Chamomile is a medicinal plant, also known as Margaça, Chamomile-common, Chamomile-common, Macela-noble, Macela-galega or Chamomile, widely used in the treatment of anxiety, due to its calming effect.
Its scientific name is Matriaria recutita and can be purchased in health food stores, drugstores, and in some markets, in the form of sachets.
What is it for
Chamomile is used to help treat skin irritations, colds, nasal inflammations, sinusitis, poor digestion, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and difficulty sleeping, for example.
properties
Chamomile's properties include its healing stimulating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and soothing action.
How to use chamomile
The used parts of Chamomile are its flowers to make teas, inhalations, sitz baths or compresses.
- Inhalation for sinusitis: add 6 teaspoons of Chamomile flowers in a pan with 1.5 L of boiling water. Then, place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a large towel. Breathe in the steam for 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Tea to calm: put 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water, let stand for 5 minutes, strain and drink after the meal. See what other teas you can prepare using dried plant flowers in Benefits of Chamomile Tea. Compress for skin irritations: add 6 g of dried Chamomile flowers in 100 ml of boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. Then strain, wet a compress or cloth and apply over the affected area.
See another use of chamomile tea: Homemade remedy for burping.
Side effects and contraindications
Chamomile tea should not be taken during pregnancy, nor should its essential oil be used as it can cause uterine contraction. Thus, it is contraindicated during pregnancy, and should not be used directly inside the eyes.
