What is useful for chamomile decoction — 6 proven health properties

Decoctions and infusions of chamomile have been used for a long time in folk medicine to combat insomnia, anxiety and stress, as well as to prevent the development of tumors.

Modern science has been able to prove the benefits of chamomile-based decoction, which allowed it to find application even in the practice of doctors.

Chamomile is rich in essential oils, flavonoids and other antioxidant substances, as well as vitamins (A, C) and minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus). A significant part of these components gets into the broth, despite the heat treatment.

6 medicinal properties

The main useful properties of taking chamomile decoction inside are described below (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Reduces blood pressure

Essential oils, flavonoids, coumarin, vitamins and minerals in chamomile have a positive effect on blood pressure.

Regular intake of decoction leads to relaxation of smooth muscle cells of vascular walls, as well as to inhibition of the production of local vasoconstrictive factors. As a result, there is a slight but persistent decrease in blood pressure.

Also a decoction of chamomile warns the development of hypertensive crises (mainly in men), as it reduces the severity of fear and anxiety, suppresses the production of "stress" hormones.

The medicinal drink is recommended for people suffering from hypertension or who have a predisposition to this disease.

2. Fighting cancer

Chamomile broth contains antioxidants. These biologically active substances reduce the amount of free radicals in the body, which cause cell damage and contribute to the development of cancer, as well as some chronic pathologies.

Regular intake of chamomile-based products, according to scientific concepts, allows prevent the development of malignant tumors, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract and blood system.

The positive role of chamomile in improving the course of radiation sickness in the early stages of development was noted.

3. Normalizes the activity of the nervous system

Decoctions and infusions of chamomile, as well as essential oils based on the plant, are used in aromatherapy.

Installed that they help to overcome insomnia, Get rid of stress and other psycho-emotional stress.

After cooking the broth, it is recommended to breathe over it for a while before going to bed in order to fall asleep quickly and soundly, Improve your mood and even get rid of depression.

4. Relieves itching after insect bites

After an insect bite, a dense, hyperemic and painful formation forms on the skin due to an allergic reaction and inflammatory processes.

Lotions made from decoction or chamomile essential oil allow reduce the severity of itching and pain, as well as accelerate the healing of the inflammatory focus.

5. Improves oral health

Russian scientists discovered that rinsing the oral cavity with chamomile decoction improves dental health (caries is less common) and reduces the incidence of inflammatory diseases of the gums and mucous membranes.

The medicinal decoction has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which helps to suppress the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and reduce inflammation.

It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a decoction of pharmacy chamomile at least 1 time a day (after brushing your teeth) to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.

The product can also be used for pharyngitis against the background of acute respiratory diseases. The decoction relieves pain and discomfort in the throat, accelerates the onset of recovery.

6. Reduces blood sugar levels and helps to lose weight

Chamomile broth slows down absorption of simple carbohydrates in food and prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Additionally, the drink increases the sensitivity of adipose tissue receptors to insulin, which makes it possible to effectively absorb glucose by cells.

Decoction normalizes metabolic processes in adipocytes, stimulating their destruction in order to meet the energy needs of the body.

A healing drink is indispensable for people suffering from type II diabetes mellitus and other pathologies of the glycemic background, as well as obesity.

Contraindications and harms

Even a decoction of chamomile has contraindications and can harm a person.

Side effects are rare, but cause a lot of discomfort:

1. Disruption of the central nervous system. When drinking several liters of a drink in 1 day, headache, light dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur.
2. Decreased concentration of attention. Decoction helps to relax. It is not recommended to drink it before performing important organizational tasks and driving a car.
3. Enhancement of the effects of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. When taking these medications, an increase in the pharmacological effects of chamomile has been recorded, which can provoke bleeding.
4. Allergic reactions. More often occur in the form of irritation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and esophagus, isolated skin itching or urticaria.

Chamomile decoction should not be taken by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The drink can cause harm to the fetus and the child for the first 3 years of life.

Step-by-step Recipes

A decoction or infusion based on the plant can be prepared at home. It is better to use pharmacy chamomile or self-harvested in ecologically clean areas.

1. Decoction

You will need:

• 2 tbsp chamomile inflorescences;
• 250 ml of water.

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil, add the inflorescences.
2. Pour the drink into a glass container. Close the lid tightly.
3. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Put in a water bath for 15 minutes.
5. Let it brew for about 30-40 minutes in a warm place. Cool to room temperature.

Take 20-30 ml orally 3-4 times a day. The duration of treatment with decoction is up to 2-3 months. In the future, a doctor's consultation is required.

2. Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chamomile inflorescences;
• 1 tbsp chamomile leaves;
• 200 ml of water.

Recipe scheme:

1. Boil water and pour it into a glass container.
2. Add chamomile and mix thoroughly.
3. Cover with a lid and put in a warm dark place for 10-12 hours.
4. Strain. Dilute with warm water in a ratio of 1:2.

Take 50 ml 1-2 times a day. It is acceptable to use in the morning (on an empty stomach) in the absence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be served as a soft drink (with several ice cubes).

Conclusion

1. Chamomile decoction is a proven medicinal and cosmetic product.
2. It can improve the health of the endocrine, central nervous and cardiovascular systems, protect against cancer and chronic diseases, help reduce body weight and relieve itching after insect bites, as well as sanitize the oral cavity.
3. When using chamomile in any form, side effects may develop. The plant is contraindicated for women during pregnancy and lactation.