Healing Chamomile Tea Effects
Why Matricaria Recutita has Been a Medicinal Drink for Centuries
Mar 12, 2009
Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, has been cultivated for thousands of years; the Ancient Egyptians found the healing chamomile tea effects so profound that they dedicated the white and yellow flower to their sun god. The Greeks named it Kamaimelon, meaning ground apple, for its pleasing apple aroma. In Europe, botanists, healers, and mothers have been gathering it for centuries. Today the chamomile herb is so popular it can be found in any grocery store.
The Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a delicate herb so it can be taken regularly, and is even safe for young children. In fact, chamomile therapy will be much more effective if used cumulatively.
- As an anti-spasmodic chamomile tea prevents and eases spasms. It will relieve menstrual and stomach cramps, as well as muscle spasms.
- Chamomile tea has antiseptic properties, making it a great herb to use as a mouthwash for healthy gums, or an as eye bath for an infected or inflamed eye. Its antiseptic capabilities are up to 120 times stronger than sea-water.
- The chamomile herb is a carminative; it stimulates the digestive system and relaxes the stomach. This makes chamomile tea an appropriate after dinner beverage.
- Matricaria recutita is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it will combat any inflammation, external or internal. For example drinking chamomile tea can heal diverticulitis, which is a very painful ailment caused by an inflamed and weakened colon.
- As an analgesic it reduces pain.
- As a vulnerary, when applied to the skin it will speed wound recovery.
- Chamomile tea is a diaphoretic, promoting the elimination of toxins through the skin.
- As an emmenagogue Matricaria recutita is an overall uterine tonic.
- The chamomile herb is a nervine, strengthening the nervous system by promoting relaxation.
- As a sedative the chamomile tea effects help to relieve stress, anxiety, and general restlessness. This relief extends to any body tissue that has been affected by nervous energy.
According to an article in Science Daily, "Chamomile Tea: New Evidence Supports Health Benefits" (Jan 4,2005), researchers found that drinking chamomile tea on a regular basis will increase the body's level of phenolics, and the amino acid glycine. Phenolics are natural antioxidants that also work as an antibacterial agent on the body. Glycine eases muscle spasms and relaxes nerves.
Composition of Chamomile
The healing effects of chamomile tea come from the herb's chemical constituents. The chamomile flower is comprised of the volatile oils chamasulene and isadol. They travel through the entire body naturally, having a stimulating effect on each tissue they interact with. They trigger the digestive system, tone the nervous system and stimulate white blood cell production.
Tannins are also found in the chamomile plant. These compounds create a protective layer on the skin as well as mucous membranes, thereby helping to seal wounds.
Matricaria recutita consists of an array of flavonoids and phytonutrients. They work as antioxidants, protecting the body's cells from damage due to free radicals, and also assist with vitamin C absorption. Chamomile is rich in vitamins B1, B3, and C.
Chamomile is also made up of the esters angelic and tiglic, which are therapeutic for muscle cramping, nervous tension, and even are known to have an effect on brain waves.
How to Use Matricaria Recutita
There are several ways to utilize the healing properties of chamomile, both internally and externally. The most common way is to drink the dried herbs and flowers as a tea. Also, a cold infusion can be made, which can be then stored and used as a mouthwash or eye bath. Chamomile can also be ingested as a tincture - a dropperful diluted in a glass of water for adults, and 3 to 5 drops in water or juice for children.
Externally, chamomile essential oil or the leaves and flowers can be used to make a relaxing bath. The crushed flowers can be made into a poultice for skin infections, or boiled in a bag of cheesecloth to make a fomentation. Chamomile lotion is great for the skin, and chamomile essential oil, mixed with distilled water is an effective treatment for sore throats.
Sources
Hoffmann, David, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies (Element Books Limited, 1996).
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition (Penguin Group, 2006).
