Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the important medicinal herbs native to southern and eastern Europe. It is also grown in Germany, Hungary, France, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. It was introduced to India during the Mughal period, now it is grown in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu, and Kashmir. The plants can be found in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Hungary is the main producer of plant biomass. In Hungary, it also grows abundantly in poor soils and it is a source of income for poor inhabitants of these areas. Flowers are exported to Germany in bulk for distillation of the oil.
In India, the plant had been cultivated in Lucknow for about 200 years, and the plant was introduced in Punjab about 300 years ago during the Mughal period. It was introduced in Jammu in 1957 by Handaet al. The plant was first introduced in alkaline soils of Lucknow in 1964–1965 by Chandra et al. There is no demand for blue oil as such at present in India. However, flowers of chamomile are in great demand. Presently, 2 firms, namely, M/s Ranbaxy Labs Limited, New Delhi and M/s German Remedies are the main growers of chamomile for its flowers.
History
Chamomile is one of the more familiar medicinal herbs, with a high profile in literature and a long history of use. This plant’s popularity is well-deserved.
Chamomile’s earliest recorded use goes back much further: according to Eber’s Papyrus, dated to 1550 BC, ancient Egyptians used the herb to honor the gods, embalm the dead and cure the sick. In Europe, the medicinal use of Chamomile has been recorded since the 1st century AD. Today, Chamomile remains a top-selling herb in the tea marketplace.
Chamomile is an herb that people have used for centuries. People in the United States probably know it as a tea to calm an upset stomach or to help with sleep. Two types of chamomile are used for good health: German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile).
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German chamomile is used and studied the most. A German governmental organization (Commission E) has approved its use on the skin to reduce swelling and fight bacteria and as a tea or dietary supplement for stomach cramps.
You can buy chamomile as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments.
What is chamomile used for?
People use German chamomile to treat irritation from chest colds, slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation, and skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash. For these conditions, you use chamomile in an infusion or bath, or as a tincture, which is a concentrated extract mixed with alcohol. People use Roman chamomile as a tea to treat an upset stomach, sleeping problems, or menstrual pain.
Limited studies have been done on chamomile. With a hectic lifestyle and work pressure more and more people fall prey to stress. High-stress levels lead to anxiety.
When your mind senses some abnormal situation, the body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline is the ‘fight and flight hormone that transmits nerve impulses throughout the body and increases heart rate, contracts blood vessels, and dilates air passages preparing the body to tackle the situation.
Stress is the most common cause of anxiety leading to the release of adrenaline. However, there may be other physical problems too that can be termed as causes of anxiety.
Given below are some of the best herbs that can help combat anxiety and reduce stress.
Important Anti-anxiety Herbs
Chamomile is one of the safest herbs for anxiety. It has soothing effects and relaxes different parts of the brain. It helps in releasing stress and controls insomnia.
Here are 9 amazing health benefits of chamomile tea.
- 1. Treats Cuts and Wounds – Chamomile tea was used by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians as a salve for wounds to expedite healing. In a recent study, rats given chamomile-flavored water healed faster than those who were not given the elixir. It worked especially well for burn wounds. This is because Matricaria chamomilla has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.
- 2. Helps with Diabetes – Some research has shown that chamomile can help those suffering from diabetes. It also helps with hyperglycemia.
- 3. Antibacterial – The antibacterial effects of drinking chamomile tea can help to prevent and treat colds while protecting against bacterial-related illness and infection.
- 4. Calms Muscle Spasms – One study from England found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea could prove to be an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps as well.
- 5. Soothes Stomach Ache – Further adding to chamomile benefits, the herb is wonderful for soothing an upset stomach. Helping to soothe and relaxes the muscles and lining of the intestines, chamomile can help with poor digestion and even with those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- 6. Promotes Sleep – Drinking chamomile tea soothes the nervous system so that you can sleep better. It has been used as a solution for insomnia for centuries.
- 7. Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment – Chamomile ointment can help to relieve hemorrhoids.
- 8. Fights Cancer – It’s very likely that chamomile tea can help reduce cancerous cells, although research is still ongoing to see exactly how chamomile reverses abnormal cellular growth.
- 9. Promotes Healthy Skin – With its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, chamomile helps in clearing up skin irritations such as eczema, acne, and allergies.
The pollen found in chamomile preparations may cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may not be able to use chamomile. Chamomile may interfere with blood thinners (anticoagulants).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medicine. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works.
Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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