Posted by Sue Landsman on Mar.23, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - OlgaMiltsova

After a long day, nothing hits the spot quite like a cup of chamomile tea. Many people are familiar with the cheery yellow flowers with their uplifting aroma whether they buy it as good old plain chamomile tea or as a component of blends such as Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea. Both German and Roman chamomile provide the same effects. The main difference is which one is more accessible to you, or cheaper to buy.

Chamomile has many uses other than just as a relaxing tea, however, and a long history. It’s been used medicinally as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians used it to cure fever, and people in the middle ages used it as an air freshener and a bittering ingredient for beer. There are so many uses for chamomile that it is much more economical to buy the herb in bulk rather than in boxes of individually packaged tea bags. Below are some of the main uses for Chamomile.

Chamomile Skin Care

Many people use chamomile to help treat the discomfort from burns and allergic skin reactions. Many baby creams and ointments contain chamomile for this reason. There is some debate over whether creams are appropriate for burns; in any case, you can simply use cooled chamomile tea or a cooled tea bag directly. For full-body skin conditions, you can use several tea bags in a bath.

Chamomile for Sedation and Mood

Chamomile is a relaxant, and can be used to help fight stress and lighten the mood, as well as aid in a good night’s sleep. Because it is a nerve tonic, its benefit is cumulative and seen mostly after consistent use. One cup of tea might be relaxing, but to have a serious effect on your nervous system and mood you need to be drinking it regularly for a few weeks. Chamomile can also ease colic in children and help with the restlessness caused by teething problems and overstimulation.

Chamomile as a Muscle Relaxant

Chamomile tea can be used as a muscle relaxant. It can ease pain after strenuous activity, and can also be used to help with menstrual cramps. Because it also relaxes the smooth muscles that line the digestive tract, it can be helpful for easing nausea and heartburn, as well as stomach cramps.

Anti-Inflammatory Chamomile

Chamomile may help treat inflammation throughout the body. People use cold chamomile tea bags to relieve tired, puffy eyes. It can also potentially help inflammatory body conditions such as colitis, mouth sores, and the effects of heartburn. You can use the chamomile either as a tea or a compress.

While chamomile is widely used, as with any drug or plant material there is a possibility of allergic reaction. Although is one of the most common medicinal herbs, it is only recently that there is becoming clear scientific evidence for its use. When taking any herb or medicine it is important to proceed slowly and note how you feel and whether there are any untoward effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should proceed with care and consult your medical practitioner before taking any herbs, including herbal teas.

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Posted under Beauty, Natural Beauty, Other Beverages.