Medicinal plant chamomile. What is chamomile? Inhalations with chamomile

1. Description of the medicinal plant chamomile.

Chamomile - medicinal herbaceous plant height 20 - 40 centimeters.

The root is thin, branched, taprooted, slightly branched.

The stem is erect or ascending, branched, glabrous, ribbed-furrowed, thin, hollow.

The leaves are alternate, sessile, twice or thrice pinnately dissected into narrow linear leaves, up to half a millimeter wide, with pointed filiform lobes. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide.

Flower baskets with white marginal petals (reeds), in the middle with yellow tubular flowers. Flower baskets are small, floating at the tops of stems and branches on long peduncles. The marginal flowers are pistillate, ligulate, white, the inner ones are golden yellow, bisexual, funnel-tubular. The receptacle is oblong-conical, hollow inside, bare, lengthening towards the end of flowering.

So, let's focus on the flower baskets of chamomile, which differ from the baskets of other types of chamomile. The petals appear first, and the receptacle (middle outer part flower) is flat. Then the petals are arranged horizontally, and the receptacle rises upward. Then the petals bend downwards, and the receptacle takes on a conical shape with an empty recess inside the size of a match head or a grain of wheat.

Inflorescences are baskets, single, large, with a diameter of 18 to 25 mm, located at the tops of stems and branches - on long peduncles, 1 to 5 cm long. The leaves are multirowed, obtuse, imbricated, yellowish-greenish-yellow, brownish at the edges. membranous, have a width from 5 to 8 mm. The outer leaves are slightly shorter than the inner ones and narrower. The basket bed is bare, hollow, hemispherical at the beginning of flowering, and elongated at the end of flowering and during fruiting.

Marginal flowers - from 2.5 to 3 mm wide, from 8 to 14 mm long, pistillate, white, ligulate, with 5 teeth at the apex. Towards the end of flowering they bend down. The internal ones are bisexual, tubular, yellow-golden, with a five-toothed corolla, much smaller than the reed ones. The chamomile pistil has a lower single-locular ovary, a thread-like style and two linear curved stigmas. Chamomile has five stamens with fused anthers in tubular flowers.

Seeds (fruits) - a curved achene, narrowed at the base, from 1 to 2 mm long, from 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide, on inside with 5 ribs, brownish-green color. The weight of 1000 achenes is from 0.03 to 0.07 grams, and in selected polyploid varieties it is 0.075-0.08 g.

All organs of the plant have a strong aromatic odor. It blooms from May to September, mass flowering occurs in June, seed ripening begins in July and continues until August.

Remember! The petals of chamomile are arranged horizontally or downwards. Its receptacle is convex and conical in shape. The flower head is hollow.

2. Where is chamomile common?

The birthplace of chamomile is Southern and Eastern Europe. As a wild plant, it is found almost everywhere in Europe. In its wild form, the medicinal plant is widely found in the Balkans, southern Italy and Spain.

Medicinal chamomile is common in the south and middle lane the European part of the CIS, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the southern regions of Siberia. Grows along the edges of coniferous, mixed and broad-leaved forests, along clearings and roads, in clearings, young fallow lands, in populated areas, crops and gardens, in fields, meadows, wastelands. In the wild, it is most often found in Ukraine, Moldova, the Krasnodar Territory and Rostov region Russia.

Isolated areas of the chamomile range exist in Western Siberia - in the Ob and Yenisei basin, as well as in Eastern Siberia - in the upper reaches of the Angara, Shilka and Lena.
Isolated places of growth are known in Karelia, Komi, Central Asia and Kazakhstan, in the region of the middle reaches of the Ob. Once, as an alien, it was found in the south of the Far East.

Medicinal chamomile is cultivated in France, Hungary, Belgium and other countries. In the CIS, it is grown as an essential oil and medicinal plant in Moldova, Belarus, Western Siberia and the Krasnodar Territory. Substantial tracts of chamomile are found in Crimea and the south of the Kherson region of Ukraine. Chamomile is grown in Ukraine industrially in special farms, from which about 670 tons of baskets are produced annually.

3. How it reproduces and how it spreads.

Propagated by seeds directly by sowing in the ground. you can start by replanting it with a clod of earth.

As a weed, it can appear in a variety of places outside its continuous range, but usually disappears after 1-2 years, unable to withstand competition with other plant species. Chamomile cannot withstand competition from cereals in established grass stands. In other cases, especially near roads, housing, and vacant lots, chamomile becomes a representative of native vegetation. Thus, the number of places where this medicinal plant grows is constantly increasing due to the dispersal of seeds around places of continuous growth and the emergence of new places of growth when seeds are introduced. The mass expansion of chamomile occurs in the last century, when it began to interest us as a medicinal plant.

4. Procurement of raw materials and their storage.

The medicinal plant chamomile was harvested mainly from wild bushes, but due to the gradual reduction of these areas, chamomile has to be grown under industrial conditions.

For industrial harvesting, it is cultivated in specialized farms. In Siberia, by the way, it is successfully introduced and grown. Productivity reaches 5-10 c/ha in terms of dried raw materials.

Medicinal raw materials are whole or partially crumbled inflorescences without peduncles of chamomile (Flores Chamomillae), the length of peduncles should not be more than 3 centimeters.

The size of the basket without reed flowers is from 4 to 8 mm. The smell is aromatic, strong, the taste is bitter, spicy.

Inflorescences are harvested at the beginning of mass flowering, when 70% of the inflorescences have false-ligulate (white) flowers in baskets arranged horizontally and the essential oil content is highest.

When harvesting chamomile, when the chamomile flowers are bent to the bottom, the baskets crumble during drying, and the raw material loses its presentation.

Collection is carried out in dry weather, since raw materials collected during dew, after rain or in fog dry poorly and darken when dried. The inflorescences are collected manually using metal combs for combing the baskets. The raw materials are immediately sent to dry. Because collected inflorescences cannot be kept for more than 2-3 hours in heaps or in containers, as they become compacted, easily warmed up and lose their quality.

Dry flowers outdoors in the shade, in a dry room, in the attic, spreading them out in a layer of up to 5 cm. When harvesting large quantity chamomile - it is dried on currents using plastic film, tarpaulin, and fabric bedding. It is possible to use dryers with a temperature of 35 - 40°. When drying, it is not recommended to turn the baskets over to avoid the flowers falling off. IN good weather the raw material dries in 5-7 days. The yield of dry raw materials is about 20 - 25%.

The shelf life of raw materials is up to 2 years, but it is advisable to update home supplies annually. The smell of the raw materials is strong, aromatic, the taste is spicy and bitter. To ensure self-renewal of chamomile when collecting raw materials, at least 20% of well-developed specimens should be left on each thicket.

Ready-made chamomile raw materials are packaged in cardboard boxes, plywood boxes, or multi-layer paper bags.

5. Chemical composition.

Chamomile flowers contain up to 1.8% (usually 0.3-1.0%) essential oil, which is yellow-green to blue in color, with a characteristic odor that is pleasant in small quantities. Over time, the color of the oil changes to dark yellow, but this does not affect its healing properties.

The main component of the oil is chamazulene (up to 10% in selected varieties), to which the main medicinal properties chamomile as a medicinal plant, prochamazulene and other sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes.

Of the sesquiterpenes, matricarine and matrix lactones are important, since during the processing of raw materials, chamazulene is also formed from them.

However, other components also have therapeutic effect: fernesene (promotes epithelization and granulation of tissues), bisaboloxide A (has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects), herniarin and N-indicycloether (both have antispasmodic effects), cadinene, bisabolol, ketoalcohol, caprylic acid and etc.

Flavonoids, derivatives of apigenin, luteolin and quercetin, which also have anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. And also beta-carotene, coumarins, sitosterol, choline, carotene, mucus, gum, antispasmodic glycoside, diaphoretic glycoside, apigenin, apiin, herniarin, matricen, ascorbic acid, nicotinic and isovaleric, anthemisic, salicylic and other polysaccharides and organic acids. From microelements: zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, traces of lead, cadmium.

It should be noted that chamomile has chemical grades that do not contain chamazulene or bisabolol, so it is still preferable to use pharmaceutical raw materials.

6. Application in medicine, effect on the body pharmaceutical chamomile.

I’m afraid that it’s simply impossible to list all the uses of chamomile, so I’ll focus on the main ones.

So, chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, choleretic, carminative, sedative, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial and antiviral, as well as wound-healing effects.

Apparently, the main effect of chamomile should be considered anti-inflammatory, and the question of which component of the extract is responsible for this effect remains open.

It is believed that the use of medicinal chamomile is most effective for diseases gastrointestinal tract which are accompanied by pain, cramps, and flatulence. Chamomile is especially often used in pediatric practice, for intestinal bloating in children.

How aid, chamomile is used in the treatment increased acidity stomach, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, enteritis, ulcerative colitis, decreased appetite.

The best results are observed when using chamomile mixtures with yarrow and calendula. In patients, belching, flatulence, and pain disappear, and their health improves.

The complex use of these plants enhances the spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Yarrow increases blood clotting and has analgesic and vasodilating properties.

In case of illness biliary tract and liver preparations with chamomile relieve spasms bile ducts, increase bile secretion, reduce inflammation.

For flatulence and intestinal spasms, chamomile tea is used. Which consists of valerian root, chamomile flowers, mint leaves, fennel fruits and caraway seeds in equal parts. 2 teaspoons of a mixture of herbs are poured into 250 ml of boiling water, left for a quarter of an hour, filtered and taken half a glass in the evening and in the morning.

Carminative tea is very popular and is prepared using valerian roots, chamomile flowers and caraway fruits (4:6:1). A tablespoon of the mixture of these herbs is poured into a glass of boiling water, left for a quarter of an hour, filtered, and taken half a glass in the morning and evening for flatulence.

For diseases urinary tract, especially for cystitis, chamomile is a fairly effective antimicrobial and pain reliever, especially in women.
Camomile found wide application V gynecological practice, as a means that allows you to regulate monthly cycle and at painful menstruation.

Chamomile is sometimes used for migraines and seizures, either alone or in combination with other herbs. In addition, it is often included in preparations for neurasthenia, increased excitability, insomnia, toothache, neuralgia, gingivitis, and tonsillitis.

Both independently and in preparations it is used for gargling for stomatitis, tonsillitis, blepharitis, colpitis and other inflammations of the mucous membranes, and not only the mucous membranes (wash inflamed hemorrhoidal cones with a decoction).

Chamomile infusion is used for lotions and washes for eczema, oily seborrhea faces, ulcers. Studies have proven the effectiveness of using chamomile preparations for various burns (including chemical, ultraviolet and radiation), but people have known this for a long time and have successfully used it.

Chamomile poultices help with rheumatic or gouty joint inflammation. For the same purpose, take chamomile baths for hands and feet.

Chamomile vapors are inhaled for colds. In children's practice, enemas with chamomile are used to treat intestinal bloating.

7. Method of application.

Chamomile - wonderful natural antiseptic. They are used in decoctions and...

In perfumery in the production of nourishing creams, lotions, shampoos and chamomile tinctures.

8. Preparations from the plant in the pharmacy.

In pharmacies you can collect chamomile flowers and filter bags with tea. As well as preparations that contain chamomile. For example, rotokan and romasulon.

9. Contraindications to the use of chamomile.

An overdose can lead to hoarseness, cough, and headache. A decrease in muscle tone and depression of the central nervous system may occur.

It is contraindicated during pregnancy, heavy painful menstruation and a tendency to diarrhea. Chamomile should be used with caution to treat kidney and Bladder.

You should not use chamomile for schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

Chamomile, according to legend, was dreamed of by a young lover, Roman, who woke up and found the flower on his pillow. He gave it to his girlfriend and she named it daisy.

Chamomile officinalis.

Chamomile medicinal, or pharmaceutical camomile- a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It has a branched stem about 50 cm high and strongly dissected leaves. The median tubular flowers of its inflorescence basket have yellow, marginal reeds – white. Chamomile blooms all summer. Medicinal chamomile is distinguished from other representatives of the genus by its strong, unique odor. Tongueless chamomile (Matricaria discoidea) also has medicinal properties.

Spreading. Chamomile is a widespread plant in meadows, clearings, crops, and along roads. Medicinal chamomile is also grown on special plantations.

Application. In medicine, chamomile is used to treat gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers, dysentery, diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder, and nervous system. Chamomile is used for malaria, insomnia, colds, and scrofula. Chamomile relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membranes, helps with ulcers, boils, gout, eczema, toothache, migraines, and bruises.

The medicinal raw materials are chamomile flower baskets, which are collected from the beginning of flowering. The weather during collection should be sunny and dry.

Infusions, decoctions, lotions, and teas are prepared from chamomile flowers. To prepare a lotion that has a beneficial effect on the skin, you need to pour dry white wine over chamomile and let it steep for two weeks. Baths with the addition of chamomile are recommended for skin and joint diseases. For bruises and pain in the joints, chamomile is recommended to be used in the form of a compress with chamomile decoction.

Contraindications. Essential oil contained in chamomile may cause headache. Also, exceeding the dosage can provoke increased irritability and attacks of anger. Chamomile is contraindicated for people prone to diarrhea and patients with anacid gastiritis.

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In the article we discuss chamomile. You will learn how chamomile is useful and how to distinguish it from other species of the genus. We will provide a description of recipes for the treatment of acne, hemorrhoids, colds, cystitis, and thrush. By following our tips, you will learn how to brew chamomile correctly, as well as use it during pregnancy and childhood.

Pharmaceutical camomile - annual plant family Asteraceae (lat. Asteraceae) with a strong specific odor. Latin name- Matricaria chamomilla. Other names: medicinal chamomile, peeled chamomile, camila, Romanova grass, rouge, mother herb, Morgun.

What does it look like

Spring view (photo) of chamomile Chamomile has a weakly branched root system. The color of the root is light brown.

The stem of chamomile is erect, bare, without pubescence. The height of the plant reaches 60 cm. The shoot branches from the base and is covered with leaves in the upper part.

The leaf blades are ovate or lanceolate, up to 6 cm long, up to 2 cm wide. The leaves are trippinnate, divided into narrow linear lobes, pointed at the apex.

Corymbose inflorescences of conical shape reach a diameter of 25 mm. Flower baskets are located on long peduncles at the tops of the shoots and consist of two types of flowers: female and bisexual. Female flowers with white petals grow along the outer row, bisexual golden-yellow ones grow in the center.

Chamomile differs from other representatives of the genus in the arrangement of its petals. They are directed downwards or located horizontally. The receptacle has a characteristic convex shape.

Chamomile begins to bloom from the outer baskets. When the central inflorescences bloom, the outer flowers are at the fruiting stage. Chamomile blooms from May to September.

The fruits are cylindrical curved achenes, narrowed at the base, up to 2 mm long. WITH outside smooth, ribbed on the inside. The seeds are brown-green. The plant bears fruit from July to September.

Where does it grow

Chamomile is considered an alien plant. It is found in all extratropical zones of both hemispheres. Grows throughout almost the entire territory of Eurasia and North America. In Russia, chamomile has taken root in the European part, with the exception of the Far North and Lower Volga region, in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East.

The plant is found in meadows, grass thickets, gardens, along roadsides, wastelands and fields with grain crops. Chamomile prefers a temperate climate and is not picky about soil. Tolerates mild drought.

Chamomile inflorescences

Chamomile is the most popular medicinal plant. As raw material for medicinal products use chamomile inflorescences (lat. Flores Chamomillae). They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The price of 50 grams of chamomile flowers is on average 50 rubles.

Chemical composition

Chamomile is a record holder for biological content active substances among medicinal plants. It contains:

• essential oil;
• organic acids;
• tannins;
• vitamin A;
• vitamin C;
• phytosterols;
• flavonoids;
• alkaloids;
• mucous substances;
• glycosides;
• polysaccharides;
• gum;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• sulfur;
• chlorine.

Medicinal properties

Beneficial properties of chamomile:

• pain reliever;
• disinfectant;
• sedative;
• choleretic;
• anticonvulsant;
• antiallergic;
• carminative;
• antispasmodic.

Chamomile is often used to treat colds: influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. An infusion of the plant reduces swelling of the mucous membranes respiratory tract, eliminates cough and bronchial spasms.

Chamomile is useful for increased gas formation. Plant-based products normalize digestion and stimulate excretion gastric juice and act as an adsorbent, removing waste and toxins.

Chamomile normalizes urine output, eliminates painful sensations and relieves inflammation urolithiasis. An infusion of plant flowers is effective for cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis.

Chamomile-based products are beneficial for the female reproductive system. They normalize menstrual cycle and eliminate pain syndrome.

Chamomile gently soothes nervous system. A decoction of the plant eliminates increased excitability, normalizes sleep and eliminates sudden changes moods.

Chamomile-based products are used externally to treat skin diseases, for example, acne. They quickly eliminate articular and muscle pain. Chamomile tincture is effective for rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

How to collect

Chamomile flowers begin to be harvested at the very beginning of flowering, when the buds have not fully blossomed. Since the plant blooms gradually, you can collect 2-3 crops from one plot per season. Chamomile inflorescences are collected by hand so as not to damage the fragile petals.

The raw materials are dried under canopies or in special dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. Readiness is determined by the state of the receptacle. It should easily separate from the flowers and become leathery-dry when rubbed in your hands. Air drying takes 5-6 days. From 1 kg of fresh flowers you get 200 g. raw materials.

Store dried flowers in fabric or paper bags. The shelf life of chamomile inflorescences is no more than 1 year.

For more information about chamomile, watch the video:

How to use

Chamomile is widely used not only in folklore, but also in traditional medicine. For example, in 1986 the plant was used as part of official medicine in 26 countries of the world. Based on the plant, infusions and decoctions are prepared for oral and external use.

An important rule is that chamomile decoctions should not be brought to a boil, since at temperatures above 90 degrees the plant loses beneficial features. In addition, chamomile-based products can only be stored in glass or enamel containers, avoiding metal containers. Upon contact with metal useful components are destroyed.

Chamomile infusions and decoctions are stored for no more than a day. Should be prepared daily fresh remedy, at long-term storage chamomile also loses its beneficial substances.

Gargling Solution

For gargling, prepare an infusion of chamomile. If there is no allergy to bee products, then honey is added to the product.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile - 1 tablespoon.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour chamomile flowers hot water, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel and let brew for 30-40 minutes, strain.

How to use: Gargle with the cooled infusion 4-5 times a day.

Result: The product quickly eliminates sore throat and reduces inflammation.

Inhalations for colds

At the first sign of a cold, inhalations with chamomile help. They are effective against sore throat, runny nose and cough.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 10 gr.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Fill the flowers with water, place them on water bath, stir constantly. Without bringing to a boil, simmer under the lid for 5 minutes.

How to use: Breathe over the steam, covered with a towel, for 10-15 minutes.

Result: Inhalations eliminate cold symptoms and alleviate the course of the disease.

Nasal drops

As a means for auxiliary treatment Nasal drops based on chamomile infusion will help with a runny nose. The components of the plant are not absorbed into the blood and do not have any effect systemic action on the body, therefore side effects practically excluded.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 1 teaspoon.
2. Water - 100 ml.

How to cook: Cool the boiled water to 80-85 degrees, pour in the chamomile flowers, cover with a lid and leave for half an hour. Ready product strain and cool at room temperature.

How to use: Place 2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times a day.

Result: Drops relieve inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa, making breathing easier.

Poultices for pain

Lotions and poultices with chamomile infusion help relieve pain in muscles and joints. To enhance therapeutic effect simultaneously with external use, a chamomile decoction is prescribed, half a glass 3 times a day.

Ingredients:

1. Water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Pour a glass of hot chamomile flowers boiled water, cover with a lid, insulate with a towel and leave for at least 2 hours.

How to use: Dip a gauze or fabric compress into the infusion, squeeze out excess liquid and apply to the sore spot for 30-40 minutes. Place a towel or blanket on top.

Result: The product quickly eliminates pain, increases motor activity joints. This folk recipe Suitable for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Enema for hemorrhoids

To treat hemorrhoids, use enemas and baths with an aqueous infusion of chamomile. The product effectively eliminates pain, itching and swelling.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 1 tablespoon.
2. Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Place chamomile flowers in a thermos, pour hot boiled water, close the lid and leave for 2 hours. Strain the finished product. The temperature of the liquid should be 38−40 degrees.

How to use: Lie on your left side, draw your legs toward your chest and administer the warm infusion into your rectum using an enema. Do not get up for 15-20 minutes. During this time medicinal infusion absorbed into the mucous membrane.

Result: Chamomile enema eliminates inflammation and discomfort.

Baths for cystitis

In the treatment of cystitis high efficiency have baths with chamomile infusion. Chamomile flowers are combined with other medicinal plants to enhance the healing effect.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 10 gr.
2. Calendula - 7 gr.
3. St. John's wort - 5 gr.
4. Lingonberry leaf - 5 gr.
5. Yarrow - 10 gr.
6. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Combine dry ingredients, add water and place in a water bath. Without bringing to a boil, simmer under the lid for 20 minutes. Cool the product to a temperature of 38 degrees.

How to use: Pour the broth into the bath, sit in it for 20 minutes.

Result: The product effectively eliminates pain and spasms and has an antiseptic effect.

Douching in gynecology (for thrush)

In gynecology, chamomile-based products are often used. For example, douching with a weak chamomile infusion is effective for treating thrush.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 2 tablespoons.
2. Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour water over the flowers, heat in a water bath, without bringing to a boil. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel and leave for half an hour.

How to use: Fill a syringe with an infusion with a temperature no higher than 37.5 degrees. Lie on your side and carefully insert the product into the vagina.

Result: Douching with chamomile infusion has an antiseptic effect. After the procedure, itching and burning in the genital area disappear.

Acne infusion

Chamomile infusion in combination with calendula is beneficial for the face, especially for problem skin. The product has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and regenerating effects.

Ingredients:

1. Chamomile flowers - 2 tablespoons.
2. Calendula flowers - 2 tablespoons.
3. Water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flowers that has cooled to 80 degrees, cover with a lid and let steep for an hour. Strain the finished product.

How to use: Wipe the affected areas of the skin with the infusion or use it to wash your face in the morning and evening.

Result: The product reduces inflammation and rashes on the skin, drying it.

How to brew chamomile

Chamomile is brewed as tea to strengthen the immune system and treat colds. To do this, pour the dried flowers of the plant with boiling water that has cooled to 80-85 degrees and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Oral preparations are prepared based on the proportion - 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers for 1 glass of water. For external use, stronger infusions and decoctions are made by brewing 2 tablespoons of the plant with the same volume of liquid.

Chamomile for children

In the absence of individual intolerance, chamomile is used to treat children. With tea and water infusion strengthen the immune system and fight against colds, and chamomile decoction is used to gargle.

In addition, chamomile is used for newborns. Children in the first months of life are given 1-2 teaspoons chamomile tea before bed to eliminate colic, which worsens in the evening.

Chamomile decoction is useful for infants as a treatment for diaper rash and sweat rashes. It eliminates redness and irritation, gently soothes sensitive skin baby.

Chamomile infusion is added to the bath for newborns. The product disinfects the skin, and chamomile essential oils soothe. After such a bath, the baby falls asleep faster.

Chamomile during pregnancy

Chamomile tea is beneficial in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy Chamomile is beneficial for women during pregnancy, starting from the second trimester. It alleviates the symptoms of toxicosis, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and calms the nervous system.

It is useful for an expectant mother to drink chamomile tea no more than 1-2 times a week. Excessive consumption of chamomile increases the tone of the uterus, and this can lead to miscarriage. That is why plant-based drinks are prohibited from being consumed during the first three months of pregnancy.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of chamomile:

• mental disorders;
• stomach ulcer;
• diarrhea;
• anacid gastritis;
• heavy periods;
• first trimester of pregnancy.

According to the instructions for use, chamomile is used with caution in case of kidney disease. It cannot be combined with homeopathic remedies, since it neutralizes therapeutic effect these drugs.

Before starting treatment with chamomile-based products, you must consult with your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for use. An overdose of chamomile leads to nervous excitement, coughing fits, nausea and general weakness. If these symptoms are detected, you should stop taking the medications and consult a specialist.

Classification

Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family (Latin Asteráceae), the Bicolor order (Latin Asterales), the Dicotyledonous class (Latin Dicotylédones), the Flowering department (Latin Magnoliophyta).

Varieties

The genus Chamomile (lat. Matricaria) unites 25 species of herbaceous plants. The most common of them:

• chamomile or officinalis chamomile;
• Chamomile chamomile;
• fragrant chamomile;
• Transcaucasian chamomile;
• Azerbaijani chamomile;
• short-tongued chamomile;
• rough chamomile;
• golden chamomile.

Chamomile pharmacy infographics

Photo of chamomile, its beneficial properties and uses:
Infographics on chamomile

What to remember

1. Chamomile is the most popular medicinal plant.
2. Products based on it are used to strengthen the immune system and treat diseases of the respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, and nervous systems.
3. Infusions and decoctions of the plant can be consumed even in childhood.

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Chamomile, or as it is also called, chamomile officinalis, has been used in folk and folklore since ancient times. scientific medicine. For more than one millennium, this plant has not lost its popularity, as it has important beneficial properties. Chamomile extract is used in making cosmetics, essential oil has also found its use in the manufacture of medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

Description

Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant with a strong, specific, but rather pleasant odor.
The root of a flower is either taproot or branched. The color of the root is light brown.
The stem is straight, erect, and can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The stem may branch from the base. The stem is hollow inside, ribbed-bearded on the outside, leafy to the very top.
The leaves are sessile, alternate, up to 6 cm long.
The inflorescences look like conical baskets, their diameter is about 2.5 cm. They are located on the tops and on the side shoots. Together, all the inflorescences form a corymbose inflorescence.
The petals are multirowed and have a diameter of up to 8 mm. The shape of the leaves is small, imbricated, oblong.

Spreading

Chamomile is distributed throughout almost all of Europe, as well as in many areas of North America and Asia. In many countries, chamomile is cultivated as a medicinal plant, revered for its beneficial properties. Varieties with increased content essential oil and aulene. As for Russia, chamomile grows in most European regions, except for the Lower Volga region and the Far North, also in the Ciscaucasia, Dagestan, Western and Eastern Siberia, and in some areas of the Far East.

Chamomile grows in steppes and meadows, as well as a weed plant in gardens, on borders and wastelands, along roadsides, in row crops and grain crops.

Collection and preparation

The plant is harvested during the flowering period, when the white petals are arranged horizontally. Collection is carried out every 2 - 3 days, during the flowering period, which lasts up to 15 days.
Dry flowers in the shade, in the open air, or in a ventilated area. When drying, plants should be laid in an even thin layer.

Please note that during collection it is necessary to separate chamomile from other types of this plant. IN otherwise, an unclean collection loses many of its properties, moreover, it may be unsafe.

The dried plant should be stored in a tightly closed container, for example, a glass jar. If the plant is stored in a cloth bag, the essential oil will evaporate. IN plastic bags There is no need to store herbs at all.
The shelf life of the dried plant is 1 year.

Application

The medicinal properties of chamomile infusion are used in the following cases:

• As an anti-inflammatory agent;
• As an antiseptic;
• As a pain reliever;

For diseases:

• Intestines;
• Biliary tract;
• Liver;
• With increased gas formation;
• For sore throats;
• For stomatitis;
• For various allergies as lotions.

Chamomile is used to prepare home and professional cosmetics: creams, lotions, masks, shampoos.

Recipes

Preparation of the decoction:
Chamomile - 10 gr. flowers (approximately 4 tablespoons of dry raw materials) pour a glass of very hot water, boil for about 30 minutes in a water bath. The broth is cooled to room temperature, the remaining raw materials are decanted and squeezed out.

The resulting decoction should be stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. After 2 days, the decoction loses its beneficial properties. It is necessary to take half a glass several times a day, after meals.
The decoction is also used externally, for example, for washing cavities, gargling, medicinal baths, preparations cosmetic masks, rinsing hair.

For external use, you can also use an extract from flowers. To prepare it you need 3 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water over dry raw materials and leave for 1 hour in a closed glass container.

For the treatment of diseases respiratory organs and routes using inhalation. The healing properties of this procedure include a soothing analgesic and antiseptic effect.

Inhalations are prepared as follows:

For children under 7 years old: The infusion is brewed in a small teapot, a rubber tube is put on the spout, through which you need to inhale the vapors of the infusion for about 5 minutes.
Over 7 years old: The infusion is brewed in a saucepan, over which the child is seated and covered with a blanket over his head. Vapors are inhaled for up to 10 minutes. After which it is advisable to give the child tea with honey and put him to bed.

Essential oil

Chamomile oil has a dense consistency, bluish color, and a slightly sweet smell. Natural oil– the product is quite expensive. It has the following medicinal properties:

• antiseptic;
• painkiller;
• antispasmodic.

Apply orally in the amount of 2 drops per 1 tsp of honey.

Application in cosmetics

The decoction is used to care for sensitive, dry skin. Chamomile has a whitening effect, eliminates inflammatory processes, reduces allergic inflammation, gives the skin a healthy appearance and color. Also, its properties are relevant for insect bites and thermal burns.

As for professional cosmetics, chamomile essential oil is added to creams. In combination with woody, lavender, citrus oils they are used to create colognes.
Chamomile decoction is used to stimulate hair growth. It can also be found in the composition of many professional shampoos. If you regularly use chamomile as a rinse, your hair will be strong and beautiful. In some cases, the medicinal properties of the decoction or oil can cope with dandruff.

Restrictions on use

Contraindications:

• Anacidic gastritis;
• Stomach ulcer;
• Tendency to diarrhea;
• Heavy menstruation;
• Mental disorders;
• Treatment with homeopathic methods;

During pregnancy, you should take no more than 2 glasses of chamomile decoction a day. The properties of this plant are such that it helps stimulate the production of estrogen by the ovaries, and this can lead to miscarriage or childbirth. ahead of schedule. However, if you take the decoction in small quantities, it can help cope with the toxic state.

Overdose symptoms:

• Headache;
• Weakness;
• Cough and hoarseness;
• Intestinal disorders.

Chamomile flowers– delicate flowers with a pleasant aroma of one of the most famous medicinal plants (see photo). Chamomile is an annual plant with a branched stem and green leaves. Chamomile blooms with yellow and white flowers collected in baskets. Chamomile is a member of the Astrov family. The plant received its Russian name due to a verbal error. In medical books, the plant was mentioned under the name “Roman navel”, then the name turned into Romanov grass, then simply into “Romana” and, finally, into the chamomile we are familiar with. People also call chamomile “a fortune teller” because girls use the petals of this flower to tell fortunes about their betrothed’s love. In the language of flowers, the plant means “sweet simplicity.”

There is a legend that chamomile is a forest fairy who fell in love with a shepherd. The fairy entrusted the shepherd not only with her heart, but also with the secrets of healing with plants. The shepherd, having learned about the power of flowers and herbs, began to treat people for a lot of money and forgot his devoted teacher. The fairy, without waiting for the shepherd, began to cry bitterly, and each of her tears turned into a beautiful flower. The deceived fairy turned into a whole field of snow-white daisies, and the shepherd lost his healing power with every tear. The shepherd once remembered the fairy who loved him, but in the field he saw only delicate flowers. So people began to bring daisies invaluable benefits in memory of the selfless love of the forest fairy.

Chamomile flowers are known in traditional and folk medicine, as well as in cosmetology. As a medicine, chamomile was used by Avicenna as a sedative and antiseptic. During Antiquity, doctors used chamomile instead of many medicines.

Collection and storage

Chamomile is harvested during its flowering period, that is, from May to September. IN medicinal purposes collect baskets of chamomile. Flower baskets should be collected in dry weather, in addition Only blooming daisies are valuable; there is no point in collecting baskets that are already fading. Fresh flowers picked in the morning contain greatest number essential oil. Flowers are dried outdoors or in a cool room. Sometimes drying is carried out in dryers designed for this purpose. Dried flowers are stored in paper bags; they retain their medicinal properties for one year.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of chamomile are due to the presence of essential oil. Thanks to this oil flowers have pleasant aroma. Chamomile essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. This oil is expensive, since about 200 kg of inflorescences are processed to obtain 1 kg of oil. Few people know that this product is obtained from different types the same plant. For example, Roman chamomile oil is recognized as the most valuable and expensive on the modern marketAnthemisnobilis. Roman chamomile looks more like a wild chrysanthemum than the familiar chamomile flower. This plant is found in Belgium, Hungary, France, and Germany. Manufacturers often call their product English chamomile essential oil, or Camomile English. This is due to the fact that for a long time England was the largest supplier of this oil. The most common essential oil is blue or chamomile oil, often called German chamomile. Chamomile essential oil has a blue tint, but depending on storage conditions it can be green or brown.

Chamomile flowers contain pectins, phytosterols, mucous and tannins, luteolin, carotene, choline, coumarin, and acids such as ascorbic, nicotinic, and salicylic.

Chamomile good for tired and irritated eyes For this purpose, lotions are made from chamomile decoction. This procedure returns shine to the eyes, relaxes muscles, and relieves puffiness. For eye diseases, it is also recommended to rinse with a weak chamomile decoction. For the decoction, a teaspoon of dried flowers will be enough; soak a cotton swab in the resulting decoction and drop a few drops of the decoction into each eye. This procedure relieves inflammation and fatigue.

In cosmetology, little chamomile is one of the most sought after. The oil relieves inflammation after insect bites, sunburn, as well as inflammation caused skin rashes. Chamomile is highly valued in the production of skin care cosmetics. Extracts of this plant are added to face and body creams. Rinsing with a decoction of chamomile flowers will make your hair shiny and well-groomed. Chamomile rinsing is especially recommended for owners blonde hair, because chamomile lightens the hair a little. The ability of chamomile to lighten girls' curls has long been used to home care. In order to enhance the effect of using chamomile, it was mixed with acacia honey, lemon juice, and nettle.

Chamomile essential oil helps for pustules, acne, teenage skin problems. The oil is simply irreplaceable for dry and inflamed skin. At regular use the oil whitens the skin and eliminates imperfections; long-term use helps with rosacea and allergic reactions.

Use in cooking

In cooking, chamomile flowers are used to brew aromatic herbal tea. The drink has a pleasant smell and taste. To get the drink, a handful of dried flowers are poured with hot water. but not with boiling water, and insist for 15 minutes. You can brew tea in a glass teapot, enjoying not only the drink itself, but also the process of preparing it. If desired, you can add a slice of lemon and a little honey to the drink.

Chamomile flowers themselves have a spicy and slightly bitter taste. When you rub fresh flowers, you can smell the smell of overripe apples, which is where the name of the flower comes from, where “shamal” means “low on the ground” and “melon” means “apple”.

Benefits of chamomile flowers and treatment

The benefits of chamomile are obvious when using products based on this plant externally and internally. Chamomile oil effective for skin damage, it has hemostatic and antiseptic properties. Chamomile perfectly disinfects, there is information that during the Great Patriotic War used chamomile infusions to cleanse wounds. Chamomile oil, as well as decoctions from the inflorescences of this plant, are used in the form of compresses.

At internal use Chamomile decoction has a positive effect on the patient's condition at stomach diseases , this effect is achieved due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. Chamomile increases appetite, improves bile secretion, relieves spasms, and reduces flatulence.

Women will be interested to know that chamomile normalizes the menstrual cycle. Chamomile is especially useful for pregnant women; decoctions from the inflorescences of this plant are used to relieve inflammation. You can also rinse with chamomile sore throat, since many medicines prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. Herbalists advise women to use chamomile decoctions if they are infertile.

Chamomile flowers are known for their calming and relaxing effects. The infusion has been used for a long time to combat insomnia. A teaspoon of raw material is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and drunk an hour before bedtime as a light sleeping pills. Chamomile helps restore strength after prolonged illness. Some medications for the treatment of seizures also contain this plant.

Chamomile infusion is consumed for liver disease, chronic colitis, kidney and bladder diseases. For infusion, 1 tbsp will be enough. l. dried flowers per glass of boiling water. The resulting decoction is infused for half an hour and then taken twice a day. To treat ulcers, use a decoction of 1 tbsp. l. flowers filled with a glass of hot water. The infusion is taken 15 minutes before meals, and then lies on different sides body so that the infusion acts evenly on the gastric mucosa. The infusion is taken once a day for one month.

Harm of chamomile flowers and contraindications

Chamomile can cause harm to the body due to individual intolerance, which most often manifests itself as itching and rashes on the skin. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking chamomile infusion. Chamomile, if consumed in excess, can harm mother and baby. This is a plant stimulates estrogen production, which can lead to premature birth. The norm for the average person is 2 cups of chamomile tea per day; this calming drink, when consumed in large doses, has the opposite effect and causes dizziness.