Medicinal chamomile. Medicinal properties of pharmaceutical chamomile and contraindications for use

Everyone knows chamomile, or medicinal chamomile - it is also used for the throat with a sore throat, babies are bathed in a decoction of this plant, and they are treated with it. inflammatory processes in the joints and rinse the oral cavity. What is generally known about this plant?

General information about chamomile

The plant in question has long been known to mankind - it was used to treat the most common diseases a hundred years ago. Modern scientists have clearly determined where the secret of the beneficial properties of medicinal chamomile lies - in its unique composition. When studying this plant, essential oil, coumarin, phytosterol, glyceride were identified fatty acids, isovaleric and noyl organic acids, bisabol oxide, polysaccharides and many others. The most amazing thing is that nature contains beneficial substances in optimal proportions in chamomile - this complex provides wide possibilities in terms of treating the disease.

Only flowers are collected from medicinal chamomile, and you need to choose dry and warm weather for this. Procurement work is carried out from the end of May to July; those flowers whose petals are horizontal in relation to the yellow core, and do not droop down, have greater medicinal power.

Everyone knows very well that the plant in question is very useful for colds- this fact is confirmed by official medicine. It is advisable to treat with chamomile for the development of sore throat, acute respiratory and even.

Few people know that chamomile has a beneficial effect on work digestive system. But a decoction from this plant helps to cope with increased gas formation, removes pain syndrome with intestinal spasms, increases appetite. In addition, it is useful to use a decoction of chamomile in case of intoxication of the body due to food and/or its unique composition active microelements promotes the rapid removal of waste and toxins.

Doctors recommend using chamomile-based products in the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. In general, it is believed that the plant in question will also help with diseases. respiratory tract, and for pathologies in the endocrine system.

But even if a person is absolutely healthy, chamomile is useful for normalizing the psycho-emotional background - it will provide, reduce Negative influence on the body.

Chamomile is used not only in medicine - it is included in many skin and hair care products produced by the cosmetology industry. The ability of the plant in question to have an anti-inflammatory effect is successfully used by cosmetologists in the treatment of various diseases skin, and ordinary baby cream contains medicinal chamomile extract - this helps relieve the delicate skin of babies from irritation.

Experts also recommend regularly steam treatments for the face with a decoction of the plant in question - this will help open and cleanse pores, get rid of acne, and restore the natural color of the skin. You can use a strong decoction of chamomile as a hair rinse - this will restore the hair structure after too aggressive procedures (coloring, perm, etc.), stop hair loss, and return shine and silkiness to your curls.

Contraindications to the use of chamomile

Despite such wonderful properties of the plant in question, you need to know and always remember the need to use chamomile with caution. The fact is that it is contraindicated if you are prone to diarrhea due to benign/tumors in the intestines and high acidity gastric juice. Very often it is noted for chamomile allergic reaction– in this case, you need to stop using the plant within medical procedures, because this will only worsen a person’s well-being and reduce immunity.

Note:if decoctions/infusions of chamomile are taken by a person long time, then there may be complaints of increased irritability, unmotivated weakness, mild but constant headaches. In this case, you need to stop taking the medicine and seek advice from your doctor.

How to prepare chamomile decoction

It would seem that it would be easier to prepare a decoction of chamomile? It turns out that in medicine there are 3 ways to prepare such a medicine. Moreover, doctors insist on purchasing dried chamomile flowers at the pharmacy - to collect and dry the plant yourself, you need to know several nuances.

Recipes for chamomile decoctions:

1. Chamomile flowers are poured with steep and boiling water in the proportion of 1 tablespoon of dry raw materials per 300 ml of water. This remedy is infused for 60 minutes - this is the simplest recipe for preparing a decoction of chamomile.
2. You need to take 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers and 200 ml of water, leave the mixture in a water bath for half an hour, then strain the broth through cheesecloth. In this way, a strong decoction of chamomile is prepared, which, if necessary, can be diluted with water in the required proportion - the beneficial properties will be preserved.
3. In an enamel bowl you need to boil chamomile flowers with water (proportion: 1 tablespoon of raw material per 300 ml of water), literally just bring to a boil. Then the broth is removed from the heat, cooled and filtered.

Every mother knows very well that bathing a baby in water with a decoction of chamomile is very useful. And it’s easy to prepare such a healing bath - just take a tablespoon of dried flowers, pour boiling water (1 liter) over everything and leave to infuse. Usually 60 minutes is enough, but the main indicator of the readiness of the infusion for bathing the baby will be the flowers of the plant that have sunk to the bottom.

Note:Before pouring the chamomile infusion into a bath of water, be sure to strain the product - contact of the raw material with the baby’s skin is extremely undesirable, as it can provoke the development of severe irritation.

After such bathing with chamomile infusion, a deeper and deeper restful sleep baby, his delicate/sensitive skin will always be healthy, and existing signs of irritation (heat rashes) will disappear.

Chamomile helps very well in the fight against intestinal colic child - for this, the baby is given tea from the plant in question. The product is prepared as follows:

• 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers is poured with a glass of boiling water (300 ml);
• tea is infused for 30-60 minutes;
• the resulting product must be filtered and diluted boiled water in a 1:1 ratio.

The result should be a slightly yellow drink, which children are given to drink 3-4 times a day immediately after meals. large quantities.

Note:Children should be prescribed chamomile remedies by a specialist. And in any case, such measures cannot be abused - for example, you can bathe a baby in a bath with chamomile decoction no more than once a week.

Chamomile is often used to treat certain gynecological diseases - women know very well that douching the vagina with a decoction or infusion of the drug in question medicinal plant helps get rid of discomfort. Most often, gynecologists recommend douching for the following diseases:

Important: You should not decide on your own to douche with a decoction of chamomile in case of the above gynecological diseases– such prescriptions should be made by a doctor. For example, you cannot carry out similar procedure during pregnancy, and the period is completely unimportant in this case. Women over the age of 40 should not douche with chamomile; they should also avoid the described procedure during menstruation.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea perfectly relieves stress and gives peace of mind - doctors recommend using the product even completely. healthy people after hard days. Improvement in sleep is noted after drinking chamomile tea - it becomes full, deep, spontaneous waking up disappears. But it’s worth remembering - take any sedatives at the same time medications and chamomile tea is strictly not recommended.

The product in question also has a weak analgesic effect - tea can be used for rinsing oral cavity for some gum diseases.

Chamomile tea quickly and effectively relieves intestinal spasms, relieves diarrhea caused by eating fatty foods or fermented milk products, lowers cholesterol levels. But be extremely careful - among the properties of medicinal chamomile there is the ability to influence the thickness of the blood; tea from the plant in question will thin it. Therefore, if a person is already taking any medications with, then chamomile tea will be contraindicated for him.

How to make chamomile tea:

Chamomile during pregnancy

Pregnant women are contraindicated from using most medications; restrictions are also imposed on medicinal plants. Many people doubt whether chamomile can be used during pregnancy - only specialists can answer this question.

• chamomile decoction can be used for washing and bathing;
• It is advisable to inhale with chamomile - this will help quickly cure a cold or respiratory infection;
• chamomile tea (and pure form, and with the addition of other components) pregnant women can drink, but in extremely limited quantities.

Note:chamomile promotes the release of large amounts of the hormone estrogen, which can cause miscarriage early stages or premature birth on later ones. If not urgent need If you drink chamomile tea, it is better to avoid this remedy for the entire period of bearing a child.

In front of everyone positive qualities chamomile, it is worth considering the need to obtain prior consultation with a doctor - it is possible that restrictions will be imposed on the use of the plant in question.

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category.

Medicinal properties Chamomile is as well known as the plant itself is widespread throughout the globe.

However, one can only guess about the true healing potential of the flower. Its healing power seems omnipotent, and its range of applications amazes the imagination with its limitlessness.

Medicinal properties of chamomile

Medicinal chamomile is an annual wild plant whose yellow baskets, framed by white petals, enliven not only meadows and field landscapes, but also roadside ditches. Finding chamomile grass is not difficult, but it is even easier to grow it in your garden or summer cottage, far away from harmful influence industry and exhaust gases.

According to pharmacists, medicinal chamomile refers to those medicinal herbs that should be in the home always in the first aid kit, and preferably in large quantities. Because amazing properties chamomile is applicable for a wide variety of ailments and often provides lasting healing effect even in the absence of medications.

The healing power of chamomile flowers provides several types of effects simultaneously:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• hemostatic;
• soothing;
• antihistamine;
• painkiller;
• choleretic;
• anticonvulsant;
• astringent.

Such a comprehensive spectrum of action of the plant is due to the presence in its composition huge amount chemical substances and connections. Moreover maximum concentration of elements providing healing properties chamomile is found in its flowers. The rest of the plant is considered less suitable for treatment and healing.

Composition of plant flowers

The most medicinally effective compounds found in the flowers of the plant are:

• vitamins C and B;
• chamazulene, which has anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic activity;
• carotenes, which increase immune potential and stop the production of free radicals;
• bioflavonoids - quercetin, apigenin, luteolin. These substances provide anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic and antioxidant effects. In particular, apigenin suppresses the spread cancer cells and restores the destroyed genetic formula in RNA molecules;
• coumarins - anticoagulants with antitumor and antispasmodic effects;
• organic acids - salicylic, caprylic, noylic, isovaleric, antimisic;
• polysaccharides are a source of cellular energy;
• phytosterol, which normalizes cholesterol levels in the blood;
• essential oils;
• gum - a carbohydrate that improves digestion and reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
• bitterness and tannins.

Thanks to such an abundance of valuable substances and compounds, medicinal chamomile is used not only in pharmaceuticals, but also in cosmetology. Many well-known manufacturers of soap, shampoos, and facial care products have created product lines based on extract or essential oil pharmaceutical chamomile.

Chamomile - instructions for use

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits brought by the plant for:

• colds and viral infections;
• spasms and pain in the stomach and intestines, due to gastritis, colitis or diarrhea, as well as to improve digestion and eliminate flatulence;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• gynecological problems;
• damage to gums and teeth;
• spasms bile ducts and liver dysfunctions;
• inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctivitis;
• prostatitis;
• pathologies of the kidneys and genitourinary area;
• cough and upper respiratory tract diseases;
• convulsions;
• insomnia and nervous excitability;
• bleeding.

In ancient times, chamomile was used as an antidote for snake bites.

Chamomile tea

For cooking chamomile tea Just pour boiling water over a teaspoon of dried inflorescences, leave for a few minutes and strain.

If you drink this tea during the day, its effect will be expressed in relaxation, elimination of headaches, menstrual and menopausal syndromes, and improved appetite.

Chamomile decoction

Chamomile baskets are poured with non-hot boiled water and placed in a water bath for half an hour. The number of inflorescences is regulated independently - the more there are, the stronger the decoction will be. As the water evaporates, it is added to the previous level.

Decoctions can be used not only for oral administration, but also in the form of compresses, baths, lotions and healing baths.

The main rule of cooking healing agents from chamomile - use a water bath. When boiled, chamomile almost completely loses its healing power.

Chamomile tincture

Preparing chamomile tincture involves adding alcohol or vodka. Some of the crushed chamomile inflorescences are poured with alcohol and kept in the dark for a week.

Upon completion of the infusion process, the liquid is filtered, alcohol is added to the previous level and kept for another week in the dark.

If the tincture is prepared correctly, it becomes completely transparent with a characteristic chamomile aroma.

Common chamomile is an ancient medicinal plant that can instantly combat dozens of insidious diseases. In addition to the famous “love it or not,” it is used in cosmetology, during pregnancy, and as a sedative. Chamomile tincture works real miracles, surprising the world with its versatility healing effect. It is recommended for both adults and children, both internally and externally. Let's look at the beneficial properties of the magical “weed” in more detail.

What are the benefits of chamomile tincture?

Infusions and decoctions medicinal plant endowed with powerful healing powers, thanks to the rich “filling” of the flowers. These include:

• essential oils;
• vitamin C;
• carotene;
• oleic, palmitic, nicotinic acid;
• glucose;
• useful minerals - potassium, zinc and copper;
• tannins.

Thanks to such an impressive set, the healing qualities of chamomile are almost unlimited.

Drug effect

Chamomile tincture has the following powers:

• fights diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• has choleretic, hemostatic, antiseptic, disinfectant and diuretic effects;
• relieves flatulence and stomach cramps;
• relieves inflammation of the gums, mucous membranes, wounds;
• treats rheumatism, gout, arthritis and other vascular diseases;
• makes you forget about hemorrhoids, cystitis and other gynecological ailments;
• calms the nervous system and normalizes sleep;
• inspires the brain to be active;
• treats diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder;
• heals inflammatory eye diseases;
• banishes allergies and migraines;
• normalizes the respiratory system;
• treats flu and colds;
• increases the amount of milk in nursing women;
• normalizes menstrual cycles;
• strengthens and brightens hair;
• cleanses and rejuvenates the skin;
• helps you lose those unwanted pounds.

Attention! Chamomile tincture is one of the few remedies that can be used by patients with increased acidity gastric juice.

Chamomile infusions: diseases and recipes

• Cold. Dilute 8-10 teaspoons of flowers cold water(2 cups), leave for 10 hours, filter. Use the resulting decoction to wash hair when it is falling out, to rinse non-healing wounds and burns, for eye diseases (externally), for gargling (for sore throat) and the mouth (for inflammatory processes).
• Hot. Pour boiling water (1 glass) over the inflorescences of the plant (1 tablespoon), leave for half an hour, filter. Take the infusion hot 3 times a day, ¼ cup, for migraines, colds, diarrhea, bloating, stomach and intestinal cramps.

Attention! Chamomile flowers cannot be boiled; such a decoction will be unsuitable for medicinal purposes. A regular water bath is much more harmless.

For inflammation of the respiratory tract

Brew 1 teaspoon of inflorescences with a glass of boiling water. After cooling slightly and straining the broth, rinse your nose with it for inflammation and nasal boils, gargle for laryngitis and sore throat.

For kidney diseases and chronic cystitis

Chamomile tincture, the use of which is advisable for pyelonephritis and cystitis, is prepared as follows: pour boiling water (half a liter) over the flowers (2 teaspoons), leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day.

For acute gastritis

Brew dried flowers (4-5 teaspoons) with boiling water (2 cups), place on moderate heat for literally 1 minute, remove from heat and leave for 20 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink three times a day before meals. Can be mixed with a little honey.

For stomach disorders

Pour boiling water (1 liter) over mint leaves, chamomile flowers (1 tablespoon each), chopped pomegranate peel (1 teaspoon). Leave for 2 hours, filter and take 50g 3-4 times a day.

For stomach cramps

Tincture of chamomile and lemon balm leaves are great for stomach cramps and colic. 2 tbsp. Dilute spoons of herbal composition with boiling water (3 cups) and leave for 7-8 hours. You need to drink a glass of it warm three times a day.

For diarrhea and dysentery

Brew the inflorescences of the plant (2 teaspoons) with boiling water (1 glass), wrap and leave for 1 hour. Then filter and drink 0.5 glasses 3-4 times a day.

For peptic ulcers

Recipe for peptic ulcer the same as above, only the decoction is infused longer - 8-10 hours. You need to take it 15-20 minutes before meals 3 times a day for a month. After taking, alternately lie on your sides, back and stomach so that the infusion spreads to the entire gastric mucosa.

For intestinal cramps and bloating

For inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat

Chamomile tincture – excellent remedy from stomatitis, sore throat, tonsillitis and inflammation of the oral cavity. Pour boiling water (half a liter) over the flowers of the plant (2 tablespoons), leave for half an hour, and then strain. Adding 1 tbsp. spoon of honey, rinse your mouth and throat 5-6 times a day.

For inflammatory eye diseases

Brew dried inflorescences (1-2 teaspoons) with boiling water (a glass). Leave for 60 minutes, filter through gauze and rinse your eyes. The procedure should be carried out three times a day until the inflammatory processes are eliminated.

Chamomile in gynecology

The miraculous “weed” is an excellent healer for gynecological ailments. Inflammation genitourinary system, fungi, streptococci, viruses, thrush, cystitis - this whole bunch of problems is solved by chamomile tincture. Its use in gynecology has been practiced for a long time - for therapeutic and preventive purposes.

Decoctions and infusions of the plant are good for douching. To do this, you will need the following ingredients: chamomile and nettle (30 g each), knotweed herb (50 g) and oak bark (10 g). Healing collection(2 tablespoons) brew with boiling water (1 liter), keep on low heat for 5 minutes, cool and filter. Use warm for washing and douching.

Is it possible to treat with chamomile during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, chamomile is used both internally and externally. Its infusions and decoctions are absolutely harmless and are indicated for any period of time. You can use them to make baths, compresses, douching, inhalations, drink for flatulence, constipation, stress and tension.

Attention! Chamomile tincture during pregnancy should be consumed in small doses (no more than 400 g), since the plant provokes the production of estrogens by the ovaries, which can cause miscarriage.

Chamomile infusions in cosmetology

The medicinal plant also contributes to cosmetology. The beneficial substances it contains strengthen, restore and lighten hair, and cleanse the skin.

Regularly rinsing your hair with chamomile will make it soft, glossy and healthy. The tincture will give light strands an iridescent golden tone, and dark ones a slight lightening.

Recipe for strengthening hair

To restore damaged hair structure in case of hair loss, excessive fat content and dandruff, prepare a tincture of chamomile, plantain, nettle and sage. 1 tbsp. Fill a spoonful of the mixture with a liter of boiling water, strain, apply to strands, cover your head with polyethylene and do this for about an hour. The effect will be noticeable after 2-3 procedures.

To lighten strands

Chamomile tincture is an excellent analogue to lightening chemicals. Its use in conjunction with nettle, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, honey or glycerin gives your hair delightful shades.

To lighten hair or wash off any remaining dye, prepare an infusion of chamomile flowers (8 tablespoons), juice of half a lemon and vegetable oil(2 tbsp. spoons). Pour boiling water (500 g) over dry inflorescences, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool. After straining, add lemon juice and oil to the broth. Apply the mask to the strands, wait until they dry completely, and then rinse with shampoo. Regular use of a lightening mask for a month will help lighten your hair by 1-2 tones.

Attention! Chamomile can cause allergies. One day before cosmetic procedures moisten the elbow or wrist with a strong infusion, and after 10 hours, inspect this place. If there is redness, itching or burning, it is better to avoid using this plant.

For facial skin

Using plant infusions on the face will help smooth out wrinkles, eliminate irritation, acne, pimples, rashes, soften and restore the skin.

To solve all these problems, pour the strained chamomile tincture into ice cube trays and place in the refrigerator. Rub your face with cubes every day - the skin will become smooth, silky, all blackheads, pimples and irritations will go away.

You can make lotions from infusions problem areas, facial inhalations, steam baths, wash regularly. An effective remedy for inflammation of the skin and neurodermatitis is an alcohol tincture of chamomile. To prepare it, pour dry inflorescences with 70% alcohol (1:10), leave to infuse for 3 weeks, then strain and safely use.

Chamomile for weight loss

A healing plant in combination with other herbs helps to reset overweight. An infusion of chamomile, St. John's wort, birch buds and immortelle, taken in equal doses, should be drunk before each meal. The decoction effectively burns fat layers, while cleansing and rejuvenating the body.

Chamomile is a flower familiar to everyone since childhood. But have you ever wondered what benefits this beautiful plant brings? Today we’ll talk about the benefits and harms of this simple but very necessary plant, consider its contraindications and methods of use.

Benefits of chamomile

Despite the simplicity and availability of chamomile, it is a very valuable plant. It contains a large number of substances needed by our body. And the beneficial properties of the plant can be listed for a very long time.

The composition of chamomile is valuable because it contains:

• - A, C, D;
• essential oils;
• tannins;
• acids;
• flavonoids;
• polysaccharides;
• carotene, etc.

So what are the benefits of all these listed substances? Beneficial features daisies:

With such a rich track record, it is not surprising that chamomile is the most sought-after flower in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals.

Harm of chamomile

Even such a useful and harmless plant as chamomile can cause harm to the body. If it is not used correctly. Do not neglect the list of contraindications or exceed the dosage. If you use this plant enough for a long time, without interruption, you can get a large quantity side effects. Such as:

• headache;
• nausea;
• irritability;
• weakness.

You should use this plant with caution if you are prone to frequent allergies. It is also recommended to conduct an allergy test before using the product on infants.

Uses of chamomile

So, in what cases should chamomile flowers be used?

1. Inflammations and wounds on the skin.
2. Diseases of the biliary system.
3. , bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
4. Gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea and other stomach diseases.
5. Inflammation internal organs, for example, cystitis.
6. Irritation of the mucous membrane.
7. Allergies.
8. Eczema, ulcers, boils, burns.
9. Migraine.
10. Toothache and other types of pain.
11. Sleep problems.
12. Sprain.

• Hyperactivity and increased excitability of the central nervous system.
• Fever and high temperature.
• Bleeding in the female part, including postpartum.
• Malaria.
• Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pain syndrome during menstruation.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Pulmonary inflammatory processes.
• Viral colds.
• Decreased appetite.

Use the decoction for rinsing, steaming or rubbing:

1. Sore throat and diseases.
2. Dryness and tightness of the epidermis.
3. and inflammation of the skin.
4. Thrush.
5. Cystitis.
6. Cervical erosion.
7. Cosmetic purposes - skin whitening, acne treatment, relieving irritation and redness.
8. Aromatherapy, for disinfection of the room and the central nervous system.
9. Cramps.
10. Insect bites.
11. Eye irritation.
12. Dandruff.
13. Increased sweating.
14. Injury.
15. Rheumatism, gout.
16. Liver diseases.
17. Tired legs.

Chamomile can be used for up to 3 months without interruption. Usually, allergies and side effects do not arise.

Please note that douching with chamomile is not recommended in the following situations:

• period;
• pregnancy;
• age after 40 years, due to natural vaginal dryness;
• the first 30 days after childbirth, surgery;
• acute inflammatory processes.

By the way, a decoction of this flower can be given to children from 1 year old. It can also be used in more early age, in the form of baths or creams. Remember to dilute chamomile with water before using it on children.

Chamomile contraindications

For all its harmlessness and positive properties, chamomile has contraindications. Namely:

1. The period of bearing a baby.
2. Lactation.
3. Concomitant use with other potent drugs.
4. Before treating chronic diseases with chamomile, you should discuss this with your doctor.

If used incorrectly, side effects are possible in the form of:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• Quincke's edema;
• increased blood pressure;
• rash;
• itching;
• skin redness.

Chamomile tincture

In addition to using dry raw materials, you can purchase or make your own alcohol tincture daisies. It can be used when:

1. Stagnation of bile.
2. Malfunction of the liver.
3. Heart rhythm disturbances.
4. Lungs nervous states and overwork.
5. Disruption of work sebaceous glands during puberty.
6. Low blood pressure.
7. Sanitation of the oral cavity.
8. Gastritis and ulcers.
9. During periods of increased mental stress.
10. Some women's ailments.

You can prepare chamomile tincture at home as follows:

1. Take dried chamomile flowers.
2. Fill with vodka. For 1 part chamomile there are 5 parts vodka.
3. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking the container occasionally.
4. After 7 days, carefully squeeze out the raw materials and pour the liquid into a dark glass container. Store the tincture in the refrigerator.

The finished infusion has a rich Brown color. The liquid is clear and smells like a flower. It is recommended to coordinate the use with a specialist.

It is best to purchase ready-made raw materials at a pharmacy. When collecting plants yourself, you can confuse pharmaceutical chamomile with another variety, which cannot be taken orally.

Alcohol tincture of this plant contraindicated in the following cases:

• Acute gastrointestinal diseases.
• Pregnancy.
• Lactation.
• Children's age up to 12 years.
• Individual intolerance.

If using an alcohol tincture is not possible, prepare a decoction of the flowers. Just pour a tablespoon of dry raw material with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Cool and strain before use.

You can also place the flowers in an enamel bowl and boil. This method will help brew herbs better.

Chamomile for hair

Today many people give their preference to natural cosmetics, among which chamomile decoction takes pride of place. Benefits of chamomile for hair:

• increasing the natural shine of hair;
• ease of combing;
• hair reduction, strengthening of the hair follicle;
• getting rid of dandruff;
• restoration of hair after exposure chemicals- curling, coloring;
• soft

You can use chamomile for hair in the following ways:

• Rinse.
• Mask.
• Shampoo.

Rinsing can add shine and brightness to your hair. Masks are suitable for deep recovery. And the shampoo will help those who want to care for their curls during the washing procedure.

For rinsing and easy washing A regular decoction will do. How to do it is described above.

The best recipes for a hair mask with chamomile:

• Yolk of 1 egg, 50 g olive oil and 10 drops of essential oil. Mix the ingredients and apply an even layer over the entire length of the hair. Wrap in plastic and a towel. After 40-60 minutes, rinse off as usual. For owners oily skin head it is better to use alcohol tincture. Alcohol dries it out.
• Mix half a glass of chamomile decoction with 25 g, the same amount of honey and the juice of a quarter of a lemon. Apply to hair and wrap with film and a towel. After an hour, rinse your hair plain water. The use of shampoo is not recommended.
• Dissolve a tablespoon of honey in 100 ml of chamomile decoction and apply to hair. After 40 minutes, wash off.
• To activate hair growth, mix a couple of tablespoons of castor oil with a teaspoon of alcohol infusion hot pepper. Add the same amount of chamomile tincture and stir. The mask is applied only to the roots. After an hour, rinse your hair with plain water. It is better to warm up the oil a little before use.

Chamomile for face

Chamomile flowers - real ambulance at various problems with facial skin. Positive effects of chamomile on the skin:

• Relieves irritation.
• Eliminates redness.
• Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
• Treats acne.
• Relieves swelling.
• Makes it less bright.
• Smoothes out.
• Eliminates itching.

You can simply wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion. But it is best to use ice cubes with chamomile. Just pour the broth into molds and put it in the freezer. For oily skin, it is recommended to mix chamomile with lemon juice. You can replace it with vodka or vinegar.

Ice with chamomile, in addition to the above advantages, will also play a role beneficial stress. The skin, under the influence of ice, begins to produce more collagen. Which will lead to natural rejuvenation.

Chamomile essential oil has a high concentration useful substances. But using it in its pure form is not recommended. You can add a couple of drops of oil to your washing water or enrich your purchased facial care cosmetics with it.

Chamomile mask

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the simple but effective masks for using chamomile.

• Nourishing mask that relieves puffiness. Mix ripe strawberries with the following oils: chamomile, apricot, jojoba. Mash the strawberries, add oil and apply the mask for 20 minutes. Cover the area around the eyes with a napkin soaked in the juice from the mask. Instead of chamomile oil, you can use a decoction.
• A mask that increases skin elasticity. Chop chamomile flowers and fresh mint. Add honey and egg white. After 20-25 minutes, wash with cool water.
• For very dry skin, an infusion of chamomile with milk is suitable. Pour milk over the dry raw materials and leave for 10 days in a cool place. Strain the resulting liquid and wipe the skin with it.
• You can eliminate oily shine with chamomile compresses. And to cleanse skin prone to oiliness, you need to mix the decoction and a couple of tablespoons of natural yogurt. Wash off after half an hour using a face washcloth.

Chamomile. The favorite wildflowers of our people, without which not a single bouquet or wreath is complete, about which many beautiful and affectionate songs have been composed, are daisies. People often call chamomile chamomile, perhaps because the plant has a strong pleasant smell, reminiscent of the smell of ripe, ruddy apples.

There are many types of chamomile growing in our country, one of them - chamomile is medicinal and is a low annual herbaceous plant with a highly branched thick stem and small flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

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Also interesting is the fragrant chamomile, or ligulate chamomile, which differs from all other species in that its baskets do not have marginal ligulate flowers.

pharmaceutical camomile	Chamomile	Chamomile cornflower

Its homeland is the Pacific States North America . Back in the middle of the 19th century, this chamomile, as one of the rare foreign plants, was shown in the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden.

Scientists still express many hypotheses and assumptions, but still cannot come to a conclusion. unanimous opinion about how the “American” managed to acclimatize so quickly throughout almost the entire territory of Russia.

It is difficult to determine exactly when chamomile began to be used as medicine. In any case, we can find a description of this plant already in the famous encyclopedia on natural sciences, compiled by the famous ancient Roman physician Pliny the Elder.

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Properties and uses of chamomile

The uses of chamomile are extremely diverse.

IN traditional medicine most often used infusion or decoction of flowers(one tablespoon of dried flower baskets is brewed with a glass of boiling water and left for four hours), which is widely used for migraines, increased excitability, insomnia, stomach catarrh, malaria, toothache, liver inflammation, uterine bleeding, convulsions.

Often prescribed for scrofula, childhood eczema, gout, and articular rheumatism. chamomile baths, why 50-200 grams of finely crushed and well-dried aerial parts of chamomile are infused in a bucket of boiling water. Such baths also help with excessive sweating.

Chamomile flowers contain up to five percent essential oil, which has disinfectant, diaphoretic and choleretic effect. It has been established that this oil stimulates the activity of the central nervous system, increases heart rate, dilates blood vessels in the brain. The substance azulene, which is part of the essential oil, has a distinct anti-allergic effect, and the glycoside apiin relieves spasms of smooth muscles and eliminates intestinal spasms.

Chamomile for children

Chamomile decoction is used for bathing babies as a remedy for heat rash, as well as to relieve irritation from diapers. If you are planning to give small child chamomile decoction for drinking, be sure to consult your pediatrician first, since an allergic reaction is possible.

Homemade chamomile recipes

Very often, chamomile is mixed with other medicinal herbs to enhance the desired effect. Most often these plants are calendula, sage and St. John's wort. These herbs should be used with caution as they have a number of contraindications.

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Let's consider ways to prepare chamomile for further use.

Chamomile decoction

Preparation

1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water and soak for 10-15 minutes in a water bath. If the decoction is needed urgently, you can simply wrap the chamomile poured with boiling water well in a towel made of natural fabric and let it stand for 15-20 minutes. After the broth has cooled naturally, it is ready for use.

Application

Drink a decoction of this medicinal plant warm, one-third of a glass three times a day before meals. Can be used to gargle during a cold, as well as to wash the face for acne.

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Camomile tea

Preparation

To prepare chamomile infusion, pour 500 grams of boiling water over 100-150 grams of chamomile flowers and heat in a water bath for 20 minutes. After the infusion has cooled, strain it through several layers of gauze.

Application

Chamomile infusion is used externally to treat wounds and cuts, wash your face with it if you have acne, and also use it to rinse your hair after washing to strengthen it.

Chamomile oil

Preparation

To prepare chamomile oil, it is better to use freshly collected flowers of this plant, but in the absence of such, dried ones will do.

Pour 1 cup of chamomile flowers with 2 cups of vegetable or olive oil, cover with gauze and heat in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. The oil should be infused in a dry and dark place for at least 2 weeks, after which it will need to be strained through several layers of gauze. The shelf life of the product is no more than 2 years.

Application

Used externally, for compresses and applications in the fight against abscesses, acne, in case of injuries skin. Can be used as an additive for relaxing baths.

IN last years Chamomile flowers also contain a large amount of organic acids, vitamins, microelements, bitter substances, mucus, flavonoids, sugars, proteins and other biologically active compounds. Chamomile is often used in combination with other plants, such as fennel fruits, marshmallow and licorice roots, mint and yarrow leaves, wormwood herb, and valerian rhizome.

In the USA and some European countries, it is customary to serve chamomile tea with sugar and cream. Drinking a glass of this tea at night induces a sound, restful sleep. Chamomile is also used as an excellent remedy that improves appetite and promotes the absorption of nutrients.

Especially highly respected chamomile for perfumers and cosmetologists. Chamomile infusion is added to nourishing and fortified creams and is recommended for washing the face to improve skin tone (200 grams of flowers per 1 liter of water), as well as to reduce skin irritation when shaving. In this case, for compresses and lotions after shaving, brew one teaspoon of dry crushed chamomile flowers in a glass of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. It is useful to rinse tired and reddened eyelids in the morning and before bed with chamomile infusion, and to cleanse the face of dust, dirt and sweat, you can add a little alcohol and glycerin to this infusion.

If you boil four tablespoons of dry chamomile inflorescences for five minutes in one and a half liters of water and rinse your blond hair in the prepared broth after washing, it will become soft and shiny and acquire a beautiful golden hue.

In order to preserve as completely as possible the unique ensemble biologically active substances daisies, raw materials are collected only on dry sunny days and dried as soon as possible, scattering thin layer in the air in the shade or in dryers at a temperature not higher than 35 degrees.

Collection is done manually, plucking baskets without peduncles at the stage of horizontal arrangement of reed flowers (then they are especially rich in active substances), while trying to prevent other chamomile-like plants from getting into the raw material - dog's navel, or field "nivum", trireberna and especially pyrethrum - Dalmatian chamomile , from which “Persian powder” has been obtained since ancient times to combat bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches and other harmful insects.

Finished raw materials are stored in plywood boxes lined with thick white paper in a dry place for two years.

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With the plowing of virgin and fallow lands, many chamomile thickets were destroyed, and the plant had to be urgently brought into cultivation. Now it is grown in a number of regions of Belarus, Ukraine and Siberia.

Contraindications

Like most medicinal herbs, chamomile should be taken with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Possible allergy to plant pollen.