By Obiabin Onukwugha
Chamomile is an ancient herbal plant with ability to treat ailments and sicknesses that is known to mankind.
It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family, represented by two common varieties: the German Chamomile and the Roman Chamomile The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties.
Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.
Also, essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed. The most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day across the globe.
An article published by the National Library of Medicine, stated that chamomile plant contains 0.24% tp 1.9% volatile oil, composed of a variety of separate oils. The oil is a popular ingredient of aromatherapy and hair care.
Dry powder of chamomile flower is recommended and used by many people for traditionally established health problems. Medicinal ingredients are normally extracted from the dry flowers of chamomile by using water, ethanol or methanol as solvents.
Also, Chamomile whole plant is used for making herb beers, and also for a lotion, for external application in toothache, earache, neuralgia and in cases of external swelling. It is also known to be used as bath additive, recommended for soothing ano-genital inflammation.
The tea infusion is used as a wash or gargle for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Studies indicate that inhaling steam with chamomile extract has been helpful in common cold symptoms (45); however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
An apple pectin-chamomile extract may help shorten the course of diarrhea in children as well as relieve symptoms associated with the condition. Also, Topical applications of chamomile have been shown to be moderately effective in the treatment of atopic eczema.
Furthermore, topical applications of chamomile have been shown to be moderately effective in the treatment of atopic eczema.
How to Make Chamomile Tea
INGREDIENTS
3-4 Tbsp fresh chamomile flowers
1 small, fresh sprig of mint
8 oz boiling water
For the chamomile flowers, it’s ideal to use them the same day they are harvested, as the delicate petals have a short shelf life. Otherwise, they can last a couple of days in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a lightly dampened paper towel.
To prepare the chamomile for use, pop the head of the flower off the stem.
Fill up your tea kettle with 8 oz of water and begin heating. Place 3-4 Tbsp (4 Tbsp for a stronger tea) of chamomile and your mint sprig into your teapot or makeshift teabag of choice.
Pour 8 oz of boiling water over the chamomile flowers and mint and then steep for 5 minutes. To serve, pour into a teacup, using a fine mesh strainer as needed.