Chamomile medicinal properties and uses. Chamomile pharmacy: medicinal properties. Contraindications to the use of chamomile officinalis

The nature of our planet is very rich in various plants that benefit people. These include chamomile, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are widely used by traditional healers. You can meet this beautiful flower along roadsides, in meadows and in your own garden. What is the plant useful for and to whom, we will tell in today's material.

Chamomile flowers, namely, it has healing properties, contains coumarins and phytosterols, polysaccharides and polyene compounds, apigenin, luteolin and quercetin (their derivatives), as well as:

• caprylic, anthemic and isovaleric organic acids;
• vitamin C, carotene and nicotinic acid;
• bitterness, mucus and gum;
• proteins and tannins.

In dry baskets, there is up to 1% of essential chamomile oil, which has a blue tint. The most valuable component in the composition of the plant is azulene chamazulene, and it contains from 1 to 9%. The value of the substance is explained by its pronounced anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic properties.

Important: boiled water destroys chamazulene.

In this regard, 3 main medicinal properties of chamomile can be distinguished - hemostatic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Astringent and disinfectant properties are also inherent in it, which is successfully used in the treatment of intestinal ailments and colds. Choleretic quality is used to restore the liver.

Chamomile also relieves pain, spasms and cramps. According to studies at the Nottingham Medical University, the property of the plant was proven to relax blood vessels and smooth muscles of internal organs.

The plant also helps to eliminate depressive conditions with excessive anxiety. Experimentally (University of Texas - Faculty of Medicine), the ability of chamomile tea to reduce mortality among people who have crossed the 65-year mark has been proven.

Another medicinal type of chamomile is odorous, which is endowed with the ability to relieve inflammation and spasms. Its use extends to diseases such as colitis, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, flatulence.

It is also used externally as compresses, washings, enemas and rinses. This type of chamomile is considered a substitute for pharmacy, but without the presence of azulene in the essential oil.

The use of chamomile and its dosage forms

Chamomile in folk medicine is used in various forms, which will be discussed in detail later.

Chamomile tea

The benefits of chamomile tea are based on the unique composition of the plant, which allows it to be used for the following problems:

1. Sleep disturbances, panic attacks and excessive anxiety.
2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - ulcers and gastritis.
3. Increased gas formation.
4. Frequent colds, diseases of the oral cavity, as well as other ENT diseases.
5. Pain during menstruation.
6. Skin ailments in the form of additional therapy or basic.
7. Increased glucose levels in people with diabetes.

Regular consumption of 1 cup of chamomile tea daily will fill your skin with health and strengthen your immune system.

Preparing a drink will not leave any difficulty for anyone. To do this, combine 3 parts of flowers with 5 parts of cumin seeds and 2 valerian roots. From this mass, scoop 2 large spoons and pour 2 cups of boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes, then strain and drink 100 ml in the morning and evening.

For weight loss, prepare a different composition - pour 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. During the day you will need to drink 5 such glasses in a course of up to 2 weeks.

Chamomile decoction

The benefits of chamomile decoction have been known since 5-4 centuries BC, as Hippocrates, Galen and other scientists, physicians and pharmacists of antiquity wrote about. The composition is prepared as follows - dried flowers (1 tablespoon) are poured with water in a volume of 1 liter and put on fire until boiling, after which the drink is still boiled for 4 minutes. Remove from the stove and insist, then strain well with sterile gauze.

The finished broth is not stored for a long time - a maximum of 10 hours in the room and 72 hours in the cold. If these terms are not observed, then the healing properties are lost.

Benefits of chamomile tea

Chamomile tincture is very effective in combating skin problems caused by harmful microorganisms (staphylococci with streptococci). Alcohol tincture helps to heal abrasions, cracks, scratches and other wounds faster, and it also relieves acne and boils.

For 0.5 liters of vodka or alcohol, 4 large spoons of plant flowers are required. Place the ingredients in a glass jar and leave alone for 3 weeks. Then it remains to strain the composition and use it for its intended purpose, rubbing the skin, cauterizing acne, and making lotions for boils.

Chamomile oil

Such a product is endowed with bactericidal and antiseptic properties, which is indicated for the treatment of many ailments of the digestive sphere, including the stomach, and gynecological. The oil is used in the complex treatment of ENT diseases and the nervous system.

The essential oil is prepared from the inflorescences of various varieties of chamomile, but the blue pharmacy is considered the most useful of them. The finished product is sold in pharmacies and costs about 200 rubles. The hue of the oil is blue or brown, which depends on how much it is stored and what the quality is.

The consistency of chamomile oil is thick, and the aroma is light herbal with a slight hint of fruit, tobacco and spices. Permissible shelf life is 5 years.

What diseases can be treated with chamomile

The plant successfully copes with many problems in human health.

Treatment with chamomile in combination with other therapeutic options amenable to such diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as:

• gastritis, enterocolitis and stomach ulcers;
• colitis and pathology of the pancreas;
• flatulence.

The internal use of the plant is also indicated for other diseases, such as gynecological, liver and biliary tract. Outwardly, chamomile is used for allergic itchy dermatosis, stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis and toothache, tonsillitis and tonsillitis, vulvitis, colpitis and endocervicitis.

With a cold, chamomile helps to recover faster and improve appetite, while improving the process of digestion and absorption of food. At the same time, the product relieves the intestines of harmful elements, normalizing weight and accelerating metabolic processes.

The effect of the plant will be enhanced if it is used together with herbs such as yarrow and calendula.

Medicinal properties of chamomile for women and children

As mentioned above, chamomile copes well with many female diseases. During the bearing of a child, she is also able to help with certain problems, especially external ones.

Chamomile during pregnancy

The plant during pregnancy can be used in the form of compresses, douches, baths and inhalations.

Chamomile also solves internal problems in this difficult period for women, relieving bloating, gas formation, constipation and stressful conditions. But you can take it only after consulting a gynecologist and under his supervision.

Children and chamomile.

Plants are a universal remedy for inflammation, and the strongest antiseptic qualities give reason to use it for various colds in children.

Infusion rinse the nasopharynx with the oral cavity for diseases such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, stomatitis, gingivitis and adenoids.

When the period of the flu and colds epidemic comes, it is recommended to drink chamomile tea for babies. As an additional remedy to the main treatment, chamomile is effective for bronchitis in the form of inhalations.

Due to the ability to improve the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, the plant is used for dysbacteriosis, bloating, and if the child has no appetite.

The product perfectly relaxes the nervous system, for which you need to give tea from chamomile grass with the addition of honey before going to bed. The effect will be enhanced if you mix mint, lemon balm, linden and / and calendula into the drink.

It is forbidden to combine chamomile with tonic herbs such as aloe, ginger or ginseng.

Plant oil effectively heals various wounds, insect bites and sunburn.

The use of chamomile in cosmetology

As a cosmetic product, chamomile is one of the available and useful plants, being a real elixir of youth and health. At the same time, it suits any type of skin, nourishing and softening dry, drying and healing oily skin. And the preparation of tonics, oils and lotions does not require much time.

The plant has the following effects on the skin of the face:

1. Moisturizing and nourishing for dry skin.
2. Whitening and lightening pigment spots.
3. Softening and restoring the skin.
4. Getting rid of acne and acne in adolescence.
5. Smoothing the effects of acne and fine wrinkles.
6. Giving the face freshness, tone and youth.
7. Normalization of the sebaceous glands with improved microcirculation.

The plant is very effective in combating dry and sensitive facial skin, allowing it to be used for various kinds of irritations, up to eczema. Dark circles and bags under the eyes are also within the power of chamomile.

The basis of all chamomile cosmetics is an infusion or decoction, for the preparation of which there are 2 ways - hot and cold:

• at the first time, pour 1 large spoonful of dry composition with a glass of water, put in a water bath for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and insist. As soon as the drink has cooled, squeeze and strain, bringing the remaining volume to the original;
• for the second recipe, with the same amounts of liquid and plants, bring to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for 2-3 minutes over low heat. Now the composition should be infused and further manipulations are repeated similarly to the last time.

Any of the prepared compositions can be made into compresses, lotions, used as a lotion, and so on. You can freeze the prepared liquid in the freezer in convenient molds and use it every morning to revitalize the skin.

Contraindications

Chamomile can be called one of the safest medicinal plants, since there are very few contraindications to its use. This refers to individual intolerance to the components in the composition and an allergic reaction, while having the ability to reduce them.

Caution must be observed during pregnancy due to the increase in estrogen levels, which is undesirable during this period. Therefore, the use of chamomile herbs inside should be only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Herbal remedies are not recommended during lactation, as the reaction of the baby to their intake is unknown. And, of course, you should not use chamomile immensely. Otherwise, you may feel nausea, headache, jumps in blood pressure and a negative reaction from the nervous system.

Now you just have to start using this beautiful plant to solve your problems, because with great benefits for our body and appearance, it is quite affordable for each of us. Health to you and your loved ones!

Our distant ancestors discovered the medicinal properties of various plants that we use to this day. Developing, science only confirmed the beneficial effect of natural healers on the human body. Folk healers of various faiths and nationalities still widely use medicinal plants in their practice.

Chamomile officinalis occupies a special place among medicinal herbs. Its medicinal properties were appreciated back in the days of Ancient Rome, when snake bites, wounds of soldiers, eye diseases and burns were treated with decoctions. Chamomile was credited with the ability to heal people during malaria epidemics. The medicinal plant is used internally and externally. How exactly, we will tell in more detail in our article.

plant description

The name of the plant "chamomile" has a history of occurrence in several centuries. In Rome, the flower was called "hamaymelon", which means "apple that grows on the ground." In 18th-century Europe, chamomile was called "womb". This is due to the fact that gynecological diseases were successfully treated with the help of the plant. In Russia, the grass was called “romannik”, “bathroom”, “roman”, “pine tree”, “romanov color”. It is not difficult to distinguish medicinal chamomile from other plant species - its stem is hollow inside, and the smell of the flower resembles a mixture of apple and honey.

Is a description of the medicinal plant necessary? Chamomile is known to many - it is easy to find in the fields, slopes, along the roads. The plant propagates by seeds and easily adapts to various conditions. Therefore, it can be found in the wild on different continents: in Europe, Asia and North America. It is easy to notice the wild-growing chamomile in the middle latitudes. In addition, due to the known healing properties of the herb, it is specially grown as a raw material for pharmaceutical products or for export purposes.

Herbaceous annual plant with a pronounced ethereal odor. Belongs to the group of "medicinal plants" chamomile. A photo of a wild flower is presented below.

Therapeutic composition of chamomile

How does the herb help to cure many diseases, how does it affect human health? The secret of healing lies in the beneficial substances that medicinal plants contain. Chamomile officinalis contains such components, the medicinal properties of which have been proven by medical science:

• organic acids: salicylic, anthemis, caprylic, valeric;
• acids: ascorbic, nicotinic;
• polyene compounds;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• beta-carotene and carotene;
• polysaccharides;
• phytosterols;
• vitamins;
• macronutrients;
• glycosides;
• alkaloids;
• essential oil, namely the substance chamazulene.

Medicinal properties of chamomile

Due to the fact that the plant contains a whole complex of substances useful for the human body, chamomile is a medicinal plant with the following properties:

• antiviral;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• painkillers;
• diaphoretic;
• choleretic;
• antispasmodic;
• disinfectant;
• antiallergic;
• excitatory effect on the central nervous system.

Preparations containing chamomile officinalis are used for such diseases:

Chamomile is used not only in folk recipes. Useful properties of this plant are estimated by official medicine. There are confirmed medicines made on the basis of this plant, for example: the anti-inflammatory drug "Romazulan" and "Rotokan", the remedy for bedsores "Alorom", the drug for combating diabetes "Arfazetin". Chamomile extract is widely used in the cosmetic industry.

Despite the long list of useful properties of chamomile officinalis, there are contraindications to the use of this plant. They are especially relevant for internal use. It is undesirable to use chamomile for treatment with:

• propensity to allergic reactions;
• increased acidity of the stomach;
• kidney problems;
• pregnancy.

Preparations with this plant are forbidden to be used by children under one year old. also exclude the possibility of using funds that include chamomile officinalis. Useful properties and contraindications must be taken into account when drawing up an individual treatment regimen.

Growing a plant

If you have at least a small plot of land, you can try to grow chamomile on your own, especially since the plant is unpretentious in its care. The plot of land for cultivation must be cleared, as the growth of the medicinal plant is disturbed by weeds. Sow seeds in prepared soil in spring or late summer / early autumn. The seed planting depth should be up to 1 cm, the distance between rows should be 45 cm.

In the first week after planting the seeds, special attention should be paid to watering the plant, as chamomile needs high humidity. Growing a plant involves maintaining the optimum temperature, which is 19-21 degrees Celsius. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that this herb is photophilous.

Chamomile will please with the first shoots about 15 days after sowing the seeds. The full cycle of grass development is 3-4 months. During this period, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of moisture of the plant, uproot weeds and feed the chamomile with fertilizers.

Collection and storage of chamomile officinalis

Subject to all the rules, you will have at hand a home remedy for various diseases all year round - medicinal chamomile. Growing this plant is not particularly difficult, but storage has its own characteristics.

Chamomile should be harvested during the early flowering period, when the petals are still horizontal. This stage of plant development lasts about a month, so the collection is carried out several times. You only need to pluck the inflorescences, capturing a small section of the stem. To do this, you can use a special metal device - combs, but for better preservation of the medicinal properties of plants, manual harvesting is recommended. If you plan to continue sowing medicinal chamomile, then you need to evenly leave several plants in each row for subsequent self-propagation.

Chamomile is a medicinal plant, so it is extremely important to preserve its healing properties. The peculiarity of the collection of chamomile is that immediately after picking the flowers, it is necessary to decompose the plant in a place for drying, since storing fresh flowers in a basket or bag for 3-4 hours will lead to damage to the product.

Chamomile is dried in the shade under sheds or in special dryers at a temperature that does not exceed 45 degrees, spreading evenly in a thin layer (about 5 cm thick) on a cardboard platform or a special frame. It is extremely important to exclude direct sunlight during the drying of raw materials, as they destroy chamomile essential oil and some other healing substances that make up the plant.

During drying, you should periodically gently mix the grass so that the chamomile does not stale and rot. The medicinal plant is dried correctly if the flowers have become more rigid and the smell is saturated. Remember that over-dried chamomile loses its valuable properties, and insufficiently dried chamomile will soon rot.

It is recommended to store chamomile in plywood or wooden boxes, boxes. The container must be dry and be able to close tightly. Keep the medicinal herb in dry places protected from light. Under all conditions, chamomile flowers can be stored for up to 2 years without loss of medicinal properties.

Pharmacy ready-made collections of chamomile officinalis

Properly growing, harvesting and preserving chamomile is a laborious and lengthy task. It is much easier to buy a finished product in a pharmacy. Depending on the purpose of using the plant, various forms of preparations with chamomile are produced: packaged dry raw materials, tea bags with chamomile, extract and essential oil.

For the treatment of skin diseases, it will be more convenient to use dry chamomile flowers, which have the medical name Matricariae flos. Their cost in a pharmacy is about 40 rubles. for 50 grams. Chamomile officinalis (the instructions for the preparation describe the dosage and method of administration) is also used for the manufacture of decoctions and compresses for various colds and for external use.

Packed in dry chamomile flowers, respectively, they are consumed as a hot drink for colds and problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Delicious fragrant drink will give strength and energy for the whole day. But a cup of this warm before bedtime, on the contrary, will calm the nervous system and become an effective tool in the fight against insomnia.

The distillation method produces aromatic oils, which are based on medicinal plants. Chamomile is also available as an essential oil. It has a wide spectrum of action: it calms, relieves nervous tension, helps fight colds and ENT problems, improves immunity, and is applied topically for burns and insect bites. The oil is used directly by direct application to the damaged area of ​​the body or aromatherapy sessions are carried out using special lamps. Essential oils are also enriched in cosmetics and added to baths. But such a tool is not cheap - about 450 rubles. for 5 ml.

Treatment of colds

Chamomile, a medicinal plant, is often used in the treatment of uncomplicated cases or as an adjunct in a medical course. Means based on the plant gently relieve inflammation, reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, essential oil improves immunity.

Chamomile warm tea is conveniently purchased in ready-packaged form. The instruction attached to the phytopreparation suggests the following method of preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over a tea bag.
2. Cover with a lid and let stand 15 minutes.
3. Take in a warm form without the addition of sugar or its substitutes in small sips. It is recommended to drink tea in the morning while in bed, after a few minutes changing the position of the body from one side to the other, from the back to the stomach.

In folk medicine, inhalations are widely used using medicinal plants. Chamomile officinalis is an effective remedy for dry cough and runny nose. For this procedure, it is necessary to pour boiling water (0.5 l) over a tablespoon of dry raw materials of the plant. Close the bowl with a lid and let the broth brew for 15 minutes. Then you can place the infusion in a heating pad, pan or other convenient utensils. Having bowed your head over the hot decoction and covered yourself with a towel, you need to deeply inhale the vapors for 10-15 minutes. Such a procedure should be carried out with extreme caution in children, since there is a high probability of bronchospasm. It is better for babies to carry out the inhalation procedure using a special device - a nebulizer.

It is easy to prepare at home and a decoction for rinsing an inflamed throat. To do this, you need to boil a tablespoon of dried flowers in half a liter of water for 15 minutes, then strain and rinse your mouth with this infusion. This recipe also helps with toothache and bleeding gums.

An evening aromatherapy session with chamomile will cleanse the room of viruses, soothe, relieve the symptoms of a cold. To do this, you need to drop a little into the aroma lamp and stay in the room for 15-20 minutes. This procedure is completely safe for children. A contraindication is only a tendency to allergic reactions.

Individual adverse reactions are possible in the form of headaches, nausea, dizziness. Most often, these symptoms appear with an overdose of essential oils. Therefore, do not treat with the principle of "get better in one day", adding a large amount of oil or carrying out the procedure for a long time, especially be careful when treating children.

Treatment of gynecological diseases

Chamomile helps with female diseases. The use of decoctions, baths and infusions in gynecology is quite common. Chamomile effectively copes with inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system, is an additional remedy for infections of the genital tract, has a calming, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Therefore, a decoction of the plant is used both for the treatment of gynecological diseases and for their prevention. Chamomile helps against itching, burning, redness of the genital organs. Useful properties in gynecology are used to normalize the menstrual cycle, with vaginal dryness, as well as to increase libido. Chamomile is used for such purposes as follows:

Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

For various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pain symptoms, flatulence, colic), it is recommended to take fees that include medicinal herbs and plants. Chamomile is an integral component of such preparations. Often use herbal preparations of chamomile with lemon balm, mint, rosehip or calendula.

But pure chamomile decoction will also bring a lot of benefits in the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The remedy is prepared in this way: pour a tablespoon of dried flowers with a glass of boiling water. Insist under a closed lid for 20 minutes. Take a decoction three times a day for 1/3 cup. A single dose for children should not exceed a tablespoon (depending on the age of the child). It is recommended to use such a decoction for no more than a week, since long-term use irritates the gastric mucosa, breaks acidity, causes heartburn and other adverse reactions.

Application in cosmetology

Medicinal plants are often used in cosmetology. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and whitening properties, therefore it is added both to medicinal cosmetics and daily skin care preparations. Many well-known brands present a line of products with chamomile in their product catalog, for example: Avon, Pure Line, Yves Rocher. They produce creams, lotions, face, body and hair masks, lip balms, shower gels and many other care products. Many girls use chamomile at home. So, with a decoction of a medicinal plant, they wash their faces, enrich industrial cosmetics: creams, shampoos, lotions, make masks for the face, body, hair. We offer several useful recipes with chamomile:

1. An effective remedy for acne is chamomile lotion. To prepare it, you need to pour half a glass of dry raw materials into 200 ml of vodka, let the product brew in a dark, dry place for a week. Wipe the inflamed areas of the skin with lotion should be twice a day.
2. This mask will help in the fight against wrinkles: mix brewed chamomile flowers with honey and egg yolk. Add a few drops of olive oil. Apply the product to gauze, after cutting out holes for the eyes and nose on it. Apply gauze to your face, cover with a towel. Keep the mask on your face for 20 minutes.
3. Strengthens hair, gives them a golden healthy shade of chamomile decoction. To do this, brew 200 g of chamomile in 0.5 liters of water. Set an hour. Rinse your hair with this product after washing.

Chamomile is a medicinal plant, useful and effective. But do not forget about the possible adverse individual reactions of the body, contraindications for use. Chamomile is a great helper in the fight against various diseases, but this does not mean that you need to cancel visiting a specialist and taking medications. Self-medication can do more harm to health than good.

Pharmacy chamomile is popular due to its medicinal value. The essential oil contained in the baskets of the plant helps fight inflammation, has healing anti-allergic, antibacterial properties, is used not only in pharmaceutical production, but is also part of household chemicals (shampoo, soaps). The plant has become widespread due to its availability and a small number of contraindications. Texas scientists have proven that regular consumption of chamomile tea reduces the risk of death in people over 65 years of age.

What is chamomile

In nature, there are several types of plants, the medicinal variety has the largest set of medicinal properties. This herbaceous annual of the genus Matricaria, belongs to the Astrov family, is found throughout North America and Eurasia. The average length of the aerial part of the stem is up to 40 cm, a height above this mark indicates a lack of light during the growth period.

The stem is hollow inside, erect, the root of the plant is taproot, unbranched. The leaves are 2-5 cm long, arranged alternately on the stem. The well-known flowers of the plant have several white petals and a yellow center. Distinctive features are the horizontal arrangement of the petals, the characteristic conical shape of the receptacle.

The cycle of plant development from the beginning of seed growth to the moment of flowering is about 4 months - from May to the end of August. Previously, a wild plant was used to treat exclusively gynecological ailments, today it is used everywhere. Pharmacy chamomile is currently a widely cultivated plant in a number of countries, since it has a complex of properties that are of great importance for the treatment of many diseases of the human body.

Harvesting flowers should be done in June-August in dry weather, because then the inflorescences contain the maximum amount of essential oil. At first, it is necessary to collect the plant every two days, then the interval is extended to five days. Flowers should be dried in a dry room, carefully spreading them so that a kilogram is located on a square meter of surface. It is very important at the same time that the petals from the flowers do not crumble. You need to store blanks in paper bags, in a dark, dry room. Useful properties of chamomile persist for one year.

Compound

The benefit lies in the properties that are provided by the set of substances that make up the plant. Some of the ingredients:

• carotene, vitamins C, B4;
• biologically active substances (flavonoids, chamazulene, derivatives of phytosterol, aligenin, coumarin, matricin);
• chamomile essential oil(the content in dry flowers reaches 1%, has a blue color);
• organic acids (salicylic, phenolcarboxylic, isovaleric);
• bitterness, mucus, polyacetylenes containing macro- and microelements;
• polyene blends;
• polysaccharides;
• gum;
• tannins.

Medicinal properties

Given the presence of a small number of contraindications, medicinal raw materials are considered one of the safest means of alternative medicine. Chamomile treatment is used in relation to pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), gynecological sphere, genitourinary and other body systems as the main or additional therapy. The use of the plant for cosmetic purposes is also relevant, since it has a whole range of medicinal properties: disinfectant, anti-allergic, antiseptic, carminative.

In addition, the regular use of this herbal raw material helps to cope with convulsions, improve the functioning of the central nervous system, and strengthen the immune system. Also, the plant has the ability to relax the smooth muscles of the internal organs and blood vessels, has choleretic, diuretic properties. In relation to the digestive tract, chamomile plays an important role for the intestines, as it regulates gas formation, helps fight ulcers, gastritis, and colitis. In addition, the plant is effective in the treatment of diseases of the liver, biliary tract.

The action of chamomile over time leads to a stable sedative effect, helps to fight depressive states, stops age-related psycho-emotional disorders during menopause. The use of infusions and decoctions is effective for colds, viral infections, fever. In addition, the application has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the following body systems:

• gastrointestinal tract (improved digestion, increased appetite, reduced gas formation, regulation of microflora, choleretic effect);
• skin, mucous membranes of internal organs (anti-inflammatory effect);
• pathology of the respiratory system (removal of edema and spasm, relief of cough);
• relief of toothache, headache (migraine);

• cardiovascular system (synthesis of leukocytes, improvement of heart contractions);
• disruption of the nervous system (anxiety, fear, depressive disorders, nervousness, insomnia, hot flashes during menopause).

For women

The use of chamomile raw materials plays an important role in the treatment of female diseases, carrying out cosmetic procedures aimed at prolonging youth. Initially, the plant was considered a narrowly focused medicine for restoring women's health, and only over time it became a universal remedy. This herbal raw material is used for painful menstruation, postpartum bleeding, diseases of the uterus, because it has a pronounced analgesic, hemostatic effect.

The benefits of chamomile are relevant for the health of a pregnant woman. The plant helps expectant mothers to cope with excessive gas formation, flatulence, and improve the functioning of the digestive tract. In addition, the plant has a sedative effect, which is especially important during pregnancy. Given the list of contraindications, expectant mothers should use herbal infusions only after consulting a specialist and under his constant supervision.

This is due to an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood of a woman after the use of plant materials, which is undesirable during pregnancy and lactation. Some manufacturers note in the instructions for chamomile products that the plant cannot be used during the ripening period. Chamomile is widely used in the preparation of cosmetics (creams, wipes, lotions, tonics) not only for whitening, skin rejuvenation, getting rid of freckles and age spots, but also for the treatment of problem skin (acne, acne).

Cosmetic products based on vegetable raw materials are suitable for any skin - they have moisturizing, nourishing healing properties, while normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands, improving capillary blood circulation. A popular acne mask recipe: add one beaten egg white, two tablespoons of lemon juice to three tablespoons of chamomile infusion, apply the mixture on a dry, clean face, hold for 20 minutes, after which you should wash your face. To achieve a sustainable therapeutic effect, you need to repeat the procedure twice a week.

Medicinal chamomile brings special benefits to hair, gives them silkiness and freshness, regulating the fat content of the sebaceous glands of the head. For this purpose, the following infusion is used, added to the balm: 200 g of flowers of vegetable raw materials are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, infused for 40 minutes, then the solution should be filtered. Apply the infusion every time you wash your hair, several times a week. After a month, the hair becomes noticeably stronger, dandruff and excessive oiliness disappear.

For men

The properties of decoctions, infusions of a medicinal plant are useful for the treatment and prevention of pathologies of the male reproductive system (for example, adenoma, prostatitis). For these purposes, the following recipe is used: a collection of chamomile, celandine, heart-shaped linden, St. John's wort (in a ratio of 1:1:1:2), pour 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter. Use a decoction in the morning and evening, the course of treatment is three weeks. In addition, herbal preparations are used to solve specific problems (for example, with excessive sweating).

For kids

You can use the plant to treat childhood diseases after the baby reaches the age of one.. In this case, ready-made solutions should be diluted 2 times or special children's teas with the desired concentration of chamomile should be used. The plant has properties that contribute to the rapid healing of wounds, acne, burns, which is especially important for older children (compresses, lotions, rinsing the mouth are used for this). Before using the funds, you should consult with a specialist for contraindications.

What is useful chamomile pharmacy in bags

Medicinal chamomile sachets are a convenient solution for problems where the dosage of ingredients is important, since in this case age-specific consumption rates are taken into account. In addition, packaged herbs are often made with the addition of additional medicinal herbs, such as yarrow, calendula, cumin, immortelle, which has a positive effect on the healing effect. Additionally, packaged chamomile tea for weight loss has become widespread.

Application

Chamomile is used both for external use (creams, douches, baths) and for internal use (infusions, decoctions, teas). The medicinal properties of the plant help to fight various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary, cardiovascular, respiratory systems of the body. In addition, vegetable raw materials have antiseptic properties that contribute to the rapid healing of wounds, ulcers, thermal burns, acne, abscesses, acne. Therapeutic chamomile helps with stomatitis, periodontal disease, inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Decoction

Useful medicinal properties of a decoction of herbs have been known since antiquity - even Hippocrates described recipes for the use of this plant. Preparing a decoction is the most common way to use medicinal chamomile. In addition, there are a number of drugs that are widely used for inhalation. A common method of using the decoction is rinsing the hair - after a certain time of treatment, the hairline becomes lighter, becomes silky, thick.

The resulting solution should be stored for up to ten hours at room temperature or 72 hours in the refrigerator, since over time the therapeutic agent loses its medicinal properties. Several popular recipes (it is necessary to use funds in the absence of contraindications):

1. 1 tablespoon of dried flowers is poured into 1 liter of hot water, then the mixture is brought to a boil, kept on fire for 4-5 minutes. After that, the broth is cooled, insisted and filtered through a layer of gauze.
2. 1 tablespoon of dried flowers, calendula, yarrow, St. John's wort, motherwort, buckthorn bark are mixed, poured with boiling water, insisted for 30-40 minutes. Drink the solution in a glass four times a day.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile ether has a blue color (sometimes with a brownish tint depending on the quality), a thick texture, a slight herbal smell, and is prepared by steam distillation of inflorescences (1 kg of oil is produced from 200 kg of raw materials). Essential oil is a mixture of all the active substances that make up the flowers, produced from several plant varieties with the addition of extracts of other herbs. In addition to essential oil, in the pharmaceutical industry there is a weaker version - macerate - an infusion of flower baskets, which can be prepared at home.

Chamomile oil has a strong diaphoretic, antiseptic effect, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, relieves inflammation and spasms of muscle fibers, dilates blood vessels. In addition, it is believed that the oil has radioprotective properties, effectively treats diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs. Internal and external use of chamomile oil is allowed:

• External use involves the point application of ether to the skin with a cotton swab for skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis), poorly healing wounds, insect bites, acne, sunburn (at the healing stage), dandruff (the oil is rubbed into the scalp, left for 30 minutes, then rinse). The treatment course lasts 7-10 days. For massage use a mixture of 5-10 drops of chamomile ether with basic massage oil.
• Internal use has a beneficial effect in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, menopause, menstrual disorders. It improves appetite, strengthens the immune system, has calming and relaxing healing properties, and has a beneficial effect on mental activity and memory. For internal use, add 2 drops of oil to 1 teaspoon of honey, take the mixture twice a day, the treatment course is 5-6 days. It is strictly forbidden to take chamomile oil during pregnancy, lactation, children under 6 years of age due to contraindications, side effects.

Since chamomile oil has a moderately pronounced pleasant smell, it is actively used in aromatherapy and is well tolerated by young and old patients. For a calming and healing effect, you need to add a few drops of ether to the surface of the aroma lamp, relax for 15-20 minutes every evening. The bitter taste of oil has its own specifics, so such sessions are not suitable for everyone. In addition, you should use the funds carefully, taking into account possible contraindications.

Infusion

Vegetable raw materials prepared with alcohol have good antiseptic properties. It helps to get rid of cracks, scratches, boils, acne, cleanses the skin, relieves peeling (for this you need to wash your face daily with infusion diluted with water). The therapeutic effect is due to the special resistance to pathogenic bacteria - streptococci, staphylococci. The recipes are similar, they differ in the concentration of alcohol, the time of infusion, and the methods of application. Some popular tinctures:

1. 4 tablespoons of the dry blank are placed in a glass container, poured into 0.5 liters of alcohol, insisted for three weeks. After filtering, used as lotions in the fight against boils, acne.
2. 1 g of vegetable raw materials is poured into 250 ml of alcohol, insisted for one week, filtered. The resulting therapeutic agent tends to increase blood pressure and normalize the work of the cardiovascular system, so it should be used under the guidance of a doctor, taking into account contraindications. Use the infusion one teaspoon twice a day.
3. 15 g of anise seeds, dill, chamomile flowers are mixed, poured with one liter of vodka, insisted for forty days, filtered. The medicine strengthens the general immunity, helps to resist seasonal diseases. It is used according to the doctor's prescription, taking into account contraindications.

Chamomile with honey

There is such a variety of chamomile decoction as tea, in its preparation various additives, honey are used. A popular recipe for a drink that has a sedative, carminative (therapeutic effect aimed at getting rid of flatulence) properties: mix crushed raw flowers, valerian roots, cumin seeds in a ratio of 3:2:5, pour two tablespoons of the resulting mixture with two glasses of boiling water, insist 20 minutes, filtered. Take the remedy with the addition of a small amount of honey, 100 ml twice a day (morning and evening).

The healing properties of chamomile and honey have been known for centuries, their combination can significantly strengthen the immune system, stop inflammation, lower the temperature, and cope with many diseases. Tea for weight loss is very popular among the female half of the population: one teaspoon of dry raw materials is poured into a glass of boiling water, insisted for 10 minutes. You should drink up to five cups of the resulting drink per day, the treatment course is up to two weeks, before using it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to identify contraindications.

Baths

Chamomile baths are effective after X-ray exposure, with liver pathologies, calf muscle cramps, and skin diseases. They have a sedative effect, tend to stop insomnia, anxiety, nervousness. Helps to cope with skin peeling, cracked heels. Used with caution, taking into account contraindications. A few popular chamomile baths:

1. 0.5 kg of dry blanks are diluted with 2 liters of water, boiled for ten minutes, filtered, poured into a filled bath. Take such procedures should be up to 30 minutes every two days for two weeks.
2. 10 drops of chamomile ether are diluted with warm milk or honey, an aromatic mixture is added to the bath.

Cream

Chamomile cream has a number of medicinal cosmetic properties, contains useful nutrients that promote healing, brightening, rejuvenation of the skin of the face, relieve redness and peeling of the skin. Cream recipe: melt 60 g of low-fat butter and three tablespoons of olive oil in a water bath, add two yolks, one teaspoon of glycerin, 40 g of honey, 30 ml of camphor alcohol, 50 ml of chamomile infusion. Everything is thoroughly mixed, transferred to a glass container. The shelf life of this cream is up to six months.

douching

This medical procedure is not a way to maintain personal hygiene, but is intended only for stopping the inflammatory processes of the female genital organs. For this, a special decoction is prepared: two tablespoons of flowers are poured with a liter of boiling water, insisted for 30 minutes, filtered, cooled. After that, a clean syringe is filled with a solution having a temperature of 37-38ºС and the procedure is slowly carried out for 15 minutes with relaxed vaginal muscles. There are a number of contraindications for the manipulation:

• pregnancy;
• menstruation;
• a certain period (usually a month) after childbirth, operations, abortions;
• age over 40-45 years (since in women of this age category, the hydration of the vaginal mucosa decreases, and the chamomile solution can cause even greater dryness);
• acute inflammatory processes.

Plant materials are also used to treat cervical erosion. For this purpose, a solution prepared according to the following recipe is used: aloe leaves should be kept in the refrigerator for two days, then chopped, mixed with chamomile infusion (20 grams of flowers pour a liter of boiling water and insist in a thermos for a day). Hygienic tampons should be soaked in the resulting liquid, which, in order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, are placed at night for 10 days. Contraindications for the introduction of tampons are similar to douching.

How to brew chamomile

There are many recipes for brewing raw materials, all of which are based on adding hot water to crushed dry flowers. After that, for the best effect, you need to cook the mixture over low heat or sweat in a water bath. Then you should insist, cool the broth. In addition, there is a recipe for the so-called cold decoction: 1-2 large spoons of vegetable raw materials are poured into a glass of cold water, insisted for 8 hours, and then filtered through several layers of gauze. The use of brewed plant materials depends on the presence of contraindications.

Contraindications

The use of chamomile has certain contraindications. The main reasons for refusing plant treatment:

• individual intolerance to the component;
• acute heart, kidney or liver failure;
• allergic reaction, irritation on the skin;
• chronic diseases in the period of exacerbation;
• in some cases - pregnancy, lactation.

Medicinal chamomile is a potent herbal remedy, so it is necessary to take responsibly the existing contraindications. Even chamomile tea should not be abused, since excessive drinking can cause a number of side effects: discomfort in the stomach, nausea, pain, pressure surges (both increase and decrease), bloating, and nervous system reaction.

Video

A flower with this name is known to everyone; you can meet medicinal chamomile in summer in any region. Many species are known, the most popular among them is chamomile.

An unpretentious flower, which is a storehouse of useful properties, is used to treat numerous diseases. Modern medicine has not bypassed chamomile: many medicines are prepared on its basis.

Article content:

A little about chamomile

Chamomile is a simple flower at first glance, but at the same time graceful. Chamomile petals are lowered down or arranged horizontally, the receptacle is characterized by a convex conical shape, the flower head is hollow.

Its unique composition is determined by glycosides and essential oils. A large number of flavonoids helps to resist viruses, gamazulene has an antimicrobial effect. Chamomile contains a large amount of nicotinic, ascorbic salicylic acid and trace elements (copper, iron, magnesium).

Chamomile can be bought at a pharmacy or prepared independently. In a quality product, garbage and other grass should not be present, the flowers should be whole, not crushed.

The main actions that are inherent in pharmacy chamomile:

• anti-inflammatory;
• diaphoretic;
• anticonvulsant;
• diuretic.

The desired result is achieved after taking infusions or decoctions for about 2 to 3 months.

Medicinal properties

Chamomile benefits:

• relieves inflammatory processes (it is a natural antiseptic), is used as an addition to the main remedy, in some cases successfully replaces tablets;
• regulates the activity of the digestive organs;
• has an antipyretic effect at high temperatures;
• used in gynecology (the second name is uterine grass);
• has an analgesic effect (for bloating, pain in the intestines, stomach, headache);
• has an antiviral effect in colds;
• marked anti-allergic effect;
• chamomile oil is used for convulsions (it has the ability to relax smooth muscles);
• used to treat bronchitis;
• used in cosmetology for lotions, masks, creams.

Gamazulene provides chamomile with anti-allergic and local anesthetic effects.

Indications for use

Used in the form of infusions and decoctions for rinsing with:

• periodontitis;
• laryngitis;
• pharyngitis;
• stomatitis.

A warm infusion of chamomile helps with insomnia: studies have confirmed that chamomile contains substances that affect the nervous system and brain in the form of sedative drugs. Therefore, it has a slight sedative effect, and the infusion taken orally helps to fall asleep.

Decoctions and infusions of chamomile are used orally for:

• flatulence;
• colitis;
• peptic ulcer;
• hyperacid gastritis;
• stomach cramps;
• cystitis;
• renal colic;
• gout;
• rheumatism.

Chamomile preparations are successfully used to prevent atherosclerosis(relieve spasm of cerebral vessels, improve nutrition, provide oxygen). Chamomile is used in the treatment of bruises, bruises and cuts, eliminates excessive sweating of the palms and soles.

For outdoor use powders and ointments prepared with chamomile oil are used. The drugs are effective for:

• infected wounds;
• skin ulcers;
• eczema;
• arthritis.

Baths with chamomile(a few glasses of infusion or 10 drops of chamomile oil) have a relaxing effect, improve the condition of the skin (dry or after sunburn). Chamomile creams are effective for treating burns. With minor burns, dressings soaked in chamomile infusion help.

For gynecological diseases for douching and baths, a weak decoction of chamomile is recommended. A stronger concentration causes discomfort, dryness. Chamomile tea is recommended for painful menstruation.

Possible harm

The use of chamomile in some cases can cause vomiting, increased blood pressure. There may be a risk of bleeding, headache, weakness.

In case of an overdose, hoarseness, cough, fatigue, depression may appear. Data on the manifestation of allergic reactions have not been confirmed.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that the action of chamomile is effective, with an overdose and prolonged use, the result may be the opposite of what is expected. It is not advisable to use chamomile with a tendency to. With mental disorders (schizophrenia), taking chamomile is not recommended.

Essential oils of chamomile can tone the uterus, therefore during pregnancy it cannot be used.

Can pregnant and lactating women drink

It can be used externally in any form without restrictions. If frequent stress and nervous tension are observed during pregnancy, green tea with chamomile has a calming and relaxing effect.

However, chamomile tea stimulates the production of estrogen, so it is not recommended to take it during pregnancy: in the short term, chamomile preparations can provoke bleeding and miscarriage, and in the later ones, cause premature birth.

You should consult your doctor before using chamomile.

After the umbilical wound has healed, you can add chamomile infusion to the bathing water for newborns. At first, the infusion should be weak, if there is no negative reaction, the concentration can be increased.

This procedure helps protect the baby's skin from diaper rash, reduce the risk of irritation. It is not recommended to do such baths daily, a break is necessary.

Children under 1 year old should be given chamomile infusion carefully: allergic manifestations are possible. Chamomile tea for newborns helps eliminate flatulence and intestinal colic, normalizes bowel activity.

Chamomile tea has an antiseptic, soothing, tonic effect on children, helps to prevent dysbacteriosis. It relieves excessive excitability, has an antimicrobial effect, is used to quench thirst, thin sputum.

How to prepare an infusion?

To preserve the healing qualities of chamomile, you need to brew it correctly. There are several ways to prepare infusions, which depend on the purpose:

When collecting chamomile, you should pluck flower baskets with a small section of the stem. The optimal time for collection is July-August (it cannot be collected near the road), for drying it is necessary to spread it in a thin layer on a sheet of paper and leave it in a ventilated area. It is recommended to store raw materials no longer than 1 year.

In tablets and liquid forms containing chamomile, there should be at least 1% of the bioflavonoid apigenin (the healing component of the plant). When purchasing creams with chamomile, you should pay attention to its content (should be at least 3%).

Chamomile officinalis is an amazing flower that has a beneficial effect on various ailments.

Chamomile, or as it is also called - medicinal chamomile, has been used in folk and scientific medicine since ancient times. For more than one millennium, this plant has not lost its popularity, as it has important beneficial properties. Chamomile extract is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, essential oil has also found its application in the manufacture of medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

Description

Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant with a strong specific, but rather pleasant smell.
The root of the flower is either taproot or branched. Root color is light brown.
The stem is straight, erect, can reach a height of up to 60 cm. Branching of the stem from the base is possible. Inside the stem is hollow, outside it is ribbed - bearded, leafy to the very top.
Leaves sessile, alternate, up to 6 cm long.
The inflorescences look like conical baskets, their diameter is about 2.5 cm. They are located on the tops and on the side shoots. Collectively, all inflorescences form a corymbose inflorescence.
Petals are multi-row, have a diameter of up to 8 mm. The shape of the leaves is small, tiled, oblong.

Spreading

Chamomile is distributed throughout almost all of Europe, as well as in many parts of North America and Asia. In many countries, chamomile is cultivated as a medicinal plant, revering it for its beneficial properties. By selection, varieties with a high content of essential oil and aulene were bred. As for Russia, here chamomile grows in most European regions, except for the Lower Volga region and the Far North, also in the Ciscaucasia, in Dagestan, in Western and Eastern Siberia, in some regions of the Far East.

Chamomile grows in steppes and meadows, as well as a weed plant in gardens, on borders and wastelands, along roadsides, in row crops and grain crops.

Collection and preparation

The plant is harvested during the flowering period, when the white petals are arranged horizontally. The collection is carried out every 2 - 3 days, during the flowering period, which lasts up to 15 days.
Dry the flowers in the shade, in the open air, or in a ventilated area. When drying, the plants should be laid in an even thin layer.

It should be noted that during the collection it is necessary to separate the chamomile from other species of this plant. Otherwise, the impure collection loses many of its properties, moreover, it can be unsafe.

Store the dried plant in a tightly closed container, such as a glass jar. If the plant is stored in a rag bag, the essential oil will evaporate. In general, herbs should not be stored in plastic bags.
The shelf life of the dried plant is 1 year.

Application

The medicinal properties of chamomile infusion are used in the following cases:

• As an anti-inflammatory agent;
• As an antiseptic;
• As an anesthetic;

For diseases:

• Intestines;
• bile ducts;
• Liver;
• With increased gas formation;
• With angina;
• With stomatitis;
• With various allergies as lotions.

Chamomile is used for the preparation of home and professional cosmetics: creams, lotions, masks, shampoos.

Recipes

Decoction preparation:
Chamomile pharmacy - 10 gr. flowers (approximately 4 tablespoons of dry raw materials) are poured into a glass of very hot water, boiled for about 30 minutes in a water bath. The broth is cooled to room temperature, decanted and squeezed out the remaining raw materials.

The resulting broth should be stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. After 2 days, the decoction loses its beneficial properties. It is necessary to take several times a day, after meals, half a glass.
The decoction is also used externally, for example, for washing cavities, gargling, medicinal baths, preparing cosmetic masks, and rinsing hair.

For external use, you can also use an extract from the flowers. To prepare it, you need 3 tbsp. dry raw materials pour a glass of boiling water, and insist 1 hour in a closed glass container.

Inhalations are used to treat diseases of the respiratory organs and tracts. The therapeutic properties of this procedure are a sedative, analgesic, antiseptic effect.

Inhalations are prepared as follows:

For children under 7 years old: the infusion is brewed in a small teapot, a rubber tube is put on the nose, through which it is necessary to inhale the vapors of the broth for about 5 minutes.
Over 7 years old: the infusion is brewed in a saucepan, over which the child is planted and covered with a blanket over his head. Vapors are inhaled for up to 10 minutes. After that, it is advisable to give the child tea with honey and put to bed.

Essential oil

Chamomile oil has a dense texture, bluish color, the smell is slightly sweet. Natural oil is a rather expensive product. It has the following medicinal properties:

• antiseptic;
• painkiller;
• antispasmodic.

Apply inside in the amount of 2 drops per 1 tsp of honey.

Application in cosmetics

The decoction is used to care for sensitive, dry skin. Chamomile has a whitening effect, eliminates inflammation, reduces allergic inflammation, gives the skin a healthy look and color. Also, its properties are relevant for insect bites, thermal burns.

As for professional cosmetics, chamomile essential oil is added to creams. In combination with woody, lavender, citrus oils, they are used to create colognes.
Chamomile decoction is used to stimulate hair growth. It can also be found in the formulations of many professional shampoos. If chamomile is regularly used as a conditioner, then the hair will be strong and beautiful. In some cases, the medicinal properties of a decoction or oil can cope with dandruff.

Application restrictions

Contraindications:

• Anacid gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• Tendency to diarrhea;
• Abundant menstruation;
• Mental disorders;
• Treatment with homeopathic methods;

During pregnancy, chamomile tea should be taken no more than 2 glasses a day. The properties of this plant are such that it helps to stimulate the production of estrogen by the ovaries, and this can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. However, if you take a decoction in small quantities, it can help to cope with a toxic condition.

Overdose symptoms:

• Headache;
• Weakness;
• cough and hoarseness;
• Intestinal disorders.