Chamomile Benefits You Should Know

Chamomile is known worldwide as one of the best plants when it comes to healing. Most people know it in its tea form, but the chamomile benefits are derived from a flowering plant part of the daisy family.

There are two types of chamomile — German and Roman. The one used most often today is the German variety.

The chamomile plant has been made into teas, essential oils and ointments so people can experience its healing properties. Here are some of the chamomile benefits you should know.

1. Helps Treat the Common Cold

When the cold season comes around, you’ll want to make sure that you have chamomile available. Drinking hot chamomile tea or even inhaling the steam from a cup of chamomile tea can help treat the common cold. 

In various studies, chamomile has increased body levels of hippurate, which is an immune system booster. It also helps lessen the effects of cold symptoms.

2. Soothes Cramping

Drinking chamomile tea can help with painful menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. It includes antispasmodic properties, soothing cramps. Additionally, it helps the uterus relax. The relationship between period pain and chamomile tea goes back to traditional herbal medicine used in England, which has helped treat irregular cycles.

Since chamomile reduces anxiety, women who use chamomile during their menstrual cycle have felt calmer and not as irritable. 

3. Heals Wounds

Topical creams made with chamomile have been able to enhance the healing process of wounds. Thousands of years ago, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used chamomile as a topical ointment to treat open wounds. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This is also why chamomile is often used to treat skin conditions like eczema.

Chamomile works on wounds by drying them out. This helps them to heal faster, and it keeps wounds from breaking back open. 

4. Boosts Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Though German chamomile is the more famous of the two chamomile varieties, the chamomile benefits of the Roman variety come into play here. The essential oils that come from Roman chamomile are often used in aromatherapy, which has boosted the positivity of cancer patients.

Chamomile naturally relaxes people, and it decreases feelings of anxiety. It has also been reported that chamomile induces apoptosis — meaning the death — of cancerous cells.

5. Promotes Sleep

Perhaps one of the most well-known chamomile benefits is that it promotes sleep and can help insomnia. That’s why many of the nighttime teas include chamomile as one of the ingredients. However, some people use the essential oil form as aromatherapy. 

Chamomile relaxes the nerves, and since it doesn’t have caffeine, it will keep you fast asleep. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee at night, go for some chamomile tea.

The Healing Powers of Chamomile — It’s More Than Just Tea

There are even more chamomile benefits than discussed here. Used correctly and with precaution, chamomile provides a wealth of health benefits. As with any medication, make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any regimen with chamomile to ensure you stay healthy and safe. Otherwise, feel free to experience the properties of chamomile for your health!