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 "apple of the earth," because its scent is similar to that of a 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 widespread in Europe and Asia , growing wild in meadows and countryside but also surviving in poor soil. While it's true that chamomile induces sleep, it's also true that for it to fully unleash its sedative power, it must be prepared expertly, otherwise it risks becoming a stimulant even more so than coffee . The most important benefits of chamomile are:

It is a natural remedy againstanxiety, the 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's important to know that the flowers in chamomile contain the most active ingredient , preferably with intact flower heads. Therefore, get the flowers and, if possible, avoid using tea bags , which don't always contain high-quality chamomile or the most valuable parts of the plant. The water in which you prepare the infusion must be at a temperature of around 90°C. This must always be brought to a boil , and you can do this using a kettle or a small saucepan. The boiling process shouldn't last too long, so remove the pot from the heat as soon as you see the first bubbles appear. At this point, don't pour the boiling water over the tea bag ; instead, immerse the tea bag 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 tea bags, 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. A little fresh lemon is always welcome. If you've gone overboard with the 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. This way, the drink stays warm longer. Obviously, the hot water from the fountain must then be thrown away and replaced with the water you have boiled, in which you can immerse the chamomile tea bag or the infuser with the 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

Newborns and infants can also consume chamomile, but in specific situations, a pediatrician's advice is always recommended, as national and international guidelines on infant nutrition state that infants should consume only breast milk up to six months of age. Chamomile can usually be administered from the first few weeks of life, but only if there is a real need. Chamomile, in fact, helps infants sleep and facilitates the elimination 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 tooth decay . Once ready, let it cool and only administer it lukewarm, placing it in a bottle. Chamomile has a fairly rapid effect in 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, so there are no specific contraindications to its use. In particular, allergies to chamomile may be associated with allergies to related plants, such as daisies, parsley, chrysanthemums, ragweed, and calendula . Chamomile contains a small amount of coumarin, which could cause problems if you are taking anesthetic medications.

Chamomile: benefits, properties and uses