Chamomile - a general description
Chamomile - an annual herbaceous plant of the aster family, can reach a height of 40 cm. The stem of the plant is branched, the leaves are green, strongly dissected. Chamomile blooms from May to August. Chamomile inflorescences are single baskets that are located at the ends of twigs.
The basket includes white reed marginal flowers and median tubular flowers that are yellow in color. Chamomile fruits are very small. Twenty thousand chamomile fruits weigh only 1 gram. The plant has a strong odor. In addition to medicinal (pharmacy) chamomile, there are other varieties of this genus that do not have medicinal use. It is the smell that distinguishes the medicinal variety of chamomile.
The composition of chamomile includes many active substances, for this reason, and also due to the detected photoprotective function, it is widely used in cosmetology, in the perfume industry. On its basis, creams, lotions, shampoos and balms are made. Chamomile is especially widely used in the manufacture of products intended for children. Chamomile is also used for hair coloring. Blond hair when using chamomile acquire a golden hue.
In the food industry, chamomile is used to add a special flavor to alcoholic beverages. For example, sherry. Dry chamomile can be used as part of the fodder going to feed the cows. Plant flowers are used to dye wool yellow. Chamomile is used as an insecticide against small caterpillars and earthen fleas.
Chamomile - types and places of growth
There are therapeutic and decorative varieties of daisies. In addition to the pharmacy, non-lingual chamomile also refers to medicinal daisies. Chamomile is widely used in North America and Eurasia. Often you can find chamomile growing in meadows, open glades, between crops and on roads. However, chamomile is also cultivated on plantations. It is grown precisely as a medicinal plant.
Chamomile - healing properties
In folk medicine, chamomile is used to treat colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers, dysentery, diseases of the liver, bladder, nervous system and kidneys. It is used for colds and malaria, scrofula and insomnia, as well as for diseases of different origin, the symptom of which is a fever. Chamomile is used externally. It relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes. It is used to relieve spasms in children in the stomach or intestines. It gives a positive effect in the treatment of gout, ulcers and boils.
Chamomile - dosage forms
At the very beginning of flowering, when the receptacle of the daisy has not yet become conical, and the "petals" are arranged horizontally, the collection of flower baskets should begin. They must be cut or torn off almost at the base. The maximum length of the left peduncle should not exceed 1 cm.
The collection must be confined to good, sunny weather, since raw materials moist from rain or dew change their color and lose their beneficial properties. Chamomile should be dried where the room is well ventilated. It is better to use a dryer. The temperature for drying the raw material is 30-40 ° C. At the end of the process, the receptacle should be solid, and the flowers are well separable from it.
If the raw material is procured for the preparation of baths, you can use the entire aerial part of the plant. In this case, it should be dried by hanging the grass in bunches. Raw materials are stored no more than a year.
Pharmacy chamomile flowers are used in the form of infusions, decoctions, lotions.
Chamomile - recipes
A wonderful lotion can be prepared from chamomile, which will prevent the appearance of wrinkles. It is necessary to take three parts of chamomile, two parts of peppermint, one part of rosemary. Add two parts of salicylic acid. Pour the mixture with a liter of dry white wine and leave to infuse for two weeks. The strained lotion should be wiped on the face daily at night. The duration of the procedure is 15 days.
Chamomile baths are good for gout, rheumatism, eczema and scrofula in children. For baths, chamomile grass is used, dosing it at the rate of 50 to 200 grams per bucket of boiling water. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 15-20 minutes.
A good night's sleep will provide chamomile tea. To do this, you need to brew a teaspoon of flowers in a glass of boiling water.
With toothache, irritability, gastritis, colitis, cramps, inflammation of the liver, migraines and bloating, chamomile infusion will help. For its preparation, 2 tablespoons of flowers must be put in a thermos and steam 0.5 liters of boiling water. Drinking the infusion is recommended three times a day before meals in a glass.
Chamomile is used externally for pain in joints and bruises. Need 2-3 tbsp. l Brew dried flowers with boiling water to a viscous gruel. It should be applied to a clean cloth until it has cooled. Such a compress is applied to the sore spot.
Chamomile - contraindications
Excessive doses of essential oil can cause headaches.
Exceeding the dosage of other chamomile-based drugs can provoke attacks of anger, increased irritability.
Do not use chamomile for patients with anacid gastritis, as well as prone to diarrhea.
Chamomile can be individually intolerant.
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