Chamomile infusion: 8 properties and benefits and how to prepare it

The infusion of chamomile is one of the most consumed of all in the world. The multiple properties and benefits of this plant have been well known around the world for centuries, especially in regard to its digestive and soothing qualities.

Almost everyone has ready-made packages at home to infuse at home, as they are sold in any supermarket. It is a very practical resource considering how useful it can be when we really need the help of this natural remedy.

• Related article: "The 15 medicinal plants with the most properties and benefits"

What is chamomile infusion?

First of all it is worth clarifying what chamomile is. It is a herbaceous plant that originally belonged to the eastern half of the Mediterranean basin, although today it is planted in many countries of the world, especially those of South America.

When the human being was aware of the properties and benefits of this plant is uncertain. What there is no doubt is that it is one of the oldest medicinal plants that are known and that are consumed worldwide.

The infusion of this plant is the usual way of consumption. The crumbled chamomile put in hot water makes an infusion with all its properties is obtained, being a very healthy drink and that helps us fight certain ailments that we will see below

• Maybe you are interested: "The 5 types of tea, their origin and their properties"

Preparation of a chamomile infusion

To prepare an infusion of chamomile in principle we only need hot water and the crushed plant. It is a type of herbaceous plant that we can have planted in the garden, but the most common is to buy the plant already crushed and dried.

To get the plant ready to eat, we can also do it in two possible ways. One is to buy it in bulk in specialized herbalists, and another, the most common, is to buy boxes in which the chamomile is already packaged in bags to put in hot water.

Therefore, whatever option we choose to get chamomile, what is done next is to put the dried and crushed herb in hot water. 10 minutes having the chamomile in the water at rest is enough to later take the infusion.

Other herbs can be added to enrich the properties of the infusion such as lemon balm, mint, licorice, spearmint, etc. In addition, we can add a splash of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey to sweeten the infusion (always better to avoid refined sugar).

• Other users have read: "10 herbal teas to lose weight and help you lose weight quickly"

8 benefits and therapeutic properties of chamomile tea

We now turn to see the properties of chamomile. The benefits of this plant are associated with many benefits that we can also combine those of other plants. From La Guía Femenina we think that it is always better to consider a natural remedy as the first resource than having to resort to medications.

1. Fight indigestion

There are times when we need help to digest large meals or something has simply made us feel bad. The infusion of chamomile is a great resource in cases in which we suffer from indigestion.

This is surely the reason why this plant is so appreciated. With an infusion of chamomile our digestive system can fight against indigestion thanks to components present in this plant, avoiding gastroesophageal reflux and abdominal pain.

• Related article: "10 natural and home remedies against heartburn"

2. Helps fight stress

Taking an infusion of chamomile is a good idea for those days when we come home upset by the demands of day to day. If our nervous system is a little overloaded, this plant can help us relax it.

Thanks to its sedative properties, slowing down our activity accompanied by a cup of chamomile infusion is good for us.

• Related article: "8 infallible techniques to avoid stress"

3. Calms and helps you sleep

In relation to the previous point, chamomile also calms anxiety symptoms. Its sedative and calming properties allow our spirits to relax.

Surely the best time to take a chamomile tea is before going to sleep. Lots of people do it, and it is great for them to relax and fall asleep.

• You will be interested in reading: "7 natural remedies to sleep soundly and instantly"

4. Boosts the immune system

A natural remedy such as chamomile tea is also a functional food. This means that it gives us health and reduces the probability of diseases.

This is exactly what chamomile promotes in our body. Taking chamomile we strengthen the immune system, and for practical purposes, all that we achieve is to fight against certain health problems such as colds and flu.

• You might want to read: "The 9 best remedies and solutions to combat fatigue"

5. Calms menstrual cramps

Chamomile also has calming effects for menstrual pain problems.. There is a specific component, glycine, that has been shown to help relieve muscle spasms. In fact, this amino acid is known for its properties as a muscle relaxant.

• Related article: "Relieve menstrual pain: 6 remedies to soothe ovarian pain"

6. Contributes to good intestinal function

Digestive function is very important for the proper functioning of the body, and chamomile is not only able to help digest better, but also promotes a healthy intestine.

Helps fight abdominal bloating and take care of the intestinal flora, the health of which has a very large impact for the rest of the body.

• You may be interested in: "6 foods that cause bloating (and you didn't know it!)"

7. Regulates blood sugar levels

Taking chamomile on a regular basis can be a protective factor especially for those who suffer from the chronic disease of diabetes.

A daily infusion of this plant helps control the glycemic index in the blood, which means that it stops the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream from skyrocketing.

• Other users have read: "Detox water: 4 recipes for cold infusions with fruits to lose weight"

8. Improves skin

An infusion of chamomile can also be useful topically, that is, it helps us not only in a drink, but also by applying the liquid to the skin.

Thanks to its richness in antioxidants and its anti-inflammatory capacity, chamomile helps to improve the condition of the skin.. This happens in the case of eczema or other irritations, in addition to increasing the general condition of the skin as it increases its immune response.

Its antioxidant compounds promote skin healing and collagen production, helping to combat cell aging.

• It may interest you: "15 remedies to hydrate the dry skin of our face"

Bibliographic references

• Craker, L. AND. and Simon, J. AND. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.

• Laurnet, E. (1982). Guide to the medicinal and edible plants of Spain and Europe. Barcelona: Omega.

• Schauenberg, P. (1980). Guide to medicinal plants. Barcelona: Omega.