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Chamomile
Good for what ails you...
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Chamomile:
Chamomile has small, white daisylike flowers with a yellow center. The flower
is the part of the herb that is used. Two different plants carry the
common name chamomile. One of them, M. chamomilla, is sometimes referred to as
Hungarian, German, or genuine chamomile to distinguish it from C. nobile, Roman
or English chamomile. These very popular herbs are used almost
interchangeably. However, they do differ. |
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M. chamomilla: German
chamomile flowers contain about 0.5 percent of a volatile oil that is light
blue. The most important constituents of the oil are bisabolol and related
compounds and matricin. Bisabolol has significant antispasmodic and
anti-inflammatory activity. Up to half of the oil is chamazulene, formed
from matricin during heating. Flavonoids in the flowers, apigenin and
luteolin, are also active. In addition, the coumarins herniarin and
umbelliferone may also quell inflammation and quiet smooth muscle spasms.
No single ingredient has been identified as responsible for the benefits of
chamomile. C. nobile: Roman chamomile flowers contain from 0.5 to 2.5
percent essential oil, which does not contain bisabolol. The flavonoid
ingredients are similar, though not identical, to those of M. chamomilla.
Both types of chamomile have
traditionally been used in tea to treat digestive distress including
stomachache, cramps, colitis, and flatulence. Chamomile has a
long-standing reputation as being good for almost anything that might ail a
body. Millions of children have learned about one of its most widespread
uses, treating indigestion due to dietary indiscretion, from Beatrix Potter's
The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Another traditional use has been to relieve menstrual
cramps. Chamomile infusions are also used to stimulate the appetite and to aid
digestion. Chamomile tea is considered a mild sleep aid. It is also used
as a gentle treatment for fevers.
The essential oils are not very
soluble in water; as a result, the dose of active ingredients delivered in the
usual cup of chamomile tea is low. However, regular use of chamomile tea over
an extended period is believed to have cumulative benefits.
Chamomile
preparations are also used topically for red, inflamed skin and as a mouthwash
or gargle. Components of chamomile have antibacterial and antifungal activity.
People with colds sometimes breathe in the vapors from a steaming cup
of chamomile tea. This pleasantly aromatic steam is believed to help relieve
congestion of the nose and lungs.
To make the tea, pour approximately
2/3 cup boiling water over 1 or 2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers and steep
at least five minutes. For digestive problems, drink tea three to four
times a day, between meals. There are no limitations on duration of
use.
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