Chamomile tea: useful properties and contraindications

Chamomile is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and includes more than 15 varieties of short grasses. Dried flowers of this plant can be part of healing herbal gatherings or used to prepare chamomile tea, which in turn is one of the best natural remedies for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Composition and calories

Tea from dried chamomile flowers is not just delicious and fragrant, but also incredibly useful drink. Even in ancient times, people knew about its healing properties. However, they could not explain their nature. Today, every second person knows that the useful properties of a particular product are due to the presence in its composition of vitamins and other nutrients needed to maintain health.

Studies have shown that chamomile and teas based on it are a rich source of beneficial substances. Chamomile tea contains many vitamins:

• А;
• beta-carotene;
• B-group;
• ascorbic acid;
• PP.

Speaking of the chemical composition of chamomile tea, it is impossible not to mention the mineral complex that it contains. The drink is saturated with:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• copper;
• fluorine;
• Zinc.

Another positive characteristic of tea made from dried chamomile flowers is that it does not contain cholesterol and caffeine, and the caloric value is extremely low and is only 1 kcal per 100 ml.

Looking at the composition of chamomile tea, it is safe to say that this drink can not just improve the physical condition of the person, but also to be part of the complex therapy during the treatment of a disease. It can act as a complementary medicinal agent that can enhance the effect of medications and accelerate the healing process.

How helpful is chamomile tea

General benefits

Chamomile tea, like many other drinks made from herbs, can be used as a healing agent during the exacerbation of many diseases and as a preventive drink at high risk of developing a number of pathologies. So, for example, it is recommended to use it for people suffering from all kinds of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, including:

• from acute or chronic gastritis;
• intestinal colic;
• a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• Disorders of gastric microflora.

This drink is also useful during the spread of colds. Vitamin C, which is included in its composition, can increase the protective functions of the body, which in turn will help to significantly reduce the risk of colds and respiratory infections.

Herbalists advise to pay attention to the tea from chamomile in the cold season. The daily use of chamomile tea in the autumn-winter period will help not only to keep away from the colds, but also to keep a good mood.

Many people perceive teas, which include chamomile flowers, as an anticold remedy. Of course, there is no need to argue with this. However, we should not forget about the fact that chamomile tea has excellent antibacterial properties, too. It is thanks to them, it can be included in the complex therapy in the treatment of diseases of the urogenital system, pyelonephritis, food poisoning, as well as for the removal of toxins, slags and other harmful substances from the body.

Experts also note the fact that this drink contains such a substance as nicotinic acid. This allows using it as a means of reducing body weight. And the presence of vitamin PP in the composition of chamomile makes it possible to use such teas as a treatment for diabetes of any type.

However, this is not the end of the useful properties of chamomile tea. The systematic use of this drink is an improvement in the central nervous system. It helps to relax after a hard day, to calm down and get rid of the effects of stressful situations. This drink is recommended to people who complain of insomnia, nervousness and irritability.

In addition, chamomile flower tea can be called an excellent remedy for such problems as:

• migraine;
• pronounced pain syndrome during menstruation;
• Increased levels of harmful cholesterol;
• disorders of the kidneys;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• gallstones.

Based on this, we can say that tea made from dried chamomile flowers should be present in the daily diet of each person. This will help to maintain good health and prevent the development of dangerous pathological processes that can negatively affect the quality of life.

For women

The benefits of chamomile tea is also that this drink is able to have an amazing effect on the female body. It is recommended not only for the prevention of colds, depression, nervousness, and as a pain reliever, but also in the case of diseases of the female urogenital system. Chamomile tea will help to relieve internal and external inflammation, which allows you to use it as a means for oral administration, douches and as a therapeutic baths.

This drink will keep not only the health of the fairer sex, but also attractiveness. Thanks to its rich composition, it will be able to return skin elasticity, get rid of minor wrinkles and improve the condition of problematic skin, getting rid of rashes and returning a healthy complexion.

For men

Practicing doctors claim that chamomile tea is also useful for the representatives of the stronger half of mankind. It is recommended for use when the following disorders are detected:

1. Erectile dysfunction. One way or another, such a problem is faced by many men. According to qualified specialists, the main causes of its occurrence are disorders of the psychoemotional state of a man, constant overwork and excessive physical exertion. Chamomile tea is able to cope with each of them, which in turn will lead to the normalization of potency.
2. Hormonal disorders. Reduced levels of testosterone can cause the development of serious pathological processes. Regular consumption of tea based on chamomile flowers will help to prevent the occurrence of such conditions.
3. Diseases of the urogenital system. This drink is recommended for use in the detection of diseases such as prostatitis and pathologies, the cause of the development of which is the penetration of infection into the body.
4. Low quality of seminal fluid. Substances present in the composition of chamomile tea have a beneficial effect on the quality of seminal fluid, which can increase the activity of sperm.

However, it is also worth noting the fact that the consumption of chamomile tea for the treatment of one of the above-mentioned disorders is not always advisable. That is why it is strictly forbidden to treat without the knowledge of the treating physician! Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess the need to include this natural remedy in a comprehensive therapy and exclude all possible risks associated with its consumption.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman should carefully monitor her daily diet. From some products and drinks it is better for a woman to refuse, while others are recommended to consume in large quantities. To what group does chamomile tea belong? Probably, the fact that this drink does not belong to any of them, will surprise many people. However, this is really true. Pregnant women are not recommended to consume too much chamomile drink, but also to exclude it from the daily menu is not worth it.

Getting into the female body in small quantities, chamomile tea will help prevent the occurrence of frequent colds, relieve inflammatory processes occurring in the body, normalize sleep, getting rid of insomnia, improve psycho-emotional state.

Breastfeeding

Chamomile is one of the few herbs that are allowed to use during lactation. However, you should not forget that you can take teas on its basis only in the presence of certain indications, such as:

1. Disturbances in the nervous system of a nursing woman. Young mothers often face such problems as insomnia, irritability and depression. Get rid of them can be tea, prepared on the basis of dried chamomile flowers.
2. Colds, flu and other viral infections. During the lactation period, many medications are contraindicated for women, which makes the treatment of a number of diseases much more difficult. Chamomile tea can be a solution to this problem. It will be able to activate local immunity, will have a scanning effect on the respiratory organs and help the young mother to quickly cope with the disease.
3. Skin diseases. Often breastfeeding women also face the problem of cracked skin, as well as the appearance of severe rashes and inflammation on it. Chamomile tea, used in the form of lotions, will help accelerate the healing of microcracks, prevent the penetration of infection and reduce inflammation.
4. Diseases of the genitourinary system. In the postpartum period, women are often diagnosed with diseases of the genitourinary system. Baths, douches and oral use of compositions that include chamomile will help to quickly and effectively cope with such problems.

With proper use, chamomile tea will help a young mother to maintain her health and keep her attractiveness, without causing any harm not only to herself, but also to the child.

For children

In the absence of individual intolerance and other contraindications that imply a complete refusal to use this drink, chamomile tea can be given even to infants. However, do not forget that the amount of consumption of this drink should be strictly limited, and before introducing it into the children's menu, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician.

With the correct introduction of chamomile tea to children's diet, it is capable of:

1. Normalize sleep.
2. Relieve the burden on the baby's nervous system, reducing the likelihood of the development of many disorders.
3. Prevent the occurrence of diseases due to the development of gastrointestinal disorders.
4. Get rid of flatulence.
5. Improve immunity.
6. Get rid of colic, which is often disturbing to infants.

When losing weight.

The fact that chamomile tea is one of the most ideal drinks for people who want to get rid of excess weight, says all qualified dieticians. This drink has many beneficial properties and is capable:

1. Accelerate metabolic processes occurring in the body.
2. To eliminate excess fluid from the body, which is important for people who are trying to lose weight.
3. Have a mild laxative effect.
4. Remove substances that poison the human body (toxins, toxins, radionuclides).
5. Normalize the work of the organs involved in the digestive process.
6. Improve the work of the central nervous system, thereby preventing the desire to "binge" on problems.

However, chamomile does not have a clear fat-burning effect, so expect it only from the use of chamomile tea is not worth it. He will show all its useful properties and help speed up the process of getting rid of extra pounds, but only if it will be used during the diet.

Chamomile tea in medicine

Herbal teas, including chamomile tea, have long been used as a preventive and therapeutic agent in the detection of many dangerous diseases. In this case, the useful properties of tea made from dried chamomile flowers, confirms and modern medicine. Therapists say that the use of this tea will help to cope with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gynecological diseases, as well as with pathological processes developing in the organs of the genitourinary system. However, in some cases, to manifest its useful properties of chamomile will only be able to complex therapy, which is important to consider when deciding on the treatment of this natural remedy.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus today is one of the most common diseases, and the symptoms that accompany it can significantly worsen the quality of life of the patient. Recent studies have shown that to cope with the manifestations of this disease can be chamomile tea. He will help to significantly reduce the level of sugar in the patient's blood and prevent the development of complications that often arise as a consequence of this disease, including:

• complete or partial loss of vision;
• serious disorders of the kidneys;
• Diseases resulting from CNS disorders;
• heart disease;
• hyperglycemia.

Scientists managed to find out that 500 ml of chamomile tea a day can reduce glucose levels by as much as 25%, which can be called a real breakthrough and perhaps even the first step toward the invention of a drug that can completely cure diabetes.

In pancreatitis

Treatment of pancreatitis requires not only the regular use of medications, but also compliance with a strict diet. It implies a complete or partial refusal of many familiar foods and drinks, including chamomile tea, which is explained by the presence of choleretic properties of this drink. The thing is that its consumption can lead to a sharp release of bile, which provokes the deterioration of the patient and becomes the impetus for the development of related diseases.

However, it is worth considering the fact that chamomile has a diarrheal effect, is an excellent antiseptic, can relieve pain syndrome and accelerate the healing of wounds. These properties of the plant allow physicians to include it in the complex therapy, but only if the risks from its consumption are minimal, and the patient will comply with the recommended dosages.

Based on these facts, we can say that the benefits of chamomile tea in pancreatitis is a controversial issue. In some cases, this drink will be able to speed up the process of recovery, in others it will aggravate the condition of the patient. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use it as a remedy for the treatment of this disease without prior consultation with the attending physician!

Gastritis

Gastritis - a disease that requires special attention and proper treatment. In the case of its occurrence, chamomile will be an excellent helper. Tea, prepared on the basis of this plant, will help normalize the secretory function of the mucous membranes of the affected organ and protect its walls from the negative effects of gastric juice. This will help speed up the healing process and relieve unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

For the intestines

Tea, prepared on the basis of chamomile flowers, will have a beneficial effect on the intestines as well. The use of this drink will help to strengthen the peristalsis of the intestine, get rid of discomfort and pain localized in the abdomen, and normalize the microflora. However, it is not recommended to use it in constant pain. Such manifestations require seeking medical help and may indicate the need for urgent treatment.

In case of constipation.

Chamomile tea is also recommended to consume in cases of stagnant stools. This healing remedy will have a mild, laxative effect, softening the feces and facilitating the act of defecation.

For the Liver

Tea, prepared on the basis of chamomile flowers, is able to have a beneficial effect on the work of the liver. Doctors recommend to use it for those people who are used to eating too much fatty food, often drink alcoholic beverages and have to take a large number of medications every day. The drink will help cleanse the liver from accumulated toxins and prevent the development of such dangerous diseases as cirrhosis.

In cholecystitis.

The use of chamomile tea as a remedy for cholecystitis is appropriate only if it is not accompanied by cholelithiasis. However, physicians recommend to refrain from drinking this healing drink until the onset of a stable remission. After the acute period of the disease has passed, chamomile tea will help the patient to restore the functions of the damaged organs, increase immunity, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and can prevent the recurrence of the pathology.

With colds

Folk healers and many qualified therapists call chamomile a natural antibiotic. And it is well deserved. Polysaccharides, vitamin C, antioxidants, tannins, flavonoids and other nutrients, which are present in the composition of this plant, make teas prepared on its basis, a means that can cure many diseases, including colds. In this case, you can use such a drink not only for the treatment of adults, but also for children. A glass of such a tea will help:

• relieve inflammation;
• reduce pain syndrome;
• reduce fever;
• Get rid of a coughing fit.

For coughs

This drink is also effective in the treatment of coughs of different etiologies. It is used as a warming drink, and as a means to gargle the throat. In this case, the effect of its use will be noticed after the first procedure. A glass of drank tea will relieve an attack of a strong cough, reduce the pain in the throat and help to sleep.

However, it is worth considering the fact that the use of chamomile tea to treat coughs as an independent means is not always advisable. For example, with acute bronchitis, this drink can be part of a complex therapy. In this case, without medicines, alas, can not do without.

From insomnia

Chamomile, perhaps, can be called one of the best natural remedies for insomnia. A tea made from the flowers of this plant will help relieve anxiety, calm down and sleep soundly.

When poisoned

The most common cause of poisoning is putrefactive bacteria that enter the human body through the consumption of low-quality food, contaminated water or poorly washed hands. Intoxication of the body occurs due to its poisoning by products of pathogens, and the first signs of its occurrence are:

• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• drowsiness;
• severe weakness.

In some cases, poisoning may be accompanied by a severe headache, fever, rashes and visual disturbances.

To cope with each of these symptoms and remove toxins from the body will help chamomile tea. The components that are present in its composition will help:

• relieve inflammation;
• excrete harmful substances;
• get rid of diarrhea;
• Relieve pain in the abdomen;
• Protect the mucous membranes of internal organs;
• heal minor injuries.

If you follow the recommended dosages, chamomile will help to cope with poisoning without any harm to the body.

In case of sore throat

Chamomile shows its healing properties and in the treatment of angina, which is easily explained by the presence in its composition of esters that can relieve inflammation, suppress pathogenic viruses and bacteria. In addition, this drink will help reduce the elevated body temperature and relieve the pain syndrome that occurs as a result of a strong lesion of the mucous membrane of the throat.

In this case, chamomile tea can be used not only for oral administration, but also as a means to gargle the throat. However, as an independent remedy, chamomile tea is not able to fully cope with this disease. Medics advise to use it as an auxiliary agent, including in the composition of a complex, medicinal therapy.

Chamomile tea in cosmetology

The fact that chamomile tea is the best way to preserve youth and attractiveness is affirmed, if not by every first, then by every second cosmetologist. Cosmetic products containing this product will help:

• get rid of acne;
• tighten pores;
• Remove shine from the skin of the face;
• smooth out small wrinkles;
• remove unwanted pigmentation;
• even out complexion;
• remove dark circles under the eyes;
• moisturize dry skin;
• Relieve inflammatory processes.

There are many recipes for home care cosmetics, which includes chamomile tea, but only some of them are considered the most effective.

1. Chamomile ice. To make this remedy, you will need only chamomile tea and an ice mold. Make the tea, cool it, pour it into a mold and put it in the freezer. Rub your face daily with chamomile ice, and in just a few treatments, the skin will have a healthy appearance, the skin will be tighter, pleasing you with its softness and radiance.
2. Chamomile mask for dry skin. A mixture of 100 ml of chamomile tea, 10 g of sour cream and 1 chicken egg will improve the condition of dry skin. Apply it to the skin, leave it to work for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with cool water. Such a mask will make the skin fresher, even out the complexion, nourish with useful elements.
3. Remedy for oily skin. A simple mask made of 150 grams of natural curd cheese and 30 ml of chamomile tea will help to cope with oily shine and narrow pores. Mix ingredients in indicated quantities, apply to previously cleansed skin and wash off after 10-15 minutes.

Cosmetologists note that before using home cosmetics that contain chamomile and its derivatives, you should test for allergic reactions. Apply a small amount to the inner part of the elbow bend, hold for 7-10 minutes and wash off without using soap or any other means. If after such procedure minor rashes, itching, redness or swelling of varying intensity appears on the skin, you will have to refuse to use it.

Remember! The effect of natural cosmetics appears only over time. The first results from its use can be seen after 3-4 treatments.

Harms and Contraindications

Tea, made on the basis of dried chamomile flowers, has long been used to treat many diseases. However, this does not mean that this drink is completely harmless. In addition to its useful properties, it has some contraindications, the neglect of which can lead to the development of undesirable consequences.

Medics advise to refuse treatment with this drink in the case of individual intolerance to chamomile, as well as in the presence of stones in the kidneys or gallbladder.

Harm from the consumption of chamomile tea is also observed if the patient neglects the recommendations given by the doctor. It is for this reason, you should not exceed the permitted daily rate and independently prolong the course of treatment.

When and how to collect chamomile for tea

The collection of chamomile for tea should be made in the second month of summer. At the same time, it is better to collect flowers early in the morning, in dry, sunny weather. Choose those inflorescences that have not yet begun to fade, cutting their third part of the stem with a sharp knife. Such flowers will contain the maximum number of nutrients and will be ideal for making herbal teas.

Remember! You can collect chamomile only in the fields, in the woods or in the countryside, which is far from the busy highways and industrial plants. Only in this case, the flowers of the plant will not contain toxins and other substances that can negatively affect human health.

How to brew chamomile tea

After collecting chamomile flowers, you can proceed to the preparation of herbal tea. There are many recipes for chamomile tea, but the most popular remains the classic version, which requires only a few ingredients:

• 5 g of dried chamomile flowers.
• 200 ml of purified water.

The preparation of the tea consists of several steps:

1. Pour the specified amount of liquid into an enameled container of suitable size. Bring the water to a boil and remove from the fire.
2. Pour into a container of dried flowers of chamomile, stir and leave to brew for 7-10 minutes, first closing the container with a tight lid.
3. After the specified time, strain the tea with gauze and let it cool a little.

Chamomile tea should be drunk warm. To improve the taste of this drink, you can add a small amount of honey, sugar or mint to it.

How often you can drink

To chamomile tea was the most useful and could not cause the development of unpleasant consequences, it should be consumed in limited quantities. For an adult, the daily rate of consumption of tea made from chamomile, is 300 ml. At the same time, the specified volume should be divided into 3 intakes.

Universal scheme of treatment with chamomile tea implies a weekly intake of the drink, which should be followed by a one-week break. Only a treating physician can prolong its use.

Interesting facts about chamomile

Chamomile is a plant that grows in many countries and is successfully used to treat many diseases. This fact is known to everyone. However, hardly many people are aware of such facts:

1. Chamomile is a symbol of clean breathing, which is used to promote the fight against tuberculosis.
2. In ancient times, chamomile flowers were attributed the ability to reconcile people.
3. Ancient peoples associated chamomile flowers with goodness.
4. The chamomile oil, extracts, and decoctions made from this plant are widely used by cosmetologists and are included in many cosmetic products used to improve the condition of the skin.
5. Chamomile is a natural antidepressant.
6. Tibetan monks use it to preserve their youth and health. They drink chamomile decoction for a long time and repeat such therapy every 5 years.
7. Chamomile has been used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract since ancient times.
8. The Bulgarians and Czechs were the first to use chamomile decoctions for the treatment of female illnesses.

However, the most interesting fact is that chamomile has many medicinal properties and can be used both for treating various pathologies and for preserving beauty and youth.

Chamomile tea is a delicious, fragrant drink. This drink can be not only a gastronomic pleasure, but also of great benefit. However, it should be consumed correctly. Failure to follow the recommendations and neglect contraindications can lead to the development of serious negative consequences, which, in turn, will become the trigger for the development of serious diseases.

Photo of chamomile tea