Chamomile: what is it good for?

You have probably tried this well-known tea at some point without imagining the other benefits of chamomile. What it is good to use it for, apart from taking care of yourself from the inside, is the question we are going to answer in the following lines.

Chamomile is available in a variety of forms, such as dried flower heads, infusions (teas), liquid extracts, essential oils, alcohol-based tinctures, lotions and ointments.

What is chamomile and what are its properties?

Chamomile is a herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers, Matricaria recutita, of the Asteraceae plant family. Chamomile, also known as Babe ka Phal in Hindi, is known for its healing, calming and soothing powers.

Its consumption is documented as far back as Roman times when the Romans used this natural remedy to cure various health problems related to the digestive system.

Traditional uses of chamomile

Chamomile tea is a popular drink all over the world, full of positive effects on both health and skin. These are benefits that are hard to find in many other teas, which is why, for many, it is a favourite alternative to varieties such as Earl Gray, red tea or green tea. Not only is it soothing and refreshing, but it can also be healing and is caffeine-free.

To make chamomile tea, the flowers are dried and then infused in hot water. It can provide even more positive effects if combined with other natural ingredients, such as lemon, liquorice, or aloe vera, for example.

Benefits of taking chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has many recognised benefits, such as:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Analgesic properties
• Antispasmodic properties
• Antioxidant properties

Consumption of this tea may play an important role in reducing the risk of various diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Chamomile, due to its calming effect, also has properties that can help sleep. However, one of its most widespread uses is as a protector of the gastric system, as it is a well-known remedy for aiding digestion.

Why include chamomile in your beauty routine?

Many beauty routines include chamomile, but what is this plant good to use if not for drinking? Its topical application is packed with benefits, including its high potential to soothe irritated skin or reduce puffiness under the eyes. But let’s take a look at its other benefits:

Hair

As an ingredient in masks, as a tonic for direct application or as a rinse aid, this tea improves hair health and gives hair a more radiant, richer appearance. Results are quickly noticed:

– Chamomile is excellent for treating hair problems, such as split ends, hair loss or dullness, and problems caused by irritation and dryness in the area, such as dandruff or flaking.

– Its antimicrobial properties help to eliminate infections when used for rinsing.

– Some claim it to be effective against head lice.

Skin

Applied with a cotton pad, as a tonic in the evening beauty ritual, used as a facial cleanser or incorporated with other natural ingredients to make masks, camomile:

– It has antimicrobial properties that reduce the presence of microorganisms and help protect the skin against certain types of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

– Significantly improves healing and antibacterial activity.

– It is very effective in soothing sunburn due to its potential to repair free radical damage.

– It reduces the severity of rashes and skin inflammation thanks to one of its components, the antioxidant apigenin, which inhibits the release of rash-causing chemicals.

– Reduces skin redness, due to its ability to curb inflammation, an underlying cause of skin redness.

– The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of chamomile, which derives from some of its constituents (bisoprolol, chamazulene and apigenin) appear to be particularly soothing for sensitive skin.

– It reduces hyperpigmentation due to overproduction of the hormone melanin, which usually results from injury or inflammation of the skin, and in many cases is related to sun damage, acne or hormonal changes during pregnancy. It achieves this through its astringent and brightening properties which, in addition to tightening pores and smoothing the skin, can fade the scars left by these conditions.

– The same anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of chamomile make it an effective acne treatment.

– The antioxidants in chamomile (polyphenols and phytochemicals) combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are the natural result of everyday metabolic processes and inflammation. Oxidative stress is linked to fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other signs of ageing.

Not using chamomile yet? What it’s good for is sustainable results in terms of cell and tissue renewal, reducing the appearance of fine lines and maintaining radiant, vital skin.

How to make the most of the properties of chamomile?

It is important to be consistent to make the most of its properties. And remember the advantage of boosting its benefits with other natural products, such as rosehip or aloe vera.

If you prepare a chamomile face mask with aloe vera and honey you will see how fine lines are reduced, thanks to the polyphenols and phytochemicals in this tea, which stimulate cell regeneration and fight free radical damage caused by exposure to the skin. This in turn prevents premature ageing and calms stressed skin.

To get rid of the unsightly problem of puffy eyes, all you need to do is combine one of the varieties of black tea with chamomile. Combine them, freeze in portions and apply to the area as needed with the protection of thin cotton cloth.

And, another home remedy that works where you can use oatmeal and honey with chamomile, what is it good for? As an exfoliator. This mixture removes dead skin cells and leaves a healthy glow and even tone.

If you want to enhance the effect of these homemade tricks, you can include natural cosmetic products such as these in your beauty routine.