Chamomile: Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Simple to use, with a simple infusion, yet so powerful for the many benefits it provides to our bodies, even from an early age, so much so that it has been called "the first medicine for children." Chamomile, which Alessandro Manzoni used extensively as a natural remedy for fatigue, is a herbaceous plant (of the Asteraceae family) that can be cultivated, but also grows wild. The best time for harvesting is in spring, but it is available year-round. Chamomile has always been considered an excellent remedy not only for insomnia but, due to its antispasmodic and relaxing properties, also for stress, abdominal cramps, indigestion, dark circles under the eyes, and menstrual cramps. Its name derives from the Greek "chamàimēlon” which literally means “earth apple”, because the smell it gives off is similar to that of the dwarf apple.

Index of topics

Nutritional values

Chamomile boasts numerous nutritional properties. A cup of infusion, as specified by Humanitas, contains:

about 230 g of water
0,5 g of carbohydrates
47,4 IU of Vitamin A
2,4 µg folate
21,3 mg of potassium
4,7 mg of calcium
2,4 mg sodium
2,4 mg of magnesium

But also iron, zinc, manganese, fluorine and coumarin.

Benefits

Chamomile is very common in Europe and Asia, grows spontaneously in meadows and in the countryside but also survives in poor soils. While it is true that chamomile induces sleep, it is also true that for it to release all its sedative power it must be prepared according to the rules of the art, otherwise it risks becoming an even more stimulating drink than the coffeeThe most important benefits of chamomile are:

It is a natural remedy againstanxiety insomnia and stomach problems
When used topically, it can be useful for skin wounds, irritations and eye discomfort.
It has a good mouth sanitizing action if used as a mouthwash
It can work for minor colic in babies and diarrhea.
It helps against tiredness, thanks to its tonic qualities
It has an antispasmodic effect and is therefore useful in case of cramps

How to prepare it

First of all, it is good to know that in chamomile there are flowers to possess the largest active principle, preferably with intact flower heads. So, get the flowers and, if you can, don't use the bags, inside which you don't always find quality chamomile or the most valuable parts of the plant. The water in which to prepare the infusion must have a temperature of around 90°. This must always be brought to ebollizione To do this, you can use a kettle or a saucepan. The boiling shouldn't last too long, so remove the pan from the heat as soon as you see the first bubbles appear. At this point, the boiling water shouldn't be poured over the sachet, but it is the latter that must be immersed in the water previously poured into the cup. The infusion should last no more than five minutes.

How to prepare chamomile tea with flowers

If you have flowers instead of a tea bag, place them in a tea infuser and steep it in boiling water. You can also lightly sweeten your chamomile tea with honey, brown sugar, or, even better, a little Demerara sugar, originally from South America, which sweetens without altering the flavor of the infusion. A little fresh lemon is always welcome. If you've overdone it with sugar or honey, you can dilute it with milk, which will make your chamomile tea creamier. If you love fresh fruit, try adding it to your chamomile tea to add flavor, or even opt for a few drops of organic fruit juice. Chamomile enthusiasts warm the cup with hot tap water before steeping the chamomile tea. This way, the drink stays warm longer. Obviously, the hot water from the fountain should then be thrown away and replaced with the water you've boiled, in which you can immerse the chamomile tea bag or the infuser with the chamomile tea leaves. flowers.

Infusion for menstrual spasms and pains

Chamomile is very effective against menstrual cramps and spasms, and should be sipped after having prepared it as an infusion with the following dosage: 1 gram of flowers in 1 liter of water. The best technique for taking chamomile during menstrual cramps, or during spasms, is to drink it coinciding with the cramps, spasms, and twinges. The ideal is to identify the rhythm of the contractions and take a generous sip of warm chamomile tea with each of them. After four or five sips synchronized with the contractions, menstrual cramps and spasms generally subside significantly.

How to prepare chamomile tea for children

Also Infants and children can take chamomile, but in case of particular situations the pediatrician's advice It is always advisable, given that national and international guidelines on infant nutrition state that until six months of age, infants should consume only breast milk. Chamomile can usually be administered from the first weeks of life, but only if there is a real need. In fact, chamomile induces sleep of the little ones and makes it easierelimination of intestinal gas, aiding digestion. Loose flowers purchased from herbalists can also be used to prepare decoctions and infusions. To make an effective chamomile tea for infants, infuse chamomile flower heads or tea bags purchased at the supermarket. Avoid instant tea, which contains sugars and promotes the onset of constipation. cariesOnce it's ready, let it cool and feed it only lukewarm, placing it in a bottle. Chamomile has a fairly rapid effect on eliminating intestinal colic.

How many times a day can it be taken?

Chamomile is very safe to use, so you can take it more than once a day. However, be careful not to overdo it: the risk is that prolonged, high-dose use of chamomile can cause problems for the body in absorbing iron. Another risk is drowsiness throughout the day.

How long does it take to take effect?

Chamomile doesn't need much time to take effect. It all depends on the infusion. Avoid steeping for too long, which ranges from 1 to 3 minutes: otherwise, you risk an adverse effect, as the chamomile flower has time to develop the caffeine it contains. With a rapid infusion, the color of the tea should remain light, confirming the timing is correct, and then the effects of the chamomile will be almost instantaneous. Or at least very rapid.

Controindicazioni

Allergic reactions to chamomile are very rare, and therefore there are no particular contraindications for its use. In particular, allergies to chamomile may be associated with allergies to related plants, such as daisies, parsley, chrysanthemums, ragweed, and calendulaChamomile contains a small amount of coumarin, which may cause problems if you are taking anesthetic drugs.

Chamomile: benefits, properties and uses