Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, is an indigenous European plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. You can benefit from the healing properties of chamomile in many different ways but it is usually used as tea. However, it is not only a relaxing bedtime drink, it also comes with many other health benefits.
People became aware of the healing properties of chamomile early on. The ancient Egyptians worshipped it and dedicated it to the Sun God while to Ango-Saxons it was a sacred herb they believed their chief deity Woden sent them to keep them healthy.
Throughout history, people have turned to chamomile to address many health problems, eg baby colicks, insomnia, anxiety, stomach ulcers, blood and heart disorders, etc., but they also used it simply for its delicate, soothing aroma.
Nutritious Content of Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and many other compounds.
To get most of its healing properties (whether for external or internal use) use dried flowers rather than tea bags.
As early as the Medieval times, chamomile was distilled and used for a wide range of complaints including eczema, and asthma. Chamomile Essential oil is one of the more expensive oils and it owes its deep blue color to azulene. However, although very healthy, this oil should be avoided in pregnancy as it may trigger uterine contractions.
Chamomile is usually used as a tea, tincture, ointment, mouthwash, eyewash, and for inhalation. On the other hand, its essential oil can be used as a lotion for eczema or a powerful inhalation to treat catarrh, asthma, and whooping cough.
What Dr. Sebi Recommend Chamomile Tea For
Dr. Sebi relied on herbs as much as on foods to bring balance to an over-acidic body. Chamomile is one of the herbs Dr. Sebi recommended for the following conditions:
- Stress and anxiety
One of the ways that chamomile heals is by having a soothing effect on your nerves. It is usually taken as a tea and will easily reduce muscle tension, stress or stomach cramps. It has a powerful sedative effect and is a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety but needs to be made as a strong infusion, ie 3 tablespoons to 200 ml of water.
- High blood pressure
Chamomile tea is often recommended to those struggling with hypertension, although it does not contain anything that directly affects the blood pressure levels. However, if your blood pressure is caused by stress, chamomile tea can indirectly help you lower it. Chamomile helps reduce anxiety and promotes sleep, both of which are important for healthy blood pressure levels. Take at least two cups of chamomile tea a day for three months.
- Detox
Chamomile is one of the herbs Dr. Sebi used to rid the body of toxins and boost the immune system.
Just like it lowers your blood pressure indirectly, by calming you down and helping you sleep better, chamomile also boosts your immune system indirectly. If made as a strong infusion, it has a very sedative effect, and you are bound to sleep like a baby if you take a cup of chamomile tea at bedtime. One of the reasons adequate sleep is essential is that while we sleep, our body repairs and heals itself, especially at healing time zones of between 10.00PM and 2.00AM. As a result of this nightly rejuvenation, your immune system works better and detoxification takes place while you rest.
- As a relaxing and healing herbal tea
Chamomile is one of the herbs on the Dr. Sebi-approved food list because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. Besides, he recommended chamomile as a mild sedative that can boost your mood and calm you down.
Other Uses of Chamomile
Besides stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, detox, and stomach complaints, chamomile tea can be used for cosmetic, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
If used for healing, only chamomile flowers should be used, never teabags. To make a healing beverage, use 2 tablespoons of tea to 200 ml of hot water. For insomnia, use 3 tablespoons of tea to 200 ml of hot water.
Chamomile can be used as a facial steam infusion (add 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers into 1 liter of hot water and keep your face over it, covering your head with a towel, so the steam can’t escape).
Alternatively, you can use cold chamomile infusion to soak the hands to soften and whiten the skin (1 cup of flowers boiled in 1 liter of water).
You can use chamomile tea bags as an eye compress to reduce inflammation and dark circles around the eyes. This will work even better if you use drained leaves instead of teabags.
To make a hair wash, boil 2 cups of flowers in 2 liters of water for 20 minutes. Strain and use the infusion to rinse your hair after washing. It will lighten fair hair and will also condition it.
Chamomile is good for all skin types and you can use chamomile tea to wash your face. It can soothe inflamed skin and you can also use it as a skin toner.
- Medicinal
A strong chamomile infusion can be used as a compress to treat wounds, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Make a strong infusion with 250 ml of chamomile in 600 ml boiling water. Let it stand for 20 minutes.
Another way to use chamomile is to make a strong infusion and pour it into the bathwater to relieve sunburn.
- Culinary
Chamomile tea can be used to make smoothies, jellies, and fruit drinks. Or you can serve it as an after-dinner drink to aid digestion.
Due to its powerful sedative effect, chamomile is a natural remedy for insomnia if taken at bedtime.
- Skin rashes
Make a strong infusion, cool it, and apply it topically to soothe skin rashes and mouth sores. You can also use chamomile essential oil to treat mouth sores, although it’s pricey.
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