I have loved tea since I was in the 8th grade. My first cup of the hot drink was actually chamomile and not green tea (which I am crazy about now!). I expected it to be gross, but it turned out to taste good to me.
I have not had chamomile in quite a while. Recently, I looked in one of the kitchen cabinets and saw a box of it in tea form sitting in there. Instead of just leaving it until I decide to throw it out, I figured maybe I should try and use it up.
I knew a little about the benefits of the plant before but I wanted to do some more research/Googling on it. This post will show the information I learned and how I plan on using/consuming this lovely plant.
A little background on the plant
This plant is in the daisy family along with around 22,000 others! There are two types of chamomile- German (most common) and Roman. They both have flowers which include white petals and a yellow center.
It is native to Europe and some parts of Asia. In regard to traditional medicine, the use of it goes back to the 1500s.
Chamomile is much loved for its pleasant smell which is reminiscent of apples.
Its alleged benefits
This plant has some scientific evidence behind its use for health. Just like other plants/herbs, there needs to be more research done for definitive answers on whether it is helpful (I say that in every post, I think). It sure has a lot of positive good anecdotal evidence though!
Here are some benefits that chamomile may have:
- Boosting immune system
- Soothing cold and flu symptoms
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory for skin issues
- Helps with GI issues-stomach upset, gas, ulcers, IBS, nausea
- Eases pain
- Calms and reduces anxiety
- Acts as a sleep aid
- Eases PMS symptoms
Some research articles also discussed the plant having anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. The alleged benefits with the strongest amount of research backing them up are the calming and anti-anxiety effects.
How to use chamomile
Chamomile can be bought (if you don’t want to grow it yourself) in the form of liquid extract, loose leaf tea, powder extract, whole dried flowers, tea bags, essential oil and capsules with or without other ingredients.
Here are some ways that you can use it:
- Inhale it: Breathing into hot water that has been infused with chamomile essential oil may help with cold and flu symptoms.
- Drink it: You can sip on chamomile tea or other drink recipes that use chamomile in them.
- Skincare products: You can make your own or find products with chamomile in it. Here is an example of a product with it: https://www.dermstore.com/product_Renew+Overnight+Dry_1339.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjw7-P1BRA2EiwAXoPWA2wWVcXnCscXBDSqRfjQ1tbdMtjTt0vLSWnlf84HfD7OhQl4z4aNDxoCJeIQAvD_BwE&scid=scplp1339&sc_intid=1339&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_100438531618_c_424597322373_w_aud-306922727242%3Apla-295123931933_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_6790012_f_online_o_1339_z_US_i_en_j_295123931933_s__e__h_9019794_ii__vi__&utm_source=fro&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_term=skin+care&utm_campaign=100113
- Hair care products: You can make your own or find products with chamomile in it. One idea for an easy DIY hair care treatment is to do a chamomile tea rinse. All you do is brew up a few cups of tea, let it cool a bit and then pour it on your hair after washing. You will be left with soft, nice smelling hair!
- By capsule: If you are not keen on drinking tea but you still want the benefits, swallowing capsules might be something for you to consider.
- By liquid extract: If you are not keen on swallowing pills but you still want the benefits, swallowing a little of the liquid extract might be something for you to consider. It will also be absorbed quicker.
- Combine it with other essential oils: You could take chamomile essential oil and combine it with other oils to make a relaxing blend for a diffuser or simmering pot.
- Cook with it: There are a lot of delicious recipes that you can find that have chamomile as an ingredient. One idea is to mix the dried flowers or powder with white sugar and keep it around to add to sweet dishes.
How I will be using chamomile
After reading more about chamomile, I decided that I will be using it regularly. I have been having some pretty bad PMS (moderate nausea, severe anxiety, gas, skin itchiness and insomnia) these past few months and I am going to see if having some of this plant in tea form will help any.
I used to make some bomb honey chamomile infused donuts that my husband and son loved. Since I have so much time on my hands, I think I will start making those again along with other recipes using it. The taste of chamomile has always been delicious to me!
Do you like chamomile too?
Thanks for reading!
Sources-
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-chamomile-1402627
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970572/
Check out these amazing looking chamomile recipes: https://www.yummly.com/recipes?q=chamomile&gs=30fdcd
#tea #chamomile #essentialoils #covid19 #stayathome #pms #anxiety #plants #flowers #herbs
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