Chamomile: Benefits, Use in Medicine, Treatment Potential, and Recipes

(Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile, a member of the daisy family, is native to Europe and western Asia. The dried and fresh flowers of German chamomile are most commonly used medicinally.

Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a medicinal plant, mostly for gastro-intestinal complaints. This practice continues today.

What it does

Chamomile flowers contain volatile oils, the most important of them being proazulenes, alpha-bisabolol and spiroether, together with bioflavanoids and quercetin. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic and has a calming influence on the nervous system. The reported pain reducing activity of chamomile appears to be achieved through the local action of volatile oils acting on prostaglandin release.

Potential Uses

Chamomile tea can be safely given to children with headaches, temperatures, restlessness or nervous tummy. It’s calming action means is had a gentle sedative effect and so is usefull to relieve nervous tension.

Who should not drink chamomile tea?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid chamomile tea, as it may interfere with the development of the fetus or newborn. People who are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the daisy family should also avoid chamomile tea.

Is it OK to drink chamomile tea everyday?

Chamomile tea is generally safe to drink every day. However, it is important to note that chamomile may interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking it regularly.

Why you should not drink chamomile tea?

There are a few reasons why you should not drink chamomile tea:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the daisy family.
• If you are taking certain medications.
• If you have a medical condition, such as liver disease or kidney disease.

When should you not drink chamomile tea?

You should not drink chamomile tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also not drink chamomile tea if you are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the daisy family. If you have any medical conditions, such as liver disease or kidney disease, it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea.

What are the side effects of chamomile tea?

Chamomile tea is generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Chamomile may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking it regularly.

Does chamomile come back every year?

Yes, chamomile is a perennial plant, so it will come back every year.

What happens if you drink chamomile tea everyday?

Drinking chamomile tea every day is generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Chamomile may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking it regularly.

Is it good to drink chamomile tea everyday?

Whether or not it is good to drink chamomile tea every day depends on the individual. Some people may find that drinking chamomile tea every day helps them to relax and sleep better. Others may not experience any benefits from drinking chamomile tea every day. If you are considering drinking chamomile tea every day, it is important to talk to your doctor first.

What To Add To Chamomile Tea?

There are a number of things you can add to chamomile tea to improve its taste and flavor. Some popular additions include:

• Honey
• Lemon
• Milk
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Mint
• Lavender

Why avoid chamomile during pregnancy?

Chamomile may interfere with the development of the fetus or newborn, so it is important to avoid it during pregnancy.

Recipes for using chamomile at home

Here are three step-by-step recipes for using chamomile at home:

Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Steep the chamomile flowers in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Strain the tea and enjoy.

Chamomile Bath

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Add the chamomile flowers to the hot water and let them steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the chamomile tea and add it to your bath water.
3. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes to relax and de-stress.

Chamomile Steam Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Add the chamomile flowers to the hot water and let them steep for 10 minutes.
2. Pour the chamomile tea into a bowl and cover your head with a towel.
3. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes to clear your sinuses and relieve congestion.

Conclusion

Chamomile is a safe and effective herb that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It is important to talk to your doctor before using chamomile, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.

Cautions

Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using chamomile.

At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with chamomile.