“Have a relaxing cup of chamomile tea” is a common phrase. There are many people who will swear by this method for relaxation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise because chamomile has been proven to have calming properties. Let’s take a closer look at what chamomile is, what makes it so popular, and how you can use it.
Chamomile is a flowering herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants. The flowers look very much like daisies. Two of the plants from this family are commonly used to make teas, essential oils, and other chamomile infused aromatherapy products. The flower is the most commonly used part of the plant and has been a part of natural medicine since ancient times.
What Makes Chamomile So Great?
Chamomile has a number of health benefits that make it a coveted ingredient in herbal teas and other Ayurvedic concoctions. Most notable among these is its ability to settle an upset tummy, cure mouth ulcers, its sleep-inducing power, and its calming effect. Because of its calming effect, chamomile is actively used in the treatment of anxiety. Unlike other anxiety drugs, chamomile is completely natural and has no known side-effects. This has made it even more popular as an anti-anxiety treatment.
Also read: Is Your Anxious State Of Mind Causing PE?
How To Use Chamomile?
Chamomile Tea:
The most popular and easiest way to use chamomile is by brewing a cup of tea. The tea can be made with the flowers alone or in a mixture with other herbs. Drinking water needs to be brought to a boil and then taken off the heat. The teabags or dried chamomile flowers then need to be steeped in the liquid for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags or strain out the leaves and the tea is ready
Chamomile Essential Oil:
Chamomile essential oil is another way to enjoy this soothing herb. The essential oil has to first be mixed with a carrier oil and then used. Add a few drops of chamomile oil to almond oil and use it for a very relaxing massage. You can also add the mixture to warm bath water and enjoy a refreshing and relaxing bath.
Chamomile Tincture:
You can buy camomile tincture or make it at home as a DIY project. The main ingredients include dried chamomile flowers and any consumption alcohol you have in the house. You can easily find the process on the internet. To use the tincture, take 1 teaspoon, 2-3 times a day when you’re feeling anxious or having trouble sleeping.
Chamomile Capsule:
Chamomile is also available in capsule form. If you do choose to buy the capsules, make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
When you find yourself in stressful situations and need help to calm your anxiety, chamomile is an effective and safe remedy. A relaxing massage with the essential oil or a simple cup of tea should have you feeling relaxed in no time. Do keep in mind, however, that chamomile is not recommended for anyone taking blood thinners. In a situation like this, it is better to consult with your doctor before starting anything new. Also, if your anxiety persists, it is recommended that you see a qualified counsellor.
Also read: Camphor And Coconut Oil For Hair And Dandruff.
References
- Truong Hong Hieu, Mahmoud Dibas, Kadek Agus, Surya Dil, Nourin Ali Sherif, Muhammad Usman Hashmi, Mostafa Mahmoud, Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, Lava Abdullah, Thai Le Ba Nghia, Mai Nhu Y, Kenji Hirayama, Nguyen Tien Huy, June 2019; Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials- Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials - PubMed (nih.gov)
- Yanzhuo Jia, Junbo Zou, Yao Wang, Xiaofei Zhang, Yajun Shi, Yulin Liang Dongyan Guo, and Ming Yang, November 2020; Action mechanism of Roman chamomile in the treatment of anxiety disorder based on network pharmacology- Action mechanism of Roman chamomile in the treatment of anxiety disorder based on network pharmacology - Jia - 2021 - Journal of Food Biochemistry - Wiley Online Library
- Janmejai K. Srivastava, Eswar Shankar, and Sanjay Gupta; November 2010; Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (Review)- (PDF) Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (Review) (researchgate.net)
- Bret T. Howrey, M. Kristen Peek, Juliet M. McKee, Mukaila A. Raji, Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, and Kyriakos S. Markides, April 2015; Chamomile Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Study of Mexican Origin Older Adults- Chamomile Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Study of Mexican Origin Older Adults | The Gerontologist | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
