Chamomile: 7 properties and benefits of this plant

We review the advantages of consuming this plant, associated with its anti-stress effects.

This article is dedicated to chamomile.. Its use has very ancient origins, especially in the form of infusion, which have become one of the most consumed in the world thanks mainly to its soothing and digestive properties.

Thus, we will see exactly what is chamomile, what are its main properties and benefits, and how we have to do to prepare a good infusion of this medicinal plant, widely known around the world.

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is a herbaceous plant that can reach 60 cm in height. It was originally distributed in the Balkan area, North Africa and Western Asia, but is now cultivated in many countries of the world such as Spain and Argentina.

St is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, and it is believed that interest in it arose from itsIt is believed that interest in it arose because of its intense aroma. This led to the discovery of the different properties that made it so famous.

Chamomile is currently one of the most consumed plants in the form of infusion. Some people speak of "chamomile tea", but this is a somewhat incorrect expression. If we want to refer to the preparation with hot water of this or any other plant that is not tea (black tea, green tea, etc.), it is necessary to speak of infusion.

Benefits and therapeutic properties of chamomile infusion

As mentioned, chamomile is known as a medicinal plant with countless health benefits and therapeutic properties.

The following are the most relevant ones.

1. Helps for a good digestion

The infusion of chamomile allows a great help to our body at the digestive level in moments of clear need. In situations where we feel that we have not digested a meal well and we have discomfort, let us help by the properties of chamomile is always a good idea.

Its ability to relax our body helps the digestive system, promoting the movements that the stomach and intestine need to perform in a coordinated manner to promote good digestion. Thus, it relieves abdominal pain and indigestion.

2. Calms and reduces anxiety

As we have advanced in the previous point, another of the reasons why chamomile is best known for its powerful calming properties.

This is how an infusion of chamomile can help us to calm our spirits in situations in which we are a little upset. The time when it is most used is when we go to sleep, as it helps us to fall asleep.

3. Reduces stress

Chamomile calms the digestive system but also the nervous system, which so many people often have overstimulated and do not know how to do to relax it.

Thus, chamomile tea can be an ally in situations of high stress, as it allows us to calm down to better cope with the situations with which we have to deal. Chamomile helps reduce stress levels thanks also to its sedative effects.

4. Helps to control diabetes

Chamomile can also be used to help control some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

The daily consumption of this herb in the form of infusion can help control the glycemic indexthat is, the amount of sugar in the blood. This improves the symptoms of diabetes disease,

5. Strengthens the immune system

We have already seen that chamomile contributes to the proper functioning of intestinal transit.

Its good action on the organs of the digestive tract is very relevant to the proper functioning of the body, and this is largely thanks to its action on the immune system that it has from there.

Chamomile is able to reduce infections of the digestive tract and benefit the intestinal flora. This, in turn, helps to reduce the abdominal bloating that we sometimes feel.

In this way, the properties of chamomile protect and strengthen the immune system, preventing infectious diseases and attenuating inflammatory conditions.

6. Helps to treat wounds and skin impurities

In addition to supporting the body's general immunity, chamomile tea helps protect cells from external damage. This prevents the skin from becoming infected or damaged by inflammatory processes.

On the other hand, chamomile is composed of phenolic compounds and tannins. These help slow cellular aging and promote the production of collagen, which is very important for skin healing.

7. Relieves menstrual cramps

Its good soothing effects at the digestive level, coupled with its Anti-Inflammatory and analgesic effect, makes this plant also helps to control the pain caused by the onset of the rule.

Menstrual cramps are sometimes very painful, and chamomile can help to make them more bearable. To reduce premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, chamomile tea can be taken from the third week of the menstrual cycle.

How to prepare a chamomile tea?

Preparing a chamomile tea is very simple and can be done in basically two ways. It can be prepared using dried flowers of the plant or using already prepared sachets, which are sold in herbalist shops or all kinds of supermarkets.

If you want to opt for the preparation using the flowers, all you have to do is boil a glass of water and put in it about two teaspoons of chamomile flowers. Then cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then you can use a strainer to remove the flowers and be left only with the liquid of the infusion.

On the other hand, it may be interesting to add other plants with medicinal properties in our infusion. Mint or fennel are two herbs that are traditionally prepared with chamomile to enhance its benefits and also to obtain other complementary ones.

• We recommend: "The 12 best infusions to relax".

Bibliographical references:

• Craker, L.E. and Simon, J.E. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.
• Simonetti, G. (1990). Stanley Schuler, ed., Simon & Schuster's Guide to Herbs and Spices, Simon & Schuster, Inc.