Chamomile: The 7 Healing Benefits Of Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the nation's best-selling herbs. It's a very popular tea, by itself or in blends. Its apple scent is the fragrance in many herbal skin-care products. In addition, it has been used in shampoos since the days of the Vikings because it adds luster to blond hair. Contemporary herbalists recommend chamomile externally to spur wound healing and treat inflammation, and internally for fever, digestive upsets, anxiety, and insomnia.
In Germany, one pharmaceutical company markets a popular chamomile product which Germans use externally to treat wounds and inflammations, and internally for indigestion and ulcers. Chamomile is so popular in Germany that many people there calls it the herb that is capable of anything. Below is a list of the many healing benefits of chamomile.
1. Digestive Aid: Dozens of studies have supported chamomile's traditional use as a digestive aid. Several chemicals in chamomile oil appear to have relaxing action on the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an anti-spasmodic). In fact, one study shows chamomile relaxes the digestive tract as well as the opium-based drug papaverine.
2. Ulcers: Chamomile helps prevent stomach ulcers and speed their healing. In one experiment, two groups of animals were fed a chemical known to cause ulcers. The group that was given chamomile developed significantly fewer ulcers. The animals who developed ulcers were divided into two groups. Those that were fed chamomile recovered more quickly.
3. Women's Health: Antispasmodics relax not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. Chamomile's antispasmodic properties support its age-old use to soothe menstrual cramps and to lessen the possibility of premature labor.
Oddly enough, chamomile was also used to stimulate menstruation. The apparent contradiction remains unresolved, but European researchers have isolated a substance in chamomile that stimulates uterine contractions. Women should feel free to try chamomile both to soothe menstrual cramps and to promote the onset of menstruation, but pregnant women should steer clear of medicinal amounts.
4. Tranquilizer: Chamomile's long history as a tranquilizer also has a scientific basis, according to researchers who showed that the herb depresses the central nervous system. Try an infusion when you feel anxious, or add a handful of chamomile flowers to a hot bath.
5. Arthritis: In animal studies, the herb successfully relieves arthritic joint inflammation. Animal findings don't necessarily apply to people, but chamomile has been used traditionally to treat arthritis.
6. Infection Prevention: The Eclectic physicians of America use chamomile compresses to prevent wound infections. Some studies show chamomile oil applied to the skin reduces the time it takes burns to heal. Other studies show the herb kills the yeast fungi that cause vaginal infections, as well as certain other bacteria. Chamomile also impairs the replication of polio virus. For cuts, scrapes, or burns, brew a strong infusion, cool it, and apply in compresses.
7. Immune Stimulant: British researchers discovered that the herb stimulated the immune system's infection-fighting white blood cells. Make sure to have a drink or two of this herb when you have a cold or the flu.
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