Chamomile aids in lowering blood sugar levels, relieving anxiety and depression, boosting immune system, and improving skin health. It is loaded with antioxidants that may play a role in lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer. It contains Apigenin which promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia. It has also anti-inflammatory effects that caused it to be used to sooth the stomach, treat digestive ailments, nausea and gas.
Chamomile is one of the famous ancient herbs and it is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family. It comes in two common types; Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. The main ingredient of dried chamomile is terpenoids and flavonoids. These two main components include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidants, and able to sooth the skin. This herb contains essential oils that make it perfect to use extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Here are the most benefits of chamomile tea:
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is body reaction to fight infection. Chamomile tea contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation.
Gastrointestinal conditions
According to studies chamomile tea has been to treat various disease like diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, and indigestion.
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Health Promotion
Chamomile tea will not only fight off illnesses, but also has the ability to prevent problem by boost your immune system. It has been suggested that daily use of chamomile tea would boost the immune system and helps body to fight common cold.
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Sleep aid
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that based on some studies could promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia. According to one study, postpartum women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks had better sleep quality and fewer depression symptoms compared to a group that did not drink chamomile tea.
Modern life makes us increasingly anxious and stressed. It has been proven that chamomile tea acts as an effective natural sedative that helps to reduce stress during day.
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Growing tips of German Chamomile:
You can grow chamomile in the spring from either plants or seeds. It is better for Chamomile to be planted in cool conditions and part shade, but it would also grow full sun and dry soil as well.
Once it is established in your garden, it needs very little care. Don’t use too much fertilizer because it causes weak and few flowers. Chamomile is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered in times of prolonged drought.
German Chamomile is an annual plant and self-seeds so readily. This type of chamomile is easy to grow from seed. It is better to start planting seeds in the fall and let them grow over winter for a spring crop. Chamomile seed needs sun to germinate, press them onto the soil, and do not cover them with soil. They will germinate in one to two weeks. They do not need too much watering.
German Chamomile needs full or partial sun. However if you live in a hot climates, partial sun is a better option. This herb would height 8 to 24 inches and its flowers mostly appear in late spring. This herb would flower best in a full sun and not too organic soil.
Growing tips of Roman Chamomile:
Roman Chamomile is perennial but it does not make many blooms but it provides a pure aroma of Chamomile. This herb will grow from seed. Like German Chamomile this Chamomile also needs full to partial sun. This Chamomile also does not need too rich and organic soil and the best PH level for it would be 5.5 and 7.5.
Remember to water them lightly. This herb is pretty drought tolerant and once it has been settled does not need too much water. But if you live in an extreme hot weather water them more regular and give them some shade on afternoons.
Harvesting Chamomile:
Chamomile flowers are ready to collect when the petals are flat and start to fall back. It is better to collect them in a sunny day after the morning.
How to dry:
Dry chamomile naturally by layering the blossoms on a plate or a flat surface and let them dry while keeping them away from sunlight. It takes between 7 to14 days for chamomile flowers to dry based on humidity level.
How to make Chamomile tea:
Use one teaspoon (3 gr) of dried chamomile flowers and pour boil water over it. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. Add honey for as a sweetener and drink it.
It is a good idea to drink a cup of chamomile tea during afternoon to feel calm and relaxed. It helps you to gather your thoughts and plan clearly for the rest of the day.