Chamomile: 7 properties and benefits of this plant

This article is dedicated to chamomile. Its use has a very ancient origin, especially in the form of infusion, which has become one of the most consumed in the world thanks mainly to its soothing and digestive properties.

In this way, we will see exactly what chamomile is, what its main properties and benefits are, and how we have to do it to prepare a good infusion of this medicinal plant, widely known around the world. world.

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What is chamomile?

Chamomile is a herbaceous plant that can reach 60 cm in height. It was originally distributed in the Balkan area, North Africa and Western Asia, but is currently cultivated in many countries around the world such as Spain and Argentina.

Se is about one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to be, and it is believed that the interest in it arose due to its intense aroma. That led to the discovery of the different properties that made it so famous.

Chamomile is currently one of the most consumed plants in the form of an infusion. There are people who speak of "chamomile tea", but it is a somewhat incorrect expression. If we want to refer to the hot water preparation of this or any other plant that is not tea (black tea, green tea, etc.), it is necessary to talk about infusion.

Benefits and therapeutic properties of chamomile infusion

As mentioned, chamomile is known as a medicinal plant with countless benefits and therapeutic properties for health.

Below we highlight those that are most relevant.

1. Helps with good digestion

The infusion of chamomile allows a great help to our body at the digestive level in times of clear need. In situations in which we feel that we have not digested a meal well and have discomfort, letting ourselves be helped by the properties of chamomile is always a good idea.

Its ability to relax our body helps the digestive system, promoting movements that the stomach and intestine need to perform in a coordinated way to promote a good digestion. Thus, it relieves abdominal pain and indigestion.

2. Calms and reduces anxiety

As we have advanced in the previous point, another reason why chamomile is better known is for its powerful soothing properties.

This is how an infusion of chamomile can help us calm our spirits in situations in which we are a little upset. The time when it is most used is when we go to sleep, well helps us fall asleep.

3. It reduces stress

Chamomile calms the digestive system but also the nervous system, which so many people are often overstimulated and do not know how to do it to relax it.

In this way, the chamomile infusion can be an ally in situations of great stress, since it allows us to calm down to better cope with the situations we have to deal with. Chamomile helps reduce stress levels thanks also to its sedative effects.

4. Helps control diabetes

Chamomile can also be used to help control some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

Daily consumption of this herb in the form of an infusion can help control the glycemic index, that is, the amount of sugar in the blood. This improves the symptoms of diabetes disease,

5. Strengthens the immune system

We have already seen that chamomile contributes to the proper functioning of the intestinal transit.

Its good action on the organs of the digestive system is very relevant for proper functioning of the body, and to a large extent this is thanks to its action on the immune system that has since there.

Chamomile is able to reduce digestive tract infections and benefit the intestinal flora. This, in turn, helps decrease the abdominal bloating that we sometimes feel.

In this way, the properties of chamomile protect and strengthen the immune system, preventing infectious diseases and attenuating inflammatory states.

6. Helps treat wounds and skin impurities

In addition to helping the general immunity of the body, chamomile infusion helps protect cells from external damage. This prevents the skin from being infected or damaged by inflammatory processes.

On the other hand, chamomile is composed of phenolic compounds and tannins. These help slow cell aging and promote collagen production, which is very important for skin healing.

7. Relieves menstrual cramps

Its good soothing effects on the digestive level, together with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, makes this plant also help control the pain caused by the appearance of the rule.

Period cramps are sometimes very painful, and chamomile can help make them more bearable. To reduce premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, you can take an infusion of chamomile from the third week of the menstrual cycle.

How to prepare a chamomile infusion?

Preparing a chamomile infusion is very simple and can be done basically in two ways. It can be prepared using dried flowers of the plant or already prepared sachets, which are sold in health food stores or all kinds of supermarkets.

If you want to opt for the preparation using flowers, all you have to do is boil a glass of water and place about two teaspoons of chamomile flowers in it. Then cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then you can use a strainer to remove the flowers and keep only the infusion liquid.

On the other hand, it may be interesting to add other plants with medicinal properties to our infusion. Mint or fennel are two herbs that are traditionally prepared with chamomile to enhance its benefits and also to obtain other complementary herbs.

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Bibliographic references:

• Craker, L.E. and Simon, J.E. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.
• Simonetti, G. (1990). Stanley Schuler, ed., Simon & Schuster's Guide to Herbs and Spices, Simon & Schuster, Inc.