Chamomile has been used for its medical and therapeutic effects for millennia. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and comes in two major varieties: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Chamaemelum germanicum) (Matricaria chamomilla). These types have comparable qualities and are often used for their relaxing and soothing effects. In this post, we will examine the numerous varieties of chamomile, their usagefor reduce inflammation and improve sleep naturally.
Types of Chamomile
- Chamomile (Roman)
The perennial plant Roman chamomile is endemic to Western Europe and North Africa. It is also known as garden chamomile and English chamomile. The plant may reach a height of 30 cm and produces tiny white blooms with golden centers. The leaves are fluffy and emit an apple-like scent.
Common uses for Roman chamomile include herbal drinks, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy and massage treatment as well.
- Chamomile (German)
The annual plant German chamomile is native to Europe and Asia. It is also known as Hungarian chamomile and wild chamomile. The plant may reach a height of 60 cm and produces tiny white blooms with golden centers. The leaves have a fern-like appearance and a somewhat bitter flavor.
Herbal drinks, cosmetics, and aromatherapy are prominent use for German chamomile. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy and massage treatment as well.
Chamomile and Its Medical Benefits
Chamomile has been used for millennia as a traditional cure for a variety of ailments. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Chamaemelum germanicum) are its two variants (Matricaria chamomilla). These varieties have similar properties and are often used for their calming and relaxing effects.
Traditional medicine has exploited chamomile for millennia, and its medicinal advantages have been extensively studied by modern science. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sedative properties. This article will investigate chamomile’s therapeutic effects.
1-Inhibits Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to damage or illness. It is the body’s method of self-defense and the beginning of the healing process. Yet, persistent inflammation may lead to a range of health issues, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Chamomile has been used for millennia due to its therapeutic benefits. One of the advantages of chamomile is its anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae plant family. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) are the two varieties of chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is the most popular kind of chamomile and is renowned for its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Chamomile includes a number of anti-inflammatory chemicals, including chamazulene, alpha-bisabolol, and apigenin. These substances function by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are chemicals that induce inflammation in the body. Moreover, chamomile includes antioxidants that help neutralize inflammatory-causing free radicals.
Chamomile may be ingested in many different ways, including tea, pills, and essential oil. Chamomile tea is a common method to take chamomile, and its relaxing and soothing effects have been used for generations. Moreover, you may get chamomile supplements in pill or tablet form. The essential oil of chamomile may be used topically or breathed for aromatherapy.
- The relationship between Chamomile and Inflammation
There is evidence that chamomile may reduce inflammation in numerous places of the body. In a research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it was shown that chamomile extract decreases inflammation in rats with arthritis. According to the research, chamomile extract decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats, resulting in a reduction in inflammation.
According to another research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory benefits on human subjects. Two weeks of chamomile tea consumption significantly reduced inflammatory indicators in the blood, according to the research.
- The Benefits of Chamomile for Digestive Health
Moreover, chamomile has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Inflammation of the digestive tract may result in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (IBS).
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that chamomile extract inhibited inflammation in the colons of rats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study discovered that chamomile extract decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon, resulting in a decrease in inflammation.
It has also been shown that chamomile reduces IBS symptoms. In a research published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, IBS patients who drank chamomile tea noticed a substantial decrease in stomach discomfort and bloating.
2-Promotes Sleep
A sufficient amount of sleep is essential for preserving health and wellbeing. Sleep deprivation may result in a range of health issues, including mood swings, impaired cognitive performance, and an increased chance of developing chronic illnesses. Chamomile has been used for ages due to its relaxing and sleep-inducing effects. This article will examine the advantages and mechanisms of action of chamomile in improving sleep.
Chamomile includes numerous chemicals that have sedative and anxiolytic actions, such as apigenin and bisabolol. These chemicals function by attaching to the brain receptors involved for producing sleep and alleviating anxiety.
- Chamomile and Restful Sleep
Chamomile has been used as a natural treatment for insomnia and other sleep problems for ages. It is thought to function by boosting levels of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which calms the brain and promotes sleep.
a number of research have examined the impact of chamomile on sleep. Participants who drank chamomile tea before bed in a research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing reported considerably improved sleep quality than those who did not drink chamomile tea.
In another research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, chamomile extract was shown to enhance sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep quality in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
Moreover, chamomile has been demonstrated to improve sleep quality in postpartum mothers. According to a research published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks after childbirth reported considerably improved sleep quality than those who did not.
- Chamomile and Soreness
Pain may also disrupt sleep, and chamomile has been demonstrated to be useful in reducing pain.
3-Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition that may give people anguish, concern, and dread. It is a typical reaction to stress, but if it persists, it may lead to a variety of health and psychological issues. Chamomile has been used to treat anxiety and other mental health disorders for millennia. This article discusses how chamomile decreases anxiety and its efficacy in treating anxiety.
- How Can Chamomile Relieve Stress?
Many actions of chamomile on the body assist alleviate anxiety. Among the ways that chamomile alleviates anxiety are:
The calming effect of chamomile on the body is well-known. It may aid in tension reduction and relaxation. This may be particularly beneficial for those who feel muscular tightness due to anxiety.
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile may help decrease inflammation in the body. Persistent inflammation is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety.
Chamomile possesses antioxidant properties that aid in protecting the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety.
Chamomile has the ability to alter the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that aids in anxiety reduction and relaxation promotion.
Chamomile has the ability to alter serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls anxiety and mood.
- Chamomile’s Efficacy in Treating Anxiety
Several studies have examined the usefulness of chamomile in alleviating anxiety. Numerous studies have revealed that chamomile may help alleviate anxiety symptoms and boost well-being overall.
The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology reported in 2016 that chamomile extract improved the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in subjects. 179 individuals with GAD were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. In comparison to the placebo group, the chamomile extract considerably decreased anxiety symptoms.
Chamomile extract improved symptoms of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder, according to a research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. During eight weeks, 57 patients with mild to severe GAD were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile extract or a placebo. In comparison to the placebo group, the chamomile extract considerably decreased anxiety symptoms.
A 2019 research published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research discovered that chamomile tea lowered anxiety levels in premenstrual syndrome patients (PMS). Eighty women with premenstrual syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile tea or a placebo for two menstrual cycles. As comparison to the placebo group, chamomile tea considerably decreased the individuals’ anxiety levels.
Moreover, chamomile has been shown to reduce anxiety in cancer patients. In a 2017 research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, chamomile extract was proven to lower anxiety and despair in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. During six weeks, 299 patients were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile extract or a placebo. The findings demonstrated that chamomile extract is statistically significant.
4-Helps Digestive Problems
Many research have shown that chamomile is an excellent natural treatment for abdominal distention. According to a research published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, chamomile tea may assist persons with irritable bowel syndrome decrease bloating (IBS). Those who drank chamomile tea saw a substantial decrease in bloating compared to those who drank a placebo, according to the research.
According to a second research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, chamomile may help decrease gas and bloating in animals. According to the research, chamomile extract decreased gas production in the digestive system, which might lead to bloating.
Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common digestive disorder characterized by feces that are loose or watery. Many reasons, including bacterial or viral illnesses, dietary intolerances, and some drugs, may induce diarrhea.
Several studies have shown that chamomile is an excellent natural treatment for diarrhea. According to a research published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, chamomile extract may lower the frequency and severity of acute diarrhea in children. The research discovered that chamomile extract decreased diarrhea length and improved stool consistency.
According to a second research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, chamomile may aid in the relief of diarrhea in animals. According to the research, chamomile extract inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory chemicals in the digestive system, which may lead to diarrhea.
Nausea Nausea is a frequent digestive disorder characterized by a sense of nausea or queasy stomach. Many reasons, including motion sickness, pregnancy, and certain drugs, may produce nausea.
Several studies have shown that chamomile is an excellent natural treatment for nausea. According to a research published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, chamomile aromatherapy helps improve nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy-treated cancer patients. Compared to those who got conventional treatment, those who received chamomile aromatherapy had a substantial decrease in nausea and vomiting.
Another research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing discovered that chamomile tea helped alleviate post-operative nausea and vomiting. Those who consumed chamomile tea had much less nausea and vomiting than those who got conventional therapy, according to the research.
5- Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties can help alleviate menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts during menstruation to shed its lining. These contractions can result in pain and discomfort, which chamomile can alleviate by relaxing the uterine muscles.
Several compounds within chamomile contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol are the two most important chemicals in chamomile. These substances have anti-inflammatory characteristics that may aid in reducing uterine inflammation, which can result in period cramps. Moreover, chamomile includes flavonoids, which have shown antispasmodic effects. Antispasmodic qualities lessen the frequency and severity of uterine contractions, hence easing menstrual cramps.
Research Evaluating Chamomile’s Capacity to Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
The usefulness of chamomile in relieving menstrual cramps has been explored in a number of research investigations. The chamomile used in these investigations includes chamomile tea, chamomile pills, and chamomile essential oil.
- Herbal Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most common methods to treat menstruation cramps with chamomile. A research published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine examined the efficacy of chamomile tea in alleviating menstrual cramps. Eighty female university students who had menstrual cramps participated in the research. The subjects were randomly administered chamomile or placebo tea. For the first three days of their menstrual cycles, each participant had two cups of tea every day.
The research discovered that chamomile tea effectively alleviated menstruation cramps. Those who consumed chamomile tea reported much less discomfort than those who had placebo tea. According to the results of the research, chamomile tea is a safe and efficient therapy for menstrual cramps.
An further research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry examined the effects of chamomile tea on rat menstrual cramps. In this work, menstrual-like periods were generated in female rats. For seven days, rats were given either chamomile tea or a placebo drink. Compared to mice that drank placebo tea, rodents who consumed chamomile tea had a substantial decrease in the severity of their menstrual cramps. The conclusion of the research was that chamomile tea may reduce menstrual cramps in people.
- Chamomile Capsules
You may get chamomile pills at the majority of health food shops. A research published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility examined the efficacy of chamomile capsules in alleviating menstrual cramps. The research included 90 female college students with menstrual cramps. The individuals were randomly administered chamomile or placebo pills. At the commencement of their menstrual cycle, the individuals took one capsule every day for three days.
The research discovered that chamomile pills were excellent in alleviating menstrual cramps.
6- Helps Treat Skin Conditions
Flavonoids, terpenoids, and volatile oils are among the active chemicals in chamomile that give plant its therapeutic benefits. Flavonoids are a form of antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, whilst terpenoids contain anti-inflammatory qualities that help calm the skin.
Diseases of the Skin That Chamomile May Help Cure
- Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a persistent skin disorder characterized by patches of red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It has been discovered that chamomile reduces the symptoms of eczema. According to a research published in the Journal of Medicines in Dermatology, chamomile extract successfully reduced the severity of eczema in patients.
The main symptoms of eczema, inflammation and itching, are reduced by chamomile. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in soothing the skin and reducing redness and swelling. Additionally, chamomile has a soothing effect on the skin, which can reduce itching and prevent further irritation.
- Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes thick, red, and scaly skin. Chamomile can aid in alleviating psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, chamomile extract effectively reduces inflammation and promotes healing in psoriasis patients. The study discovered that chamomile reduced the severity of psoriasis and improved the skin’s overall health.
Acne is a common skin ailment that manifests as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the skin. Chamomile can aid in the reduction of acne symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, chamomile extract reduces inflammation and promotes healing in acne patients. The study discovered that chamomile reduced the severity of acne and improved the skin’s overall health.
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a persistent skin condition characterized by redness, flushing, and small bumps. Chamomile can aid in alleviating rosacea symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Chamomile extract proved successful in lowering the severity of rosacea in patients, according to a research published in the Journal of Medicines in Dermatology. The research discovered that chamomile might decrease redness and inflammation and enhance the skin’s general health.
How to Use Chamomile to Cure Skin Disorders
Chamomile may be used to treat a variety of skin disorders, including:
1-Herbal Chamomile Tea
Consuming chamomile tea helps decrease inflammation and improve internal healing. Just soak a chamomile tea bag in boiling water for several minutes daily.
2.Matricaria Extract
The topical use of chamomile extract reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Chamomile extract is available in the form of creams, lotions, and serums.
3.Oil of Chamomile
Applying chamomile oil straight to the skin reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Just combine a few drops of chamomile oil with a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil, and apply to the afflicted region.
4.Chamomile Compress
The use of a chamomile compress to the skin helps decrease inflammation and soothe the skin. Just brew a few chamomile tea bags in boiling water, let the water cool, and then soak a clean towel in the solution. Apply the cloth to the afflicted region for ten to fifteen minutes.
Warnings About Chamomile
Although chamomile is typically safe for most individuals, a few precautions should be observed while using it to treat skin issues.
Some individuals might be allergic to chamomile. If you suffer itching, redness, or swelling after taking chamomile, discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.
Pregnancy
Avoid taking chamomile when pregnant, since it might induce contractions and lead to miscarriage.
Interactions between Drugs
Before using chamomile, you should consult your doctor if you are on any drugs, since it may interfere with certain medications.
