Chamomile flowers are a member of the daisy family with their brilliant gold cones that shine in the center of white petals.
With over a million cups of chamomile tea consumed every day and widely used supplements of chamomile capsules, liquid extracts, ointments, and essential oils, chamomile is one of the most widely used and research-proven medicinal plants . It has been studied for use with insomnia, heart conditions, colds, inflammation, skin eczema, upset stomach, osteoporosis, anxiety, sore throats, wound healing, and more.
Chamomile for sleep and insomnia
Chamomile has long been used as a natural sleep aid and insomnia remedy. The powerful oils contained in its flowers provide a calming effect for insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety. In one study, heart patients were given chamomile tea and then fell into a deep sleep. In another animal study conducted in Japan, relaxation was increased and the time needed to fall asleep was significantly reduced. In an 8-week study of people with anxiety, chamomile was shown to greatly reduce symptoms and increase well-being.
Stomach conditions helped by chamomile
Chamomile is one of the top herbs for digestive disorders like upset stomach, ulcers, diarrhea, and gas. It helps relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. In a Swiss journal study, the herbal combination of iberis (an herb in the cabbage family), mint, and chamomile was shown to be effective in treating indigestion, stomach irritation, and inflammation.
Eczema and skin conditions
Skin inflammation is widely treated and remedied by topical chamomile preparations. It has the ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and help with eczema and other skin inflammations. In a European medical journal, a cream with chamomile extract was tested against a cream with hydrocortisone. After a 2-week treatment, chamomile cream showed a slight superiority in efficacy over hydrocortisone.
Osteoporosis and bone health
In the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, chamomile extract was studied for its ability to prevent bone loss that can occur as people age. Chamomile demonstrated the ability to help mineralize bone cells and exhibited an anti-estrogenic quality. The researchers noted that this may be because chamomile has the potential to regulate excess estrogen in the body.
Calcium and chamomile: a winning duo
Calcium is also directly related to our good sleep. In a study, called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium,” the author notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency causes difficulty falling asleep. This same study says that “Muscle cramps associated with a calcium deficiency often occur at night and without exertion.”
In another study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when most sleep occurs. of Dreams. This study found that sleep disturbances, especially the absence of deep REM sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to calcium deficiency.
Resume
Anyone who has a strong allergy to plants like daisies or ragweed (with their tiny green flowers) should start with a very small amount of chamomile, either as a tea, supplement, or skin salve. Most people can benefit from chamomile without any reaction. It is one of nature’s most powerful herbs and can help relieve insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, PMS, skin inflammations, stomach disorders, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, arthritis, and more.
As the first line of defense against sleeplessness and insomnia, chamomile and calcium are good bets. Coming from the world of herbal and mineral sleep aids, they are normally taken safely without any addictive qualities or side effects.
