Chamomile Tea Benefits and How to Use It for Great Health

For centuries, people have been drinking chamomile tea for its delicious flavor and relaxing properties. In fact, it is the first choice of many people as a refreshing drink before going to bed. It is reckoned that over 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed every day! However, studies show that there is more to chamomile tea than just being an enjoyable drink and in fact chamomile tea has a lot of health benefits and you can use it to for a great health.

What is Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a species of plant which has flowers resembling daisies. There are a number of species of chamomile plant, but chamomile tea is generally made from only two of these, German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

The tea can be made by using both dried flowers or fresh flowers and if you use fresh flowers, you will need about double the amount. When the flowers are put in hot water, the essentials oils contained in the plant are released. The tea or infusion can then be used hot or cold to get the health benefits from it.d

 

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is one of the most well-documented medicinal plants in the world and various studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it has been used for centuries both topically and orally to treat a number of different kinds of health issues.

For example, chamomile has been used topically to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, burns, and various skin infections. Orally, it has been used to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep patterns, and relieve intestinal discomfort.

So, how can you use chamomile tea to get all the amazing health benefits from it?

Chamomile Tea for Sleep

One of the most common ways to use chamomile tea is as a sleep aid, and it is one of the best herbs for insomnia.

A study published by the Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin showed that chamomile has an effect similar to benzodiazepine drugs (commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and help induce sleep) and can help you fall asleep faster. Other studies on humans have shown that chamomile extract can help some people get to sleep better.

So, drinking a cup of chamomile tea about 30 minutes before going to bed can help you fall asleep quicker.

Chamomile Tea for Anxiety

Because chamomile tea has a calming effect on the brain and can help get to sleep quicker, it is no surprise that it can help reduce anxiety.

Chamomile contains high amounts of the flavonoid apigenin which is known to reduce anxiety.

Research into chamomile tea on general anxiety disorders has shown that extracts of chamomile have an effect similar to anti-anxiety medication, but without the side effects of drugs.

To enjoy the calming effects of chamomile, you can make a chamomile infusion by letting 2 tsp of dried chamomile flowers steep in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Always keep a lid on the cup while it is infusing so that the essential oils don’t evaporate.

Chamomile Tea to Heal Wounds

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chamomile make it an excellent treatment for cuts, wounds, and scabs.

In one trial an extract of chamomile was mixed with olive oil and applied to burn wounds twice daily. The wounds that had the chamomile applied to it healed quicker.

To clean wounds and help them heal faster, make a strong infusion of chamomile tea and allow the tea to cool. You can use a cotton pad dipped in the chamomile infusion to gently apply to the wound. Or you could mix some of the infusion with aloe vera which is also great for skin healing

 Alternatively, you can dip a cloth in the chamomile tea infusion and use as a compress on the affected area.

Chamomile Tea for Digestive Problems

Chamomile tea can also work wonders for the digestive system and it is one of the traditional uses of chamomile tea.

It has been shown in studies that chamomile tea extracts can help stimulate processes in the body which inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation. The properties of chamomile tea also help stimulate the body to produce more digestive juices.

Chamomile tea contains bisabolol which is can help to prevent and treat ulcers, both externally and internally.

Chamomile tea is one of the top 10 herbal teas that will work wonders on your digestion, so if you have stomach cramps, excess gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other kinds of problems in the digestive tract, drink a cup of chamomile tea in the morning and evening to relieve your symptoms and will allow to get all the other chamomile tea benefits.

Chamomile Tea for Stronger Immune System

By drinking chamomile tea regularly you can also strengthen your immune system and suffer from fewer colds, flu, or other types of infections.

An interesting study showed that by drinking chamomile tea 5 times a day, the levels of antibacterial activity in the body of those people participating increased.

To boost your immune system, especially if you know that friends and family around you have colds, drink chamomile tea frequently during the day.

Chamomile Tea for Healthy Skin

Chamomile tea can help in keeping skin healthy and free of oxidants. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties can do wonders to keep your skin looking and feeling wonderful.

You can make a facial toner from chamomile tea by putting 2 tea bags of chamomile tea in 1 cups of boiling water and leave it covered until it cools down. Remove the tea bags and add 10 drops of lemon juice and keep it a clean bottle. Then with a cotton pad, use it daily as a skin toner.

Alternatively, you can let the steam vapors of chamomile tea go to work on your face. To do this, boil 2 cups of water with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place a towel over your head and place your face in the steam. This can help to condition and lighten your skin. It is also a good way to prevent acne breakouts.

Chamomile Tea for Weight Loss

Drinking chamomile tea regularly can assist in weight loss. As I’ve already noted, chamomile tea can help in improving the body’s digestive system. This helps the body to break down fat and cholesterol.

To use chamomile tea for lose weight, drink a cup of chamomile tea before each meal.

There is also a beneficial side-effect from taking chamomile tea regularly in losing weight. This is because it is a known fact that a person’s quality of sleep can directly influence weight . Because regular use of chamomile tea can help you sleep better, it has the good side effect of helping you lose weight.

Chamomile Tea for ADHD

In some cases, the calming effect of chamomile tea can have a beneficial effect on people who suffer from Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A small study showed positive results when chamomile extract was given to patients diagnosed with ADHD.

Chamomile Tea for Diabetes Patients

One health issue for people with diabetes is to control sugar levels, especially after meals. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that consuming chamomile tea with meals can help prevent high blood sugar levels and other diabetic complications.

If you suffer from diabetes, then taking a refreshing cup of chamomile tea with each meal can help in the management of diabetes.

Chamomile Tea for Tired Eyes

To relieve the symptoms of dry and tired eyes, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can help.

What’s great about chamomile tea bags is that you have a ready-made eye compress and it is a great way to resuse teabags after you have made your chamomile tea!

Chamomile Tea and Cancer

Various types of tea have been shown to offer some amazing health benefits but chamomile tea can be particularly beneficial when it comes to preventing and fighting cancer.

The active component in chamomile tea is called apigenin, and researchers have found that apigenin can help to stop the spread of cancer cells.

Cancer cells live longer than normal healthy cells and this is one of the factors that allow cancer cells to spread and proliferate. Many of the modern cancer drugs are designed to cause cancer cells to die like normal cells.

Study #1

Researchers at Ohio State University showed that apigenin causes cancer cells to die at a rate equivalent to normal cells. They found that apigenin helped to curb the spread of breast cancer. Chamomile has not only been found to be effective against breast cancer, but research shows that chamomile is effective against many other forms of cancer.

Study #2

In another study published in the Journal of European Health, scientists found that the consumption of chamomile tea protected individuals from developing thyroid cancer.

The study showed the longer you drink chamomile tea, the higher your protection against thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer.

Why Chamomile Tea Fights Cancer

In an effort to find out how chamomile tea protects against cancer, scientists studied the chemical compounds in chamomile tea and how it works. Researchers found that the ingredients in Chamomile tea selectively targeted and killed cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Reducing is a vital key to prevent and fight cancer. Inflammation is a natural process but it can damage your body and cellular DNA, which can signal the start of cancer.

By regulating inflammation, you effectively control one of the major factors known to cause cancer. Stress is another important factor linked to cancer. Chamomile tea fights stress and it helps to reduce inflammation.

In a study published in the Journal of Life Sciences, scientists proved that chamomile regulates the compounds that cause inflammation. Chamomile tea therefore protects against cancer and a host of other modern diseases like cardiovascular disease, asthma, and athritis , all of which are associated with inflammation in the body.

Which Type of Chamomile to Use

Chamomile tea is a natural relaxant and it is great for relieving your anxiety and stress. There are two types of chamomile tea, Roman chamomile and German chamomile, but both contain apigenin so it is really up to you which type of chamomile you prefer.

To get the best benefits of this healthful and delicious tea, steep a cup and drink at least one cup every night.

Chamomile Tea for Menstrual Cramps

Chamomile tea also contains glycine, an amino acid which can help to relieve muscle spasms, including uterine cramps. To relieve menstrual cramps during their period, women should drink 4 to 5 cups of chamomile tea a day. This also has the added benefit of relaxing nerves as well.

Chamomile Tea for Your Hair

Chamomile tea bags can be used to make a hair rinse which will bring out blonde highlights.

Use 5-6 tea bags per 2 cups of hot water to make an infusion and rinse your hair with it after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair and then let your hair air-dry out. This is a gradual natural lightening process so you need to be patient.

How to Make a Great Cup of Chamomile Tea

It is very easy to make a refreshing cup of healthy chamomile tea.

The easiest way is to pour boiling water into a cup of water and let a chamomile tea bag (or 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or double the amount for fresh flowers) infuse for a few minutes.

You can decrease or increase the steeping time for a weaker or stronger infusion.

Then pour the infusion through a tea strainer into a cup.

Chamomile Tea Side Effects

Chamomile tea is generally safe to consume. If you are taking a large amount of chamomile tea over a long period of time, then you should view this as a dietary supplement. As with all dietary supplements, you should let your let your doctor know if you are taking medication or planning to undergo surgery.

Chamomile Tea and Pregnancy

According to The American Pregnancy Association, chamomile tea can help pregnant women because it contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium.

It is also a natural way to improve sleep patterns and also reduce inflammation.

However according to researchers due to insufficient reliable information available it is recommended to avoid drinking it. Most health practitioners believe that drinking a small amount a day should be fine.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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8 Remarkable Health Benefits and Uses of Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is quite an interesting herb, as in itself, it’s a naturally-occurring hybrid created by crossing two mint varieties - water mint and spearmint. And while most of us drink peppermint tea and diffuse peppermint essential oil in our homes because it just tastes and smells nice, we are here to tell you this gentle aromatic herb is also nothing short of incredible in terms of its health benefits.

In fact, peppermint offers a wide range of unique science-approved properties we can use to improve seasonal allergy symptoms, ease stomach cramps, and bring relief to migraines, just to name some. In this article, you'll learn what concerns peppermint is most beneficial for and how to use this herb to improve your wellbeing. 

 

What Is Peppermint and How Is It Different from Other Mint Varieties?  

Peppermint is a hybrid mint species native to Europe and the Middle East that can be distinguished from other mint varieties for its pointy and smooth leaves. Peppermint was used for medicinal purposes and pleasant yet strong aroma in both Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt millennia ago, though it was only recognized as a separate mint variety in the 17th century. Peppermint Health Benefits peppermint plant

Menthol, one of the key essential oils in peppermint, is known for its cooling and soothing properties, and peppermint, in particular, offers the highest concentrations of menthol compared to other mint subspecies. Today, peppermint is used to flavor self-care items like mouthwash, cosmetics, particularly shampoos, foods, e.g. mints and gum, and medical ointments, such as chest rubs, as well as countless other products. 

 

The herb is widely available in different forms: 

 

Fresh and dry leaves are added to foods and used to prepare tea 

 

Peppermint essential oil is used in cooking, DIY, and commercial products 

 

Peppermint supplements are consumed for wellness reasons. 

 

Keep in mind that you can ingest and apply peppermint oil topically on your skin, but you can only use 2-3 drops diluted with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil or rosehip oil, for example, as higher doses can be toxic and cause symptoms like nausea, skin rashes, etc., especially in children. That’s why it’s best not to use peppermint oil alone as a chest rub for kids. Peppermint oil is also known to not mix well with certain medications, so consult with your doctor if you're on any medication and want to start taking a peppermint supplement every day. Below we list some of the most prominent and scientifically-backed health benefits of peppermint:  

 

1. Helps Digestive Issues and Stomach Cramps

 

Peppermint can be used to relieve indigestion, stomach cramps, and nausea. Studies conducted on children suffering from stomach cramps and chemotherapy patients have shown that peppermint reduced the severity of their digestive symptoms. There is also evidence that IBS symptoms, such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation are reduced by 40% after just 4 weeks of daily intake of supplements containing peppermint oil. 

 

Scientists believe that peppermint oil contains compounds capable of relaxing the GI tract and relieving muscle spasm in the digestive system, and animal models have confirmed this. That being said, people who take medications intended to reduce the acidity of the stomach and those who suffer from heartburn should be careful and inform their doctor if they are taking peppermint oil or a supplement on a daily basis.

 

2. Ameliorates Blocked Sinuses

When you have a stuffy nose, be it as a result of a cold, the flu, allergies, or anything else, hydration is key. But why not supplement that hydration with something extra capable of reducing nasal congestion and killing those germs? A perfect candidate is peppermint tea and peppermint oil, which are known to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that will help you get rid of that stuffy nose and let you breathe easier. 

 

Apart from that, peppermint is rich in menthol, which improves the sensation of airflow through the nose when inhaled, and this can provide added relief to patients suffering from nasal congestion. 

 

3. Provides an Energy Boost and Helps You Focus

It also appears that inhaling peppermint oil is capable of boosting your cognition, too. For one, peppermint has been shown to increase focus, alertness and the ability to memorize new information in a 2008 study. Other research also supports that smelling peppermint can make you more alert, since participants who experience daytime sleepiness reported to be more awake after they smelled peppermint oil, and the movements of their pupils also measured in the study further supported the participants' responses. 

 

So, maybe it's worth switching from coffee to peppermint tea, or simply diffuse some peppermint in the room, if you need that extra boost of energy and focus throughout the day.

4. Kills Germs in Your Mouth and Prolongs a Fresh Breath

As mentioned previously, peppermint has antimicrobial properties. In fact, test-tube studies have confirmed that it helps kill such common germs as E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause a wide range of different infections in the human body. The germs that live in your mouth and cause plaque are not saved from peppermint either, which is exactly why it is added to toothpastes and mouthwash so often.

 

5. Helps Tension Headaches and Migraines

Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, may be capable of decreasing the pain intensity in migraine sufferers and relieving other symptoms of migraines, such as nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Tension headaches may also be improved with the help of peppermint oil. To use peppermint to reduce headaches and migraines, dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil, and apply a drop of the mixture on your temples and forehead. 

 

6. Improves Menstrual Cramps

As we've mentioned above, peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant, which is why it has been suggested to improve menstrual cramps. One article that included women who experience painful periods found that peppermint supplements helped relieve menstrual cramps equally as well as NSAID pain relief medications. Some suggest peppermint tea may work just as well. 

 

7. Curbs Your Appetite

Needless to say, drinking unsweetened herbal tea like peppermint tea is a good way to diversify your drinks without having to resort to soda and other high-calorie beverages. In addition to that, however, there is also one study showing that peppermint oil supplements can reduce the appetite in healthy individuals, so peppermint could be beneficial for weight loss, too.  

 

8. Brings Relief to Seasonal Allergies

Nasal congestion is one of those uncomfortable symptoms of allergies that peppermint can relieve, as we've previously discussed. However, there is one more way peppermint can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, and a compound called rosmarinic acid also present both in rosemary and peppermint might be why. 

 

It seems like rosmarinic acid is capable of reversing the immune reaction triggered by seasonal allergens and reducing symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion. In fact, a rosmarinic acid supplement was shown to be effective at reducing all of these allergy symptoms in a 2004 study. Thus, peppermint as well might be capable of the same.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement