Chamomile Benefits: A Complete Guide for Health, Skin, and Wellness

Chamomile Benefits for Health, Skin & Wellness | Complete Guide

 

Introduction to Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile L.) is a herb known for its medicinal properties. Chamomile is native to southern and eastern Europe.

The daisy-like blossoms of the herbaceous plant chamomile, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, are dried and used in teas, herbal treatments, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

It is valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities and is frequently used to treat skin irritations, ease stomach problems, enhance sleep, and encourage relaxation.

Flavonoids, like apigenin, and terpenoids are the main active ingredients that give it its relaxing and restorative properties.

Related article: Tulsi (Holy Basil) Benefits: Immunity, Stress Relief & Natural Healing

Chamomile Common name 

Baboonig, Babuna, Babunj, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Camomilla, Flos chamomile, Single chamomile, sweet false chamomile, pinheads, and scented mayweed.

Chamomile distribution

Chamomile found in Germany, Hungary, France, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand

In India, chamomile first time introduce 300 years ago in Punjab and 200 years ago in Lucknow during Mughal era. Now it is cultivated in different states of India such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jammu Kashmir.  

Chamomile active compound-

Sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, and polyacetylenes.

The chamomile extract contains bioactive phenolic compounds (apigenin), luteolin (flavones), quercetin and rutin (flavonols), naringenin (flavanone), herniarin and umbelliferone (coumarin), and chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid (phenylpropanoids) etc.

Blue oil (essential oil) is naturally found in German chamomile.

The primary organs used in the synthesis of essential oil are the flowers and flower heads.

Majority of the oil found in chamomile flowers is composed of derivatives of sesquiterpenes, with traces of monoterpenes.

How to use chamomile?

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea relieves heat, improves vision, lowers blood pressure, calms nerves, and promotes sleep.

Many people drink tea after a meal to improve digestion and relieve stomach discomfort.

To make chamomile tea

In a saucer-covered mug, steep a chamomile tea bag in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

To use dried chamomile flowers, place them in a tea infuser or ball.

Add honey or lemon juice to enhance the flavor. It reduces high blood pressure, detoxifies, and fights inflammation.

Dried flowers of German chamomile are widely used in tea. Roman chamomile is commonly used as a mild flavoring in different drinks and meals.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is produced by crushing and steaming the plant’s flowers, leading to a blue oil. It has an earthy, yet pleasant, flowery or apple-like scent.

Chamomile is known to reduce swelling and prevent germs from forming on your skin. You may need to dilute it with another neutral oil to prevent irritation.

Qingdan Capsules

Qingdan Capsules are a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation that are mainly used for liver and gallbladder related conditions.

Chamomile capsules

Capsules are an easy way to consume chamomile, especially if you use it before bedtime to relax.

Chamomile capsules are typically taken with a full glass of water at the preferred time of day.

Anti-itch bath

An anti-itch bath with chamomile is a natural home remedy where dried chamomile flowers are steeped in warm bath water. It can help in relieving skin irritation, rashes, and itching.

Facial soap

Chamomile is rich in apigenin, which make it an excellent addition to skincare products.

Chamomile face soap improves dull, rough skin. Massage or baths, to relax or alleviate painful muscles.

Skin repair lotion

Chamomile skin lotion locks in moisture and repairs damage caused by dryness or harsh weather.

These lotion calms Irritated Skin, helps with eczema, rashes, or post-shaving irritation

Aromatherapy in a diffuser or inhaler, to promote relaxation.

Chamomile in Food

Chamomile can be used as an ingredient in soups, baked products, jams, sweets, and salad dressing. It is also used to flavor ice cream and beverages, as well as a beautiful garnish.

Traditional Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile was used as a herbal remedy in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was commonly used to treat intermittent fever, hysteria, colic, and flatulence.

Chamomile has antibacterial, antispasmodic, auto-inflammatory, and sudorific properties.

Additionally, chamomile is utilized to treat haemorrhoids and eye, throat, and mouth discomfort.

Chamomile dry flowers are also in high demand for usage in herbal tea, infant massage oil, boosting gastric flow of secretions, and treating coughs and colds.

Chamomile tea is used to treat heart problems, because of its hemodynamic effects.

Protect From Inflammation

Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory qualities. It could prevent damaging your pancreatic cells.

A skin cream that contains chamomile may be hydrating and beneficial for lowering skin inflammation.

Chamomile help in digestion

Bisabolol has been shown to reduce the quantity of proteolytic enzyme pepsin secreted by the stomach without affecting the amount of stomach acid, hence it is suggested for the treatment of gastric and upper intestinal diseases.

Chamomile may promote digestion and gastrointestinal health. (have very limited data).

Nevertheless, there are several reports that drinking chamomile tea calm the stomach.

Many traditional medical methods suggest its use for digestive issues such as nausea and gas.

Chamomile improve Sleep

Chamomile includes apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific receptors in the brain, possibly promoting sleepiness and reducing insomnia, or chronic inability to sleep.

Prevent From Cancer

One of the most prevalent cerebral malignant tumors, gliomas have a poor prognosis, high mortality, high recurrence rate, rapid growth, and high incidence.

Glioma may be impacted by α-bisabolol, a fat-soluble sesquiterpene molecule that is commonly present in chamomile essential oil.

The antioxidants present in chamomile tea have been linked to a lower risk of some cancers.

Chamomile includes an antioxidant called apigenin. Apigenin has been proven in test tube tests to protect against cancer cells, specifically those from the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate, and uterus.

The antioxidants present in chamomile tea have been linked to a lower risk of some cancers.

Chamomile includes an antioxidant called apigenin. Apigenin has been proven in test tube tests to protect against cancer cells, specifically those from the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate, and uterus.

Protect From Stress and Anxiety 

Chamomile relieves anxiety and depression.

There is some evidence that chamomile can help lower the severity of anxiety and sadness, although this is primarily based on using it as an aromatherapy or supplements.

Chamomile in Skin care products

Some people believe that applying chamomile to the skin through skincare products like lotions and soaps can be hydrating and beneficial for reducing skin inflammation.

Chamomile is used to treat skin infections, wounds, and injuries.

The essential oil found in flower heads contains azulene, which is used in perfumery, cosmetic creams, hair preparations, skin lotions, teeth pastes, and fine liquors.

Chamomile for Women

Chamomile is used to treat women’s unpleasant periods, urinary tract irritation, diarrhoea, and nausea.

Control blood sugar level

Drinking chamomile tea may help reduce blood sugar levels.

Chamomile prevents inflammation in the pancreas, which leads to insulin production. Insulin is important for transporting sugar from your bloodstream to your cells.

For cardiac health

Chamomile tea includes flavones, a type of antioxidant. According to study, flavonoids may benefit the heart by lowering LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.

Side Effect of Chamomile

Most people can safely drink chamomile tea.

Chamomile allergies have been reported, and they are most likely to affect people who are allergic to daisy plants like ragweed and chrysanthemums.

Eye irritation, allergy (trouble breathing, swelling of your throat or lips), drowsiness, nausea, vomiting are potential side effect of chamomile.

Chamomile-containing cosmetic products may irritate the eyes. So, do a patch test before using cosmetic goods.

Chamomile tea use has not been proven for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or persons with liver or renal disease.

There have been no instances of life-threatening side effects or toxicity from drinking chamomile tea. If you have any concerns or suspect you have an allergy or intolerance, consult a doctor.

Note

Chamomile occurs in a variety of forms, thus there is no standard recommended dosage.

If you have a health issue, take medication, are pregnant, or nursing, consult your doctor before using chamomile. It may interact with medications or other supplements you use.

Always with your pediatrician before administering chamomile to newborns or toddlers.

Conclusion: Why Chamomile Deserves a Place in Daily Life

From tea cups to skincare bottles, chamomile is more than just an herb — it’s a versatile daily companion that supports both health and self-care. Whether you sip it, soak in it, or smooth it on your skin, chamomile truly deserves a place in your daily life.

Read article: Sleep: Stages, Importance, Disorders

 

Mridula Singh, PhD
Mridula Singh, PhD
Articles: 54

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