Chamomile Tea for Skin Care

Chamomile also called wild chamomile, is one of the oldest of all herbs, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. It is both a pretty flower and a healing flower originating from native Eastern Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa, and has naturalized in North America. The word chamomile (earth apple) originates from the Greek words chamai (on the ground) and melon (apple). Chamomile is a popular tea, aromatherapy flower plant that has been used to replace grass in many gardens—Very beautiful flower plant. Chamomile is a fragrant, sweet, crisp, fruity fresh reminiscent of apples and herbaceous plant that is used in herbal medicine and in herbal teas. Medicinal use of this plant has been said to have originated with the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks—it is the most widely used botanical. Chamomile flower has been useful for herbal teas and aromatherapy products because of it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, antioxidant; it has calming, soothing and healing benefits for the skin.

 It is a part of Asteraceae family of vascular plants that has several different species but the most commonly used specie are German or Hungarian chamomile (matricaria recutite) and Roman or English chamomile (Anthemis nobilis syn Chamaemelum nobilis). Chamomile is a branching, annual herb that grows two feet;  it has finely divided feathery foliage and small daisy-like white yellow flower, the inside looks like the shape circle of sunflower but much beautiful.  

• Chamomile flower fresh or dried can used in making teas and can be used as an extract for topically cream or medicine.
• Azulene extracted from chamomile flower, is naturally blue oil added to various cosmetics as a natural colorant and for its soothing and calming effects. Chamomile offers one of the most versatile essential oils for most cosmetic and herbal products.
• It has been noted for its age-reversal properties, and the treatment of various skin challenges. The essential oil in chamomile contains flavonoids, lipophilic and phenolic compounds, and bisabolo, making it effective in treating a range of issues including rashes, acne, hypersensitivity, fever, chills accompanied by malaria, bladder-liver-kidney disorder, gallstones—kidney stones, inflammation, colic bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-intestinal spasms, eczema, and allergic reactions. It has antiseptic and emollient properties which softens and assist in decongesting the skin.
• The phenolic compounds in chamomile have also been shown to reduce oxidative damage by acting as a free-radical scavenger.  The flavonoids along with the lipophilic (ability to attach to lipids) compounds help enhance microcirculation and capillary function, which strengthens skin cells, and thus supports a youthful appearance.
• Organic Chamomile flowers/herb can be sewn into a bag and used as a dream pillow, as the aroma is deeply relaxing and can help provide more restful and deeper sleep---treats insomnia.
• Chamomile is used as a soothing remedy to calm nervous tension, dispel restlessness or sleeplessness (especially in infants and young children); to ease muscles and menstrual cramps; and to heal irritations of the mouth and gums , relieving pain after dermabrasion (including tattoo removal) and alleviating swelling and irritation in mucous membranes caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In lab studies flavonoids apigenin recently was found to inhibit growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers in humans. This finding may suggest a wider use of chamomile in long-term management of peptic ulcers. Chamomile extracts have also been shown to accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. 

• The beneficial effects of the herb are derived from its essential oil; even chamomile tea that has been steeped for a long time contains only a small amount of the essential oil. However, most commercial pure German chamomile preparations are standardized to their therapeutic active content alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.

• You can use it in fresh linens, in your skin care regimens and in daily products you use.
• Drinking a cup of soothing chamomile tea following a treatment---makes people feel relaxed and less stressed.

                               Key fact on chamomile for Beauty Needs

Chamomile oil for skin care—helps treat skin problems like acne, boils, rashes, wounds, ulcers, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It is found mostly in organic cosmetics like makeup removers and personal care products.

Chamomile oil for Hair care---helps revitalize oily scalp, the hair and strengthens its roots naturally.  It is commonly found in cosmetic herbal products such as conditioners and shampoos.

Chamomile oil used in Aromatherapy—it is used in aromatherapy due to its fruity, sweet smell which freshens, relaxes, and rejuvenates your mind.  Chamomile oil can heal internally and externally. It helps reduce cramping, indigestion, insomnia, PMS, menopause symptoms, allergies, depression and migraines. It is helpful for people who have arthritis and joint pain problems. Mix this oil in warm water while taking a bath; it will give relief from muscle pain.

                                                              Chamomile Recipe:
Take a handful of chamomile or a bag of chamomile tea, put it in a bowl or in a teacup, then boil water and pour the water on it. cover the cup and let it seep out for 5-10minutes--you will notice the boiled water turn color. You use it for skin rinse or spritz to rejuvenate the skin and eye. You can add honey to chamomile tea or just drink it plain.                      

Caution Notes: Chamomile preparations made from flowers, which contain pollen, have been shown to cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to ragweed and other members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. But such reactions are rare.

Avoid chamomile oil during pregnancy it has been known to trigger contraction of the Uterus---useful for those in labor.

                                    

                                          Garden benefits of chamomile

Chamomile as a plant doctor---helps neighboring plants grow and maintain health, especially those that produce essential oils, as it increases the production of oils. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.                                                

                                                            

Organic Chamomile Tea

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