair in the following ways:

• Rinse.
• Mask.
• Shampoo.

Rinsing can add shine and brightness to your hair. Masks are suitable for deep recovery. And the shampoo will help those who want to care for their curls during the washing procedure.

For rinsing and simple shampooing, a regular decoction is suitable. How to do it is described above.

The best recipes for a hair mask with chamomile:

• Yolk of 1 egg, 50 g of olive oil and 10 drops of essential oil. Mix the ingredients and apply an even layer over the entire length of the hair. Wrap in plastic and a towel. After 40-60 minutes, rinse off as usual. For those with oily scalp, it is better to use an alcohol tincture. Alcohol dries it out.
• Mix half a glass of chamomile infusion with 25 g cognac, the same amount of honey and the juice of a quarter of a lemon. Apply to hair and wrap with film and a towel. After an hour, rinse your hair with plain water. The use of shampoo is not recommended.
• Dissolve a tablespoon of honey in 100 ml of chamomile decoction and apply to hair. After 40 minutes, wash off.
• To activate hair growth, mix a couple of tablespoons of castor oil with a teaspoon of alcoholic infusion of hot pepper. Add the same amount of chamomile tincture and stir. The mask is applied only to the roots. After an hour, rinse your hair with plain water. It is better to warm up the oil a little before use.

Chamomile for face

Chamomile flowers are a real first aid for various facial skin problems.   Positive effects of chamomile on the skin:

• Relieves irritation.
• Eliminates redness.
• Moisturizes.
• Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• Treats acne.
• Lightens freckles.
• Relieves swelling.
• Does bruises under the eyes less bright.
• Smoothes wrinkles.
• Eliminates itching.

You can simply wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion. But it is best to use ice cubes with chamomile. Just pour the broth into molds and put it in the freezer. For oily skin, it is recommended to mix chamomile with lemon juice. You can replace it with vodka or vinegar.

Ice with chamomile, in addition to the above benefits, will also act as a beneficial stressor. The skin, under the influence of ice, begins to produce more collagen. Which will lead to natural rejuvenation.

Chamomile essential oil has a high concentration of beneficial substances. But using it in its pure form is not recommended. You can add a couple of drops of oil to your washing water or enrich your purchased facial care cosmetics with it.

Chamomile mask

We invite you to familiarize yourself with simple but effective masks for faces using chamomile.

• Nourishing mask that relieves puffiness. Mix ripe strawberries with the following oils: chamomile, apricot, jojoba. Mash the strawberries, add oil and apply the mask for 20 minutes. Cover the area around the eyes with a napkin soaked in the juice from the mask. Instead of chamomile oil, you can use a decoction.
• A mask that increases skin elasticity. Chop chamomile flowers and fresh mint. Add honey and egg white to them. After 20-25 minutes, wash with cool water.
• For very dry skin, an infusion of chamomile with milk is suitable. Pour milk over the dry raw materials and leave for 10 days in a cool place. Strain the resulting liquid and wipe the skin with it.
• You can eliminate oily shine with chamomile compresses.   And to cleanse skin prone to oiliness, you need to mix the decoction and a couple of tablespoons of natural yogurt. Wash off after half an hour using a face washcloth.