home Adviсe Is chamomile a herbaceous plant or not? Potassium permanganate for plant health - reliable and irreplaceable

Is chamomile a herbaceous plant or not? Potassium permanganate for plant health - reliable and irreplaceable

Feb-27-2017

What is chamomile

What's happened pharmaceutical chamomile, medicinal properties and what are the contraindications of chamomile? beneficial features this plant, all this is of great interest to those who lead healthy image life, monitors his health, and is interested in traditional methods treatment, including with the help of medicinal herbs and berries. So we will try to answer these questions in the following article.

In nature, there are about a dozen plants called chamomile (chamomile, Dalmatian chamomile, chamomile, fragrant chamomile, etc.). But not all of them have healing properties. Chamomile (ordinary, medicinal) is considered the most beneficial for humans.

Medicinal characteristics also distinguish fragrant chamomile (fragrant, or tongueless), which came to Europe from North America during the time of Christopher Columbus. But valuable substances it contains less than chamomile, so it is less effective and is recommended only as an external anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and weak astringent for lotions, rinses, baths and enemas. But you shouldn’t drink infusions and decoctions from it.

You should also not confuse chamomile with similar plants that do not have any medicinal properties. These are popovnik, field navel, dog's navel, odorless chamomile, or odorless three-rib.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita) is an annual herbaceous plant with a strong aroma, an erect stem, branched at the base. The height of a fully formed plant reaches 60 cm. The leaves of chamomile are sessile, alternate, double or triple pinnately dissected, narrow, up to 5 cm long and up to 1.8 cm wide. The internal flowers are tubular, golden yellow in color. The marginal flowers are white, ligulate, with three teeth along the edge. Inflorescences in the form of baskets are located on the top of the stem and branches. The fruit is an oblong greenish-brown achene. Chamomile root is thin, taproot, slightly branched. Chamomile blooms from late spring to early autumn, the seeds ripen in July-August.

Where is chamomile found?

Unlike fragrant chamomile, brought from America, chamomile has always grown in Eurasia. It can be found in the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the European part of Russia and southern Siberia.

Chamomile prefers open sunny areas. In the wild, it can be seen in clearings, meadows, wastelands, roadsides, and vegetable gardens; in crops of various crops it grows like a weed.

Flower baskets and partly stems are used as plant raw materials for the preparation of medicines.

Chemical composition of chamomile

Chamomile flower baskets contain up to 0.85-1% essential oil. It includes more than 40 useful substances, including chamazulene, bisabolol and its oxides, enine bicycloesters, flavonoids, terpene, sesquiterpene, sesquiterpene alcohols, cadinene, isovaleric, caprylic and nonylic acids.

The most important component of chamomile is chamazulene, which provides essential oil Blue colour. It is not synthesized by the plant, but is formed from certain compounds during the processing of plant materials with steam, acids and alkalis. It is thanks to chamazulene and some other substances that chamomile is endowed with anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. In addition, this compound accelerates the process of tissue regeneration. Apigenin-7-glucoside, quercimeritrin, some coumarins and sesquiterpenoids contained in the plant have an antispasmodic effect.

Chamomile also contains nicotinic, salicylic, ascorbic acids, glycerides of fatty organic acids (oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic), gum, bitterness and mucus, macro- and microelements (for example, copper, zinc, selenium).

A. A. Grossheim pointed to chamomile as a plant containing small amounts of vitamins A and C. According to other data, in plants collected in mid-July, the vitamin C content was 223 (in leaves) and 135 (in stems) mg% .

Medicinal properties of chamomile

Among the beneficial properties of chamomile are the following:

An excellent antiseptic. Has antimicrobial properties.
It is an excellent pain reliever. And from various pains It is great to use chamomile: for headaches, as a remedy for bloating, pain in the stomach, limbs and others.
Relieves inflammation.
Has a sedative effect. And all thanks to the combination of zinc and valeric acid.
Chamomile has a beneficial effect on nervous system.
Has antiallergic properties.
Has a beneficial effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract.
It has antiviral activity, so it can be successfully used for influenza.
An excellent antipyretic.
Chamomile has antirheumatic properties.
Strengthens the secretion of bile.
An excellent anthelmintic. Kills lamblia, oscorides and pinworms.
Chamomile is considered a “female herb”, therefore it is very widely used in gynecology.
Widely used in cosmetology. It relieves irritation and inflammation, and it is no coincidence that it is included in many creams and masks for the care of hypersensitive facial skin. Also takes good care of hair health.

For a long time, chamomile was used only in folk medicine, certified doctors were skeptical about the beneficial properties of this plant and did not recognize it therapeutic effect. Mistrust was overcome only after the publication of the results of many years scientific research, which were carried out throughout almost the entire 20th century. Official medicine finally approved chamomile as a medicinal plant and began to use drugs made from it.

Scientists have experimentally proven that chamomile can be successfully used to treat acute and chronic gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers and duodenum. Preparations made from it stimulate the secretion gastric juice and bile, so they can be prescribed to improve digestion.

Chamomile has a beneficial effect on women's diseases(painful menstruation, uterine bleeding etc.), increased nervous excitability, neuralgia. External use of preparations from this plant is effective in the treatment of burns, frostbite, wounds, boils, trophic ulcers, hemorrhoids and increased sweating legs With the help of inhalations with chamomile, you can improve the condition of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, the plant is used to treat diseases of the liver, kidneys, Bladder.

Russian scientists have proven the effectiveness of treatment aqueous extract chamomile inflammations that are caused by the action chemical substances and ultraviolet rays. Due to the presence of chamazulene in the plant, preparations made from it stop asthma attacks and relieve allergic reactions.

Chamomile has a pronounced antibacterial property, so it can be used to suppress the activity of staphylococcus and individual species streptococci.

The most valuable qualities of chamomile are its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antihistamine, analgesic, diaphoretic and sedative effects.

Preparations made on its basis have a choleretic, carminative, diuretic, antipyretic, hemostatic, expectorant, anticonvulsant, laxative, antispasmodic, emollient effect. Eating chamomile can improve your functioning of cardio-vascular system and the general condition of the body.

Both traditional and official medicine recommend chamomile preparations for the treatment of gynecological diseases, lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (furunculosis, eczema, fungus, abscesses, burns, frostbite, wounds, ulcers, allergic reactions), diseases gastrointestinal tract(gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory processes in the intestines).

Chamomile-based medicines are very effective for diseases of the kidneys and bladder, liver and biliary tract, nervous system, joints and connective tissue, respiratory organs, dysfunction of glands internal secretion and metabolism. Preparations from chamomile can be used for prostate adenoma, hemorrhoids, paraproctitis, sore throat, influenza, benign and even malignant tumors.

Found chamomile wide application in cosmetology. Its extract and essential oil are included in many toothpastes, creams, lotions, soaps and shampoos. Toothpastes with chamomile have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, they reduce bleeding gums, eliminate suppuration from pathological periodontal pockets, improve metabolic processes in periodontal tissues and mucous membranes oral cavity, and also effectively relieve unpleasant odor from mouth.

Chamomile is very useful for children. Its decoctions are added to baths when bathing newborns; its infusion is used to treat irritated skin of babies and treat diaper dermatitis. Chamomile decoction is used to wash the eyes for souring and conjunctivitis. For colic, doctors recommend giving babies chamomile tea, which relieves increased gas formation. This tea relieves nervous excitability, improves sleep and appetite, normalizes the functioning of the child’s gastrointestinal tract.

Chamomile contraindications

It is advisable to carry out a course of herbal medicine after consultation with your doctor, who will help you choose the form medicine, prepared from chamomile, or the composition of the herbal collection that includes it. The doctor will take into account desired effect, age and health status of the patient. Allergies to chamomile are extremely rare, but the plant is usually used together with other herbs and a reaction can occur to any component of the medicinal mixture.

But even if your doctor has approved the chamomile drug, you should not take it for a long time. Despite the benefits of chamomile infusions, it is not advisable to drink them every day throughout the year instead of regular tea.

It is contraindicated to use chamomile preparations for anacid gastritis, which arose against the background of a lack of of hydrochloric acid. Chamomile is also contraindicated for stomach ulcers caused by anacid gastritis.
At mental disorders Chamomile treatment should be abandoned.
Heavy, painful menstruation and a tendency to diarrhea are also contraindications to the use of chamomile.
For the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases, chamomile preparations can only be used under the supervision of a doctor and with great caution.
One of the contraindications for chamomile treatment is pregnancy.
Combining chamomile and homeopathic remedies is contraindicated.
An overdose of drugs from this plant can cause nausea or diarrhea, dizziness, nervous tension, headaches, cough and hoarseness. Women may experience painful exacerbations during menstruation. Excessive consumption of chamomile essential oil may cause muscle weakness.

In addition, it should be remembered that treatment medicinal herbs requires compliance:

Chamomile for gastritis, colitis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Chamomile infusion for the treatment of colitis, gastritis, enteritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers:

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers.

Mode of application:

Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the raw material and let it brew for 10 minutes, then strain.

Take 40-100 ml warm 3-4 times a day (before breakfast, 1 hour before lunch, at 17:00 and before bed, but not earlier than 2 hours after the last meal).

Chamomile infusion with honey for the treatment of diarrhea, flatulence, and intestinal spasms.

Ingredients: 6 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, 2 tablespoons of honey.

Mode of application:

Place the plant material in an enamel bowl, pour 500 ml boiled water and put it on boiling water water bath.

Heat for 15 minutes, then cool and strain, squeezing out the raw materials. Bring boiled water to the original volume and dissolve honey in the infusion.

Take 70-100 ml 3 times a day after meals.

This infusion can also be used as an external rinse for sore throat, stomatitis, and also as a lotion for wounds and ulcers.

Chamomile for colds, flu and runny nose:

Infusion of chamomile and celandine to treat a runny nose.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon of greater celandine herb.

Mode of application:

Pour celandine into 100 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes, then strain.

Pour 150 ml of boiling water over chamomile in another bowl, leave for 10 minutes, then strain.

Mix the prepared infusions in a ratio of 1: 1. Instill the resulting product into each nostril 2 drops 4-5 times a day.

Chamomile for sore throat

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 1 tablespoon of greater celandine herb.

Mode of application:

Mix celandine with chamomile and add 200 ml of boiled water. Place in a water bath and heat for 15 minutes, then strain. Pour in boiled water to bring the volume to the original volume.

Gargle with diluted infusion 5-7 times a day until the symptoms of sore throat disappear completely.

Chamomile for diseases of the joints and spine

Chamomile ointment for the treatment of radiculitis.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 4 tablespoons of butter.

Mode of application:

Grind chamomile inflorescences into powder, add butter and mix well.

Apply to the affected area of the body. Repeat the procedure daily until the pain completely disappears.

Chamomile for acne

A remedy made from infusion of chamomile and salicylic alcohol against acne:

Recipe No. 1

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers, 50 ml of salicylic alcohol. Mode of application:

Pour 100 ml of boiling water over the chamomile and let it brew for 10 minutes. Add to chamomile infusion salicylic alcohol and mix thoroughly.

Soak a cotton swab in the prepared mixture and wipe your face 2 times a day, morning and evening.

Recipe No. 2

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers.

Mode of application:

Pour 500 ml of boiling water over the chamomile and let it brew under the lid in a dark place for 15 minutes.

Then dip a cotton swab into the infusion, squeeze lightly and wipe the affected area of the skin.

This infusion can also be used for compresses.

Chamomile decoction for the treatment of deep cracks and keratinization of the skin of the feet.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers and herbs.

Mode of application:

Pour 1 liter of hot water over the crushed raw materials, put on fire and heat for 10 minutes. Strain and cool slightly.

Pour the broth into a basin, add warm water and make a foot bath.

Based on the book by Vera Kulikova “Chamomile for 100 diseases.”

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - annual plant genus Chamomile

Description of chamomile

Chamomile is also called medicinal and common chamomile; this plant with a round branched stem reaches half a meter in height and has a specific smell. Chamomile blooms from May to autumn. It grows in grassy places, in wastelands and near housing, and is found throughout the European part of Russia, the Caucasus and the Far East. Very unpretentious to the places where it grows. One of the features of this plant is the strong shedding of the flower’s seeds; the seeds germinate very easily and therefore chamomile reproduces very well. The flowers of this plant are used in medicine.

Chamomile pharmaceutical properties

Chamomile flowers contain a large amount of essential oils (chamomile oil), tannins, salicylic acid, a large number of various organic acids, proteins, carotene, vitamins and other compounds.

The use of chamomile

Chamomile flowers are used in the treatment of many diseases (gastritis, gynecological problems, as a bronchodilator and expectorant).

Tinctures, infusions, and decoctions are made from chamomile flowers. All this is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, choleretic, and diaphoretic. Chamomile is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and has an excellent antiseptic effect. The use of chamomile has a dilating effect on the blood vessels of the brain.

Traditional medicine recommends chamomile infusion (mixed with table salt) for the treatment of gout of the hands and feet, with infected wounds, ulcers, abscesses. Chamomile is used for gargling. A mixture of chamomile and lemon balm taken equally well removes sharp pains in a stomach. Helps well with gastritis and intestinal spasms. Relieves pain in the uterine area and helps restore the menstrual cycle. In ancient times, they rinsed their hair with a decoction of chamomile (by the way, the beauties of that time really had smooth and shiny hair).

Recipes

There is a very large number various recipes for making infusions, tinctures, and decoctions of chamomile, here are some of them:

Pour one teaspoon of dried crushed flowers with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day as an emollient and antiseptic. Recommended for intestinal spasms in the form of an enema.

Expectorant infusion

Grind the dried flowers, brew boiling water in a thermos, add crushed mother and stepmother and sage. Insist for a day. Drink warm decoction throughout the day.

Proportions:

chamomile - 2 tablespoons;

mother and stepmother - 2 tablespoons;

sage - 1 tablespoon;

water - 1 liter.

For douching for gynecological colds

Pour boiled water over crushed chamomile, wrap and leave for 30 minutes, strain and do vaginal douching, after the procedure, go to bed and wrap yourself well.

Proportions:

3 tablespoons chamomile;

1 liter of water.

For stomach diseases

The tincture should be made with the addition of blueberries, cinquefoil rhizomes, caraway flowers, sage and chamomile. Mix all ingredients in equal proportions, add boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, leave for 20 minutes. Take half a glass 3 times a day after meals.

Proportions:

2 tablespoons blueberries, 2 tablespoons cinquefoil rhizome, 2 tablespoons caraway flowers, 2 tablespoons chamomile and 2 tablespoons sage. Water -2 glasses

If your body is full of tobacco and coffee, you can take this infusion

Pour boiling water over dried flowers, leave for 30 minutes and strain. Drink hot 3 times a day, 1/3 cup before meals.

Proportions:

Chamomile - 1 tablespoon;

Water - 0.2 liters.

Contraindications

And finally, make sure that you do not have allergic reaction to chamomile or intolerance to one or another component, then the use of this plant is contraindicated for you. It is also contraindicated to use chamomile in large doses ah, the use of large doses can cause depression of the central nervous system, headache.

Chamomilla recutita

Family – Compositae – Asteraceae

Parts used: baskets, leaves, roots.

Popular name - mother herb, medicinal chamomile, peeled chamomile, camila, rouge, morgun, Romanov grass, maiden flower.

Pharmaceutical name – Chamomilla recutita L. (syn. Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Botanical description

Chamomile is an annual plant with a thin tap root, weakly branched, light brown. The stems are erect, branched, 15-60 cm high, hollow inside. The root is taproot, weakly branched, light brown.

The leaves are alternate, twice pinnately dissected into narrow linear segments, 15-60 mm long, 5-18 mm wide, sessile.

The flowers are in baskets equipped with long peduncles; the baskets form a corymbose inflorescence. Inflorescences are conical baskets with a diameter of up to 25 mm, numerous, located on thin-ribbed, long, up to 8 cm peduncles on the tops of stems and lateral shoots. The inflorescences together form a common corymbose inflorescence. Flowers in each basket are of two types: marginal - false-ligulate, white, female; the middle ones are tubular, yellow, bisexual. The basket wrappers are multi-row, 5-8mm in diameter. The leaves of the involucres are imbricate, small, oblong, obtuse, yellowish-green, with brownish-membranous edges; The outer leaves are narrower and slightly shorter than the inner ones. There are five stamens in tubular flowers, fused by anthers into a tube surrounding the style. The tips of the anthers have sharp triangular appendages. The pistil has a lower single-locular ovary, a filiform style and two linear curved stigmas. The fruits are small, up to 1 mm long, brownish-green achenes without a tuft.

Chamomile blooms in May - September, the fruits ripen in June - October. It is found in the European part of Russia, Siberia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. It grows in fallow lands, in crops, gardens, vineyards, near roads, in garbage areas, and in quarries. Cultivated as a medicinal plant.

Collection and preparation

The baskets are collected at the beginning of flowering, when their receptacle has not yet acquired a conical shape, in May - June, manually tearing off a part of the peduncle no longer than 3 cm. Dry in the shade, in attics or in dryers, spreading it in a layer of 2-3 cm on paper or tarpaulin, at a temperature not exceeding 35°C. Well-dried raw materials have a pleasant aroma and bitter-spicy taste. Dry raw materials are stored for 2 years.

Active ingredients

Flower baskets contain essential oil, which includes chamazulene, various terpenes and sesquiterpenes, apigenin, prochamazulene, matricen, matricarin lactone, umbelliferone, organic acids, resins, bitterness, carotene, organic acids, protein substances.

Use in homeopathy

In homeopathy, chamomile essence is used for dispensation in children, stomach cramps, and flatulence.

Healing effect and application

It has analgesic, sedative, diaphoretic, disinfectant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Chamomile has found great use in folk medicine.

An infusion of chamomile flowers is taken orally as an analgesic and sedative for inflammatory diseases gastrointestinal tract ( , peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, enterocolitis, colitis), malaria, scrofula, insomnia, liver and biliary tract diseases, flatulence (as a carminative), spasms of the stomach and intestines, as a regulating menstrual cycle(for delayed menstruation). For colitis and hemorrhoids, enemas from chamomile infusion are given. Externally, an infusion of chamomile flowers is used for rinsing for inflammation of the gums, oral mucosa, eyelids, sore throats, eczema, ulcers, abscesses, burns, bruises, rheumatic and gouty pain in the joints.

In combinations with other plants, chamomile is also used for prostate adenoma, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic prostatitis and cervical cystitis. Powder from crushed chamomile inflorescences is used for migraines.

Chamomile oil is used in aromatherapy for insomnia, migraines, inflammation skin, as well as for eczema, recommended for asthma, bronchitis, cough, flu, cystitis, irritability, useful for children and the elderly. The oil is used externally with vegetable oil, internally with honey, and also in the form of inhalations, baths, applications and compresses. The smell of chamomile oil is characterized as deep, slightly bitter, warm, heavy.

Chamomile is a favorite flower of cosmetologists and is considered irreplaceable. integral part many therapeutic and cosmetic masks.

Recipes

In the article we discuss chamomile. You will learn how chamomile is useful and how to distinguish it from other species of the genus. We will provide a description of recipes for the treatment of acne, hemorrhoids, colds, cystitis, and thrush. By following our tips, you will learn how to brew chamomile correctly, as well as use it during pregnancy and childhood.

Chamomile is an annual plant of the Aster family (lat. Asteraceae) with a strong specific smell. Latin name: Matricaria chamomilla. Other names: medicinal chamomile, peeled chamomile, camila, Romanova herb, ruddy grass, mother herb, morgun.

What does it look like

Spring view (photo) of chamomile Chamomile has a weakly branched root system. The color of the root is light brown.

The stem of chamomile is erect, bare, without pubescence. The height of the plant reaches 60 cm. The shoot branches from the base and is covered with leaves in the upper part.

The leaf blades are ovate or lanceolate, up to 6 cm long, up to 2 cm wide. The leaves are trippinnate, divided into narrow linear lobes, pointed at the apex.

Corymbose inflorescences of conical shape reach a diameter of 25 mm. Flower baskets are located on long peduncles at the tops of the shoots and consist of two types of flowers: female and bisexual. Female flowers with white petals grow along the outer row, bisexual golden yellow - in the center.

Chamomile differs from other representatives of the genus in the arrangement of its petals. They are directed downwards or located horizontally. The receptacle has a characteristic convex shape.

Chamomile begins to bloom from the outer baskets. When the central inflorescences bloom, the outer flowers are at the fruiting stage. Chamomile blooms from May to September.

The fruits are cylindrical curved achenes, narrowed at the base, up to 2 mm long. WITH outside smooth, ribbed on the inside. The seeds are brown-green. The plant bears fruit from July to September.

Where does it grow

Chamomile is considered an alien plant. It is found in all extratropical zones of both hemispheres. It grows throughout almost the entire territory of Eurasia and North America. In Russia, chamomile has taken root in the European part, with the exception of the Far North and Lower Volga region, in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East.

The plant is found in meadows, grass thickets, gardens, along roadsides, wastelands and fields with grain crops. Chamomile prefers a temperate climate and is not picky about soil. Tolerates mild drought.

Chamomile inflorescences

Chamomile is the most popular medicinal plant. Chamomile inflorescences (lat. Flores Chamomillae) are used as raw materials for medicinal products. They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The price of 50 grams of chamomile flowers is on average 50 rubles.

Chemical composition

Chamomile is a record holder for biological content active substances among medicinal plants. It contains:

Medicinal properties

Beneficial properties of chamomile:

Chamomile is often used to treat colds: influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. An infusion of the plant reduces swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eliminates cough and bronchial spasms.

Chamomile is useful for increased gas formation. Plant-based products normalize digestion, stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and act as an adsorbent, removing waste and toxins.

Chamomile normalizes urine output, eliminates painful sensations and relieves inflammation urolithiasis. An infusion of plant flowers is effective for cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis.

Chamomile-based products are beneficial for the female reproductive system. They normalize the menstrual cycle and eliminate pain syndrome.

Chamomile gently calms the nervous system. A decoction of the plant eliminates increased excitability, normalizes sleep and eliminates sharp changes moods.

Chamomile-based products are used externally to treat skin diseases, for example, acne. They quickly eliminate joint and muscle pain. Chamomile tincture is effective for rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

How to collect

Chamomile flowers begin to be harvested at the very beginning of flowering, when the buds have not fully blossomed. Since the plant blooms gradually, you can collect 2-3 crops from one plot per season. Chamomile inflorescences are collected by hand so as not to damage the fragile petals.

The raw materials are dried under canopies or in special dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. Readiness is determined by the state of the receptacle. It should easily separate from the flowers and become leathery-dry when rubbed in your hands. Air drying takes 5-6 days. From 1 kg of fresh flowers you get 200 g. raw materials.

Store dried flowers in fabric or paper bags. The shelf life of chamomile inflorescences is no more than 1 year.

For more information about chamomile, watch the video:

How to use

Chamomile is widely used not only in folklore, but also in traditional medicine. For example, in 1986 the plant was used as part of official medicine in 26 countries of the world. Based on the plant, infusions and decoctions are prepared for oral and external use.

An important rule is that chamomile decoctions should not be brought to a boil, since at temperatures above 90 degrees the plant loses its beneficial properties. In addition, chamomile-based products can only be stored in glass or enamel containers, avoiding metal containers. Upon contact with metal, useful components are destroyed.

Chamomile infusions and decoctions are stored for no more than a day. Should be prepared daily fresh remedy, during long-term storage, chamomile also loses its beneficial substances.

Gargling Solution

For gargling, prepare an infusion of chamomile. If there is no allergy to bee products, then honey is added to the product.

Ingredients:

Chamomile - 1 tablespoon.
Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour chamomile flowers hot water, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel and let brew for 30-40 minutes, strain.

How to use: Gargle with the cooled infusion 4-5 times a day.

Result: The product quickly eliminates sore throat and reduces inflammation.

Inhalations for colds

At the first sign of a cold, inhalations with chamomile help. They are effective against sore throat, runny nose and cough.

Ingredients:

Chamomile flowers - 10 gr.
Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour water over the flowers, place in a water bath, stirring constantly. Without bringing to a boil, simmer under the lid for 5 minutes.

How to use: Breathe over the steam, covered with a towel, for 10-15 minutes.

Result: Inhalations eliminate cold symptoms and alleviate the course of the disease.

Nasal drops

As a means for auxiliary treatment Nasal drops based on chamomile infusion will help with a runny nose. The components of the plant are not absorbed into the blood and do not have a systemic effect on the body, therefore side effects practically excluded.

Ingredients:

Chamomile flowers - 1 teaspoon.
Water - 100 ml.

How to cook: Cool the boiled water to 80-85 degrees, pour in the chamomile flowers, cover with a lid and leave for half an hour. Ready product strain and cool at room temperature.

How to use: Place 2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times a day.

Result: Drops relieve inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa, making breathing easier.

Poultices for pain

Lotions and poultices with chamomile infusion. To enhance therapeutic effect simultaneously with external use, a chamomile decoction is prescribed, half a glass 3 times a day.

Ingredients:

Water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Pour a glass of hot boiled water over chamomile flowers, cover with a lid, insulate with a towel and leave for at least 2 hours.

How to use: Dip a gauze or fabric compress into the infusion, squeeze out excess liquid and apply to the sore spot for 30-40 minutes. Place a towel or blanket on top.

Result: The product quickly eliminates pain, increases motor activity joints. This folk recipe Suitable for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Enema for hemorrhoids

To treat hemorrhoids, use enemas and baths with an aqueous infusion of chamomile. The product effectively eliminates pain, itching and swelling.

Ingredients:

Chamomile flowers - 1 tablespoon.
Water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour chamomile flowers into a thermos, add hot boiled water, close the lid and leave for 2 hours. Strain the finished product. The temperature of the liquid should be 38−40 degrees.

How to use: Lie on your left side, draw your legs toward your chest and administer the warm infusion into your rectum using an enema. Do not get up for 15-20 minutes. During this time medicinal infusion absorbed into the mucous membrane.

Result: Chamomile enema eliminates inflammation and discomfort.

Baths for cystitis

In the treatment of cystitis high efficiency have baths with chamomile decoction. Chamomile flowers are combined with other medicinal plants to enhance the healing effect.

Ingredients:

How to cook: Combine dry ingredients, add water and place in a water bath. Without bringing to a boil, simmer under the lid for 20 minutes. Cool the product to a temperature of 38 degrees.

How to use: Pour the broth into the bath, sit in it for 20 minutes.

Result: The product effectively eliminates pain and spasms, provides antiseptic effect.

Douching in gynecology (for thrush)

In gynecology, chamomile-based products are often used. For example, douching with a weak chamomile infusion is effective for treating thrush.

Ingredients:

Chamomile flowers - 2 tablespoons.
Water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour water over the flowers, heat in a water bath, without bringing to a boil. Remove from heat, cover with a lid, wrap in a towel and leave for half an hour.

How to use: Fill a syringe with an infusion with a temperature no higher than 37.5 degrees. Lie on your side and carefully insert the product into the vagina.

Result: Douching with chamomile infusion has an antiseptic effect. After the procedure, itching and burning in the genital area disappear.

Acne infusion

Chamomile infusion in combination with calendula is beneficial for the face, especially for problem skin. The product has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and regenerating effects.

Ingredients:

Chamomile flowers - 2 tablespoons.
Calendula flowers - 2 tablespoons.
Water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flowers that has cooled to 80 degrees, cover with a lid and let steep for an hour. Strain the finished product.

How to use: Wipe the affected areas of the skin with the infusion or use it to wash your face in the morning and evening.

Result: The product reduces inflammation and rashes on the skin, drying it.

How to brew chamomile

Chamomile is brewed as tea to strengthen the immune system and treat colds. To do this, pour the dried flowers of the plant with boiling water that has cooled to 80-85 degrees and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Oral preparations are prepared based on the proportion - 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers for 1 glass of water. For external use, stronger infusions and decoctions are made by brewing 2 tablespoons of the plant with the same volume of liquid.

Chamomile for children

In the absence of individual intolerance, chamomile is used to treat children. With the help of tea and water infusion, they strengthen the immune system and fight colds, and chamomile decoction is used to gargle.

In addition, chamomile is used for newborns. In the first months of life, children are given 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile tea before bed to relieve colic, which gets worse in the evening.

Chamomile decoction is useful for infants as a treatment for diaper rash and sweat rashes. It eliminates redness and irritation and gently soothes baby's sensitive skin.

Chamomile infusion is added to the bath for newborns. The product disinfects the skin, and chamomile essential oils soothe. After such a bath, the baby falls asleep faster.

Chamomile during pregnancy

Chamomile tea is beneficial in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy Chamomile is beneficial for women during pregnancy, starting from the second trimester. It alleviates the symptoms of toxicosis, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and calms the nervous system.

Is it good for an expectant mother to drink? chamomile tea no more than 1-2 times a week. Excessive use chamomile increases the tone of the uterus, and this can lead to miscarriage. That is why plant-based drinks are prohibited from being consumed during the first three months of pregnancy.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of chamomile:

According to the instructions for use, chamomile is used with caution in case of kidney disease. It cannot be combined with homeopathic remedies, since it neutralizes therapeutic effect these drugs.

Before starting treatment with chamomile-based products, you must consult with your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for use. An overdose of chamomile leads to nervous excitement, coughing attacks, nausea and general weakness. If these symptoms are detected, you should stop taking the medications and consult a specialist.

Classification

Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family (Latin Asteráceae), the Bicolor order (Latin Asterales), the Dicotyledonous class (Latin Dicotylédones), the Flowering department (Latin Magnoliophyta).

Varieties

The genus Chamomile (lat. Matricaria) unites 25 species of herbaceous plants. The most common of them:

Chamomile pharmacy infographics

Photo of chamomile, its beneficial properties and uses:
Infographics on chamomile

What to remember

Chamomile is the most popular medicinal plant.
Products based on it are used to strengthen the immune system and treat diseases of the respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, and nervous systems.
Infusions and decoctions of the plant can be consumed even in childhood.

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1. Description medicinal plant daisies.

Chamomile is a medicinal herbaceous plant 20 - 40 centimeters high.

The root is thin, branched, taprooted, slightly branched.

The stem is erect or ascending, branched, glabrous, ribbed-furrowed, thin, hollow.

The leaves are alternate, sessile, twice or thrice pinnately dissected into narrow linear leaves, up to half a millimeter wide, with pointed filiform lobes. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide.

Flower baskets with white marginal petals (reeds), in the middle with yellow tubular flowers. Flower baskets are small, floating at the tops of stems and branches on long peduncles. The marginal flowers are pistillate, ligulate, white, the inner ones are golden yellow, bisexual, funnel-tubular. The receptacle is oblong-conical, hollow inside, bare, lengthening towards the end of flowering.

So, let's focus on the flower baskets of chamomile, which differ from the baskets of other types of chamomile. The petals appear first, and the receptacle (middle outer part flower) is flat. Then the petals are arranged horizontally, and the receptacle rises upward. Then the petals bend downwards, and the receptacle takes on a conical shape with an empty recess inside the size of a match head or a grain of wheat.

Inflorescences are baskets, single, large, with a diameter of 18 to 25 mm, located at the tops of stems and branches - on long peduncles, 1 to 5 cm long. The leaves are multirowed, obtuse, imbricated, yellowish-greenish-yellow, brownish at the edges. membranous, have a width from 5 to 8 mm. The outer leaves are slightly shorter than the inner ones and narrower. The basket bed is bare, hollow, hemispherical at the beginning of flowering, and elongated at the end of flowering and during fruiting.

Marginal flowers - from 2.5 to 3 mm wide, from 8 to 14 mm long, pistillate, white, ligulate, with 5 teeth at the apex. Towards the end of flowering they bend down. The internal ones are bisexual, tubular, yellow-golden, with a five-toothed corolla, much smaller than the reed ones. The chamomile pistil has a lower single-locular ovary, a thread-like style and two linear curved stigmas. Chamomile has five stamens with fused anthers in tubular flowers.

Seeds (fruits) - a curved achene, narrowed at the base, from 1 to 2 mm long, from 0.2 to 0.3 mm wide, on inside with 5 ribs, brownish-green color. The weight of 1000 achenes is from 0.03 to 0.07 grams, and in selected polyploid varieties it is 0.075-0.08 g.

All organs of the plant have a strong aromatic odor. It blooms from May to September, mass flowering occurs in June, seed ripening begins in July and continues until August.

Remember! The petals of chamomile are arranged horizontally or downwards. Its receptacle is convex and conical in shape. The flower head is hollow.

2. Where is chamomile common?

The birthplace of chamomile is Southern and Eastern Europe. How wild plant found almost everywhere in Europe. In its wild form, the medicinal plant is widely found in the Balkans, southern Italy and Spain.

Medicinal chamomile is widespread in the south and middle zone of the European part of the CIS, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the southern regions of Siberia. Grows along the edges of coniferous, mixed and broad-leaved forests, along clearings and roads, in clearings, young fallow lands, in populated areas, crops and gardens, in fields, meadows, wastelands. In the wild, it is most often found in Ukraine, Moldova, Krasnodar region and Rostov region of Russia.

Isolated areas of the chamomile range exist in Western Siberia- in the Ob and Yenisei basin, as well as in Eastern Siberia - in the upper reaches of the Angara, Shilka and Lena.
Isolated places of growth are known in Karelia, Komi, Central Asia and Kazakhstan, in the region of the middle reaches of the Ob. Once, as an alien, it was found in the south of the Far East.

Medicinal chamomile is cultivated in France, Hungary, Belgium and other countries. In the CIS, it is grown as an essential oil and medicinal plant in Moldova, Belarus, Western Siberia and the Krasnodar Territory. Substantial tracts of chamomile are found in Crimea and the south of the Kherson region of Ukraine. In Ukraine, chamomile is grown industrially in special farms, from which about 670 tons of chamomile are produced annually.

3. How it reproduces and how it spreads.

Propagated by seeds directly by sowing in the ground. you can start by replanting it with a clod of earth.

How weed can appear in a variety of places outside its continuous range, but usually disappears after 1-2 years, unable to withstand competition with other plant species. Chamomile cannot withstand competition from cereals in established grass stands. In other cases, especially near roads, housing, and vacant lots, chamomile becomes a representative of native vegetation. Thus, the number of places where this medicinal plant grows is constantly increasing due to the dispersal of seeds around places of continuous growth and the emergence of new places of growth when seeds are introduced. The mass expansion of chamomile occurs in the last century, when it began to interest us as a medicinal plant.

4. Procurement of raw materials and their storage.

The medicinal plant chamomile was harvested mainly from wild bushes, but due to the gradual reduction of these areas, chamomile has to be grown under industrial conditions.

For industrial harvesting, it is cultivated in specialized farms. In Siberia, by the way, it is successfully introduced and grown. Productivity reaches 5-10 c/ha in terms of dried raw materials.

Medicinal raw materials are whole or partially crumbled inflorescences without peduncles of chamomile (Flores Chamomillae), the length of peduncles should not be more than 3 centimeters.

The size of the basket without reed flowers is from 4 to 8 mm. The smell is aromatic, strong, the taste is bitter, spicy.

Inflorescences are harvested at the beginning of mass flowering, when 70% of the inflorescences have false-ligulate (white) flowers in baskets arranged horizontally and the essential oil content is highest.

When harvesting chamomile, when the chamomile flowers are bent to the bottom, the baskets crumble during drying, and the raw material loses its presentation.

Collection is carried out in dry weather, since raw materials collected during dew, after rain or in fog dry poorly and darken when dried. The inflorescences are collected manually using metal combs for combing the baskets. The raw materials are immediately sent to dry. Because collected inflorescences cannot be kept for more than 2-3 hours in heaps or in containers, as they become compacted, easily warmed up and lose their quality.

Dry flowers outdoors in the shade, in a dry room, in the attic, spreading them out in a layer of up to 5 cm. When harvesting large quantity chamomile - it is dried on currents using plastic film, tarpaulin, and fabric bedding. It is possible to use dryers with a temperature of 35 - 40°. When drying, it is not recommended to turn the baskets over to avoid the flowers falling off. In good weather, the raw material dries in 5-7 days. The yield of dry raw materials is about 20 - 25%.

The shelf life of raw materials is up to 2 years, but it is advisable to update home supplies annually. The smell of the raw materials is strong, aromatic, the taste is spicy and bitter. To ensure self-renewal of chamomile when collecting raw materials, at least 20% of well-developed specimens should be left on each thicket.

Ready-made chamomile raw materials are packaged in carton boxes, in plywood boxes, or multilayer paper bags.

5. Chemical composition.

Chamomile flowers contain up to 1.8% (usually 0.3-1.0%) essential oil, which is yellow-green to blue in color, with a characteristic odor that is pleasant in small quantities. Over time, the color of the oil changes to dark yellow, but this does not affect its healing properties.

The main component of the oil is chamazulene (up to 10% in selected varieties), which is credited with the main medicinal properties of chamomile as a medicinal plant, prochamazulene and other sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes.

Of the sesquiterpenes, matricarine and matrix lactones are important, since during the processing of raw materials, chamazulene is also formed from them.

However, other components also have therapeutic effect: fernesene (promotes epithelization and granulation of tissues), bisaboloxide A (has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects), herniarin and N-indicycloester (both have antispasmodic effects), cadinene, bisabolol, keto alcohol, caprylic acid, etc.

Flavonoids, derivatives of apigenin, luteolin and quercetin, which also have anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. And also beta-carotene, coumarins, sitosterol, choline, carotene, mucus, gum, antispasmodic glycoside, diaphoretic glycoside, apigenin, apiin, herniarin, matricen, ascorbic acid, nicotinic and isovaleric, anthemisic, salicylic and other polysaccharides and organic acids. From microelements: zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, traces of lead, cadmium.

It should be noted that chamomile has chemical grades that do not contain chamazulene or bisabolol, so it is still preferable to use pharmaceutical raw materials.

6. Use in medicine, the effect of pharmaceutical chamomile on the body.

I’m afraid that it’s simply impossible to list all the uses of chamomile, so I’ll focus on the main ones.

So, chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, choleretic, carminative, sedative, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial and antiviral, as well as wound-healing effects.

Apparently, the main effect of chamomile should be considered anti-inflammatory, and the question of which component of the extract is responsible for this effect remains open.

It is believed that the use medicinal chamomile most effective for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by pain, cramps, and flatulence. Chamomile is especially often used in pediatric practice, for intestinal bloating in children.

As an adjuvant, chamomile is used in the treatment increased acidity stomach, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, enteritis, ulcerative colitis, decreased appetite.

The best results are observed when using chamomile mixtures with yarrow and calendula. In patients, belching, flatulence, and pain disappear, and their health improves.

The complex use of these plants enhances the spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Yarrow increases blood clotting and has analgesic and vasodilating properties.

In case of illness biliary tract and liver preparations with chamomile relieve spasms bile ducts, increase bile secretion, reduce inflammation.

For flatulence and intestinal spasms, chamomile tea is used. Which consists of valerian root, chamomile flowers, mint leaves, fennel fruits and caraway seeds in equal parts. 2 teaspoons of a mixture of herbs are poured into 250 ml of boiling water, left for a quarter of an hour, filtered and taken half a glass in the evening and in the morning.

Carminative tea is very popular and is prepared using valerian roots, chamomile flowers and caraway fruits (4:6:1). A tablespoon of the mixture of these herbs is poured into a glass of boiling water, left for a quarter of an hour, filtered, and taken half a glass in the morning and evening for flatulence.

For urinary tract diseases, especially cystitis, chamomile is a fairly effective antimicrobial and pain reliever, especially in women.
Chamomile is widely used in gynecological practice, as a means that allows you to regulate monthly cycle and at painful menstruation.

Chamomile is sometimes used for migraines and seizures, either alone or in combination with other herbs. In addition, it is often included in preparations for neurasthenia, increased excitability, insomnia, toothache, neuralgia, gingivitis, tonsillitis.

Both independently and in preparations it is used for gargling for stomatitis, tonsillitis, blepharitis, colpitis and other inflammations of the mucous membranes, and not only the mucous membranes (wash inflamed hemorrhoidal cones with a decoction).

Chamomile infusion is used for lotions and washes for eczema, oily seborrhea faces, ulcers. Studies have proven the effectiveness of using chamomile preparations for various burns(including chemical, ultraviolet and radiation), well, people have known this for a long time, and have successfully used it.

Chamomile poultices help with rheumatic or gouty joint inflammation. For the same purpose, take chamomile baths for hands and feet.

Chamomile vapors are inhaled for colds. In children's practice, enemas with chamomile are used to treat intestinal bloating.

7. Method of application.

Chamomile - wonderful natural antiseptic. They are used in decoctions and...

In perfumery in the production of nourishing creams, lotions, shampoos and chamomile tinctures.

8. Preparations from the plant in the pharmacy.

In pharmacies you can collect chamomile flowers and filter bags with tea. As well as preparations that contain chamomile. For example, rotokan and romasulon.

9. Contraindications to the use of chamomile.

An overdose can lead to hoarseness, cough, and headache. There may be a decline muscle tone and depression of the central nervous system.

It is contraindicated during pregnancy, heavy painful menstruation and a tendency to diarrhea. Chamomile should be used with caution to treat the kidneys and bladder.

You should not use chamomile for schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

Think and guess! This common flower symbolizes tenderness, love and purity. There are several beautiful legends about the appearance of this delicate flower. According to one of them, chamomile appeared...

Chamomile, according to legend, was dreamed of by a young lover, Roman, who woke up and found the flower on his pillow. He gave it to his girlfriend and she named it daisy.