This article is dedicated to chamomile . Its use has a very ancient origin, especially in the form of an infusion, which has become one of the most consumed in the world thanks mainly to its soothing and digestive properties.

In this way, we will see exactly what chamomile is, what its main properties and benefits are, and how we have to do it to prepare a good infusion of this medicinal plant, widely known around the world.

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is an herbaceous plant that can reach 60 cm in height. It was originally distributed in the Balkan area, North Africa and Western Asia, but now it is cultivated in many countries of the world such as Spain and Argentina.

S e is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known , and it is believed that interest in it arose because of its intense aroma. This led to the discovery of the different properties that made it so famous.

Camomile is currently one of the most widely consumed plants in the form of an infusion.
Some people talk about “chamomile tea”, but this is a somewhat incorrect expression. If we want to refer to the preparation with hot water of this or any other plant that is not tea (black tea, green tea, etc.), it is necessary to talk about infusion.

7 benefits and therapeutic properties of chamomile tea

As mentioned, chamomile is known as a medicinal plant with innumerable health benefits and therapeutic properties. Below we highlight the most relevant ones.

1. Aids good digestion

The chamomile infusion allows a great help to our body at a digestive level in moments of clear need. In situations where we feel that we have not digested a meal well and we have discomfort, let us help by the properties of chamomile is always a good idea.

Its ability to relax our body helps the digestive system, encouraging the movements that the stomach and intestines need to make in a coordinated way to promote good digestion. Thus, it relieves abdominal pain and indigestion.

2. Calm and reduce anxiety

As we have advanced in the previous point, another reason why chamomile is best known for its powerful soothing properties.

This is how an infusion of chamomile can help calm our spirits in situations where we are a little upset. The time when it is most used is when we go to sleep, as it helps us to fall asleep.

3. Decreases stress

Chamomile soothes the digestive system but also the nervous system, which so many people often have over-stimulated and do not know how to relax it.

In this way, chamomile tea can be an ally in situations of great stress, as it allows us to calm down and better face the situations we have to deal with. Chamomile helps to reduce stress levels thanks also to its sedative effects.

4. Helps control diabetes

Chamomile can also be used to help control some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

Daily consumption of this herb as an infusion may help control the glycemic index , that is, the amount of sugar in the blood. This improves the symptoms of diabetes disease,

5. Strengthens the immune system

We have already seen that chamomile contributes to the proper functioning of the intestinal transit.
Its good action in the organs of the digestive system is very relevant to the proper functioning of the body, and this is largely thanks to its action on the immune system that has from there.

Chamomile is able to reduce infections of the digestive tract and benefit the intestinal flora. This, in turn, helps to decrease the abdominal swelling that we sometimes feel.

Thus, the properties of chamomile protect and strengthen the immune system, preventing infectious diseases and attenuating inflammatory states.

6. Helps treat wounds and skin impurities

In addition to helping the body’s overall immunity, chamomile infusion helps protect cells from external damage. This prevents the skin from being infected or damaged by inflammatory processes.
Chamomile, on the other hand, is composed of phenolic compounds and tannins. These help to slow down cell aging and promote the production of collagen, which is very important for the healing of the skin.

7. Relieves menstrual cramps

Its good calming effects at a digestive level, together with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, means that this plant also helps to control the pain produced by the appearance of periods.

Menstrual cramps are sometimes very painful, and chamomile can help make them more bearable. To reduce premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, chamomile tea can be taken starting from the third week of the menstrual cycle.

How to prepare a chamomile tea?

Preparing a chamomile tea is very simple and can be done basically in two ways . It can be prepared from dried flowers of the plant or from ready-made bags, which are sold in herbalist shops or all kinds of supermarkets.

If you want to opt for the preparation by means of the flowers, all you have to do is boil a glass of water and put in it about two teaspoons of camomile flowers. Then cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then you can use a strainer to remove the flowers and leave only the liquid from the infusion.

On the other hand, it may be interesting to add other plants with medicinal properties in our infusion. Mint or fennel are two herbs that are traditionally prepared with camomile to enhance its benefits and also to obtain other complementary ones.

  • We recommend you: “The 12 best infusions to relax”

Bibliographic references:

  • Craker, L.E. and Simon, J.E. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.
  • Simonetti, G. (1990). Stanley Schuler, ed., Simon & Schuster’s Guide to Herbs and Spices, Simon & Schuster, Inc.