When people think of chamomile, they usually associate the herb with a nighttime tea to help relax the mind before bed. Though chamomile is great for insomnia, stress relief, and relaxation, it is not a one trick pony. Chamomile can also strengthen the immune system, soothe stomach pain, relieve menstrual cramping, fight against acne and dandruff, and can even help to prevent under eye bags and wrinkles. Read on to find out the many ways chamomile can help you.
Immune Booster
A hot cup of chamomile tea is great when you’re sick—to ease nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat—but it’s also perfect for preventing sickness. Chamomile has antibacterial properties and lots of antioxidants that help fight away pesky illnesses you just don’t have the time to deal with.
Stomach Soother
Folk medicine has recommended chamomile for centuries to treat an upset stomach. Chamomile relaxes tense stomach muscles and helps rid the body of excess gas. This useful herb can also reduce gastric acidity as well as most over-the-counter antacids.
Acne Reducer
A cool, used chamomile tea bag, applied topically can reduce acne outbreaks due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea bags can also help heal scars caused by acne.
Wrinkle Fighter
Chamomile is good for the skin in many ways aside from acne prevention. It is full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage to the skin, slowing down the aging process by assisting with tissue growth and tightening up your pores. Chamomile tea bags can also be placed below the eyes to prevent undereye bags.
Menstrual Pain Reliever
Studies show chamomile tea drinkers produce more glycine, an amino acid that reduces muscle spasms related to menstruation. Drinking chamomile tea relaxes the reproductive organs and slows the body’s production of hormones that cause menstrual pain.
Dandruff Cure
To prevent and treat dandruff, use lukewarm chamomile tea as a hair rinse after washing and conditioning. In addition to treating dandruff, this regimen also promotes healthy hair growth and makes your locks bright and shiny.
Stress Reducer
As you may already know, people often consume chamomile tea before bed to receive its relaxing effects. But you don’t have to limit your tea time to right before bed. The calming effects of chamomile are not strong enough to knock you out cold right after drinking it. In fact, this tea can be used just to take the edge off of a stressful day.
These seven uses only scratch the surface of the many advantages chamomile can have for your health. Chamomile is also used for treating cuts or small wounds and abrasions, soothing pain from sunburns, and helping to treat anxiety and insomnia. Though more research is needed, there is substantial evidence chamomile slows the growth of cancer cells as well. So stock up your tea cabinets with this powerful flowery elixir, and drink to your health.
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[Sources: Food.NDTV.com, Livestrong, NCBI, Web MD]
