Chamomile decoction. Indications for use, benefits, how to cook

Chamomile broth helps cope with a variety of diseases. It is indicated for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, skin diseases, colds and nervous strain. Chamomile is also used in cosmetology for hair and skin care. The cheapness and effectiveness of this medicinal plant made it the most popular among traditional medicines.

Useful properties of chamomile, composition

A decoction of chamomile, the indications for the use of which will be listed later in the article, is very useful for a number of diseases due to the rich chemical composition of the plant.

Chamomile flowers contain:

Beta carotene	It is a provitamin of vitamin A and has a powerful antioxidant effect, helping to reduce the risk of cancer.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)	Helps the body's immunity to resist various viruses and bacteria, increasing its resistance.
Selenium	It is important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, maintaining its hormonal balance.
Potassium	Improves cerebral blood supply and heart function, helps to reduce blood pressure.
Zinc	Participates in the reproduction of proteins and DNA cells, is important for the growth and restoration of muscle mass.
Copper	Promotes collagen production and iron absorption.
Quercetin	Improves vascular permeability, helps with arterial hypertension.
Caprylic acid	Fights fungal and yeast infections, maintains a healthy balance of the microflora of the esophagus.
Salicylic acid	It has a powerful antiseptic effect.
Nicotinic acid	Affects carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, helps to reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood.

In addition, the composition also contains flavonoids, gums, polysaccharides, ethers (oils) and tannins, which contribute to the early removal of inflammatory processes and tissue regeneration.

Chamomile medicines can be used both externally and internally.

Thanks to its rich content of useful and vital components, chamomile:

• helps to normalize the heart rate, protects the heart muscle (myocardium) from external influences;
• has a pronounced sedative and sedative effect, helps to cope with various pathologies of a neurotic nature (anxiety, panic attacks, depression);
• improves blood circulation, stimulates the activity of the brain;
• regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to eliminate cramps, bloating;
• stimulates the regeneration of tissues of the mucous membranes, protects them from the effects of pathogens;
• helps to normalize sleep, increases endurance and performance;
• strengthens blood vessels, their walls, helping to prevent the appearance of plaques on them, the development of atherosclerosis;
• has a powerful antihistamine (antiallergic) effect;
• has a mild analgesic effect, helping to relax smooth muscles and eliminating discomfort in tissues and organs.

Indications for taking a decoction of chamomile

A decoction of chamomile can help with a number of ailments and pathologies.

Indications for its use:

• various skin diseases - allergies, inflammation (wounds, ulcers, acne), dermatitis, burns;
• diseases of the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys and ureters;
• problems with the biliary system (bile stasis);
• inflammation of internal organs, colds, infectious diseases;
• flatulence, stomach and intestinal pain, gastritis;
• headaches, migraines;
• inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
• anxiety and depressive states and disorders;
• bronchial asthma, diseases affecting the respiratory tract (ARVI, influenza).

Typically, herbal formulations with chamomile do not cause addiction and allergic reactions, so they can be used in courses of 2-3 months. Chamomile infusion or decoction is often taken by people who want to lose weight, eliminate puffiness and carry out a general detoxification of the body. When taken, this can be achieved by normalizing metabolic processes, cleansing the liver, improving digestion, as well as the plant's mild laxative and diuretic effect.

Contraindications

A decoction of chamomile, the indications for the use of which are determined individually, may be contraindicated in some cases. The plant, despite its enormous benefits, is still a drug and can sometimes cause unwanted reactions.

You can not use chamomile in the form of decoctions, tea and infusions when:

• individual intolerance to phyto-raw materials, the occurrence of allergic reactions to it;
• the use of other diuretics and sedatives, since chamomile, having the same properties, can excessively enhance the effect;
• hypotension, since the plant helps to lower blood pressure.

Chamomile herbal tea will only be beneficial if consumed wisely. Excessive and uncontrolled use of such a decoction can be harmful to health.

Chamomile decoction recipe step by step

Making chamomile tea is very simple. The process is not much different from the preparation of ordinary tea, but still there are some subtleties that allow all the beneficial substances to be maximized in the finished drink.

Step by step its preparation looks like this:

1. Boil 250 ml of water.
2. 10 (+/- 2) g of dry chamomile flowers (sold in bulk at the pharmacy) are poured with 250 ml of hot, but not boiling water. It is not advisable to use boiling water, since the high temperature kills all the healing properties of the plant.
3. Raw materials filled with hot water are insisted for about 10-12 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can cover the container in which the broth is being prepared with something warm - a towel, a soft kitchen hood.
4. After the specified time, the broth is filtered through a fine sieve and drunk 3-4 times a day in equal parts.

If you buy chamomile in filter bags, the cooking process will become even easier - just fill the bag with hot water and let the drink brew for 5-7 minutes. To prepare a stronger broth, you can brew 2-3 sachets at once. In this form, tea is taken as a mild sedative; for medicinal purposes, it is better to brew crushed raw materials purchased at a pharmacy.

Also, if possible, you can independently harvest chamomile by collecting it in safe, suitable places (far from the road, in an area not polluted by various kinds of harmful emissions). The broth in this case is prepared in the same way as described above. You can use both whole dried inflorescences and crushed flowers.

Other recipes and the effect of funds on the body

A decoction of chamomile, the indications for the use of which are discussed in the article, can be used not only as an independent drink, but also in combination with other useful plants.

Chamomile with mint

The aromatic oils in peppermint leaves help to moderate appetite, which can help reduce binge eating and weight loss. Also, the plant has a calming effect and helps to cope with stress, depression and insomnia. In combination with chamomile, all these properties are enhanced, which makes such a decoction very useful for people who are obese or suffering from various neurotic disorders.

He prepares like this:

1. Place 1 tsp in a cup or glass. dry pharmacy mixture of chamomile and a few mint leaves (5-6 pcs.).
2. Raw materials are poured into ¼ l of hot water (but not boiling, as mentioned earlier).
3. Let the broth settle for 6-8 minutes, after which they consume the drink, having previously drained it.

With oregano

Few know that the combination of chamomile and oregano is the perfect combination of herbal sedatives. The composition helps soothe frayed nerves, relax and sleep peacefully. Another useful property of such a decoction is its anti-inflammatory effect. The drink helps to cope with the signs of a cold, get rid of cough with phlegm.

Prepare the composition as follows:

1. Put 1.5 tsp in a mug. dry mixture of oregano and chamomile, mix.
2. Raw materials are poured with 250-300 ml of warm water.
3. Insist under a warm shelter for 15-20 minutes, after which they are taken at a time.

With lemon

Chamomile tea with lemon will help to cope with unpleasant manifestations of a cold, soften the throat, and reduce unpleasant mucus from the nose. In this case, the chamomile is brewed separately - 1 tsp is taken for 150 ml of warm-hot water. dry raw materials.

In another container, several slices of lemon are kneaded with honey and warm water (not hot, they do not put honey in hot water, but it is better to eat it with a bit of tea with such tea, without stirring it with liquid). Both parts are combined and allowed to brew for 7-8 minutes, after which the drink is drunk.

In Lithuanian

This recipe will also help you cope with colds faster and strengthen your immune system.

For cooking take:

• a few mint leaves;
• a couple of pinches of cumin;
• 2 tbsp chamomile.

All ingredients are brewed with boiled water at a temperature of 90-95C and infused for 1/3 tsp. In addition to activating the body's defenses, this infusion helps to remove toxins from the body, accelerates metabolic processes and promotes weight loss.

With St. John's wort

In combination with St. John's wort, chamomile has an antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Also, the composition acts as an analgesic and immunomodulatory agent and stimulates tissue regeneration. To prepare the broth, St. John's wort and chamomile are taken in equal parts, 5 g per 250 ml of hot water. The drink is allowed to stretch for 15-20 minutes. drink 0.5 cups 2 times a day.

With lemon balm

Melissa is also called lemon mint, as it has a distinctive flavor.

The plant has a number of beneficial properties:

• lowers high blood pressure;
• eliminates spasmodic pain;
• promotes rapid wound healing;
• helps to cope with anxiety, insomnia;
• eliminates cold symptoms.

To prepare the broth, take both types of herbs in dry crushed form in a one-to-one ratio of 4-6 g and pour 1/3 l of freshly boiled water and leave for about 10-15 minutes.

With linden

The beneficial effect of linden flowers on the human body is due to its rich biochemical composition. In large quantities, the flowers contain vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process of the body and improves immunity.

To prepare a healing drink with chamomile and linden, you need to take 1 tsp. chopped raw materials of each plant and pour 300 ml of boiled warm water. In order for the broth to infuse, it will take about 10-15 minutes, after which it can be drunk like tea.

With thyme

The fragrant and healthy thyme also pairs very well with chamomile. It is part of the anti-cold preparations, helps to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes nervous relaxation and calming. To prepare a drink, chamomile and thyme are taken in a ratio of 2 to 1. The raw materials are mixed in a mug, glass or thermos and filled with 350 ml of water (hot). The broth is infused for 20-25 minutes. and drink separately as an independent drink.

With fennel

Fennel, like thyme, has an unusual, but very pleasant taste, which is even more revealed in combination with chamomile. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system of the body, enhances the secretion of gastric juice and improves intestinal motility.

Also, the herb helps to strengthen the bone tissue of the body and keep the heart muscle healthy. To brew medicinal tea, fennel and chamomile are taken in equal parts and poured with hot water (usually 1-2 tsp each herb for 250-300 liquids) and let it brew for half an hour, covering with warm towel.

Application and dosage

A decoction of chamomile, the indications for the use of which are quite extensive, helps with a number of diseases. For effective treatment and relief of one or another unpleasant condition caused by the disease, it is important to know what dosages should be used in each case.

Cough (for colds)

In the phase of acute exacerbation of the disease, chamomile, like any other phyto-remedy, can be used only with the permission of a doctor.

If he approves of such treatment methods, then the following decoctions can be prepared:

• for 1 glass of cool boiling water, take 2 tsp. inflorescences, the drink is infused for 15-20 minutes. and then they drink it in one go. If desired, you can take a decoction with honey;
• take 1 part of raspberries, 1 part of chamomile, 1 part of currant leaves (it is desirable that the raw material is homogeneous, but not necessary). All are mixed in a suitable container or thermos and filled with hot freshly boiled water. After the composition is stretched, take it in small portions throughout the day.

To treat cough, improve sputum discharge and speedy recovery of mucous membranes after a cold, it is good to do steam inhalations based on chamomile broth. It is very simple to cook such brews - add 0.5 cups of chamomile inflorescences to 0.5 liters of boiling water and boil over low heat for 3-5 minutes.

Then the vapors of the hot composition are inhaled, tilting the head over the saucepan or bowl in which the raw materials were cooked. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to carry out the procedure, covering the head and face with a towel so that the air practically does not penetrate inside.

With a runny nose

For the treatment of a runny nose, lotions can be made from chamomile. To do this, brew 1 tsp in a thermos with hot water. inflorescences and insist 3-4 tsp. The resulting composition is impregnated with a tissue base for a compress and applied to the bridge of the nose. The bandage for the lotion-compress can be made from several layers of gauze, cotton or linen fabric.

Drops from chamomile infusion and aloe juice also help to quickly get rid of a cold. To prepare them, 1 tsp is boiled in 100 ml of water. placers of chamomile and then add 1 tbsp to the strained and cooled broth. aloe juice. The resulting composition is instilled into the nose 3-4 times a day, 1-3 drops for 4-6 days.

For injuries, sprains

Chamomile in combination with clay will help relieve unpleasant and painful sensations arising from injuries and sprains.

To prepare such a composition, take:

• 3-4 tablespoons placers of chamomile;
• 0.5 l of non-steep boiling water (90-95C);
• clay.

Pour boiling water over the chamomile and let it brew for about 50-60 minutes. Then, so much clay is added to the broth so that the product acquires the consistency of thick enough sour cream (so it will not spread when applied). The resulting mass is applied to injured and painful areas and kept for 1-1.5 hours after drying. Treatment may take several 3-4 weeks.

With menstruation

Chamomile helps to balance hormones (estrogen and progesterone levels) and improve menstrual cycle. This plant is especially useful for adolescents during the formation of regular menstruation and for adult mature women, in whom, on the contrary, this function is already fading due to the onset of menopause.

Chamomile can be taken orally, as well as douching. To prepare a decoction for 300 ml of water, take 3-4 tbsp. chamomile. Prepare the product for steam, in a water bath, after boiling, simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strained chamomile is drunk during the day as tea, and the inside of the vagina is irrigated (douching) 1-2 times a day using microclysters of low volume.

For insomnia

For sleep problems, chamomile tea is recommended to be consumed at night. It is prepared simply - 1 tsp. chamomile is poured with 200 ml of water and allowed to stretch for 8-12 minutes, after which they drink 1-1.5 hours before going to bed.

Chamomile is even more effective for insomnia when combined with herbs such as motherwort and valerian. All components are taken in equal parts (1 tbsp each) and poured into 0.5 liters of water. The collection is simmered in a water bath for 15 minutes. after the liquid boils, after which it is filtered, cooled and drunk before bedtime, 100-150 ml. The resulting product is stored in the refrigerator for several days in a jar under a closed lid.

During pregnancy

Chamomile decoctions, even weak ones, are not recommended for use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks), so how it can cause an increase in the production of female hormones estrogen and lead to unwanted consequences.

After this period, pregnant women can use weak chamomile tea. It will help expectant mothers to calm down, improve sleep, and cope with discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare such a drink, it is better to purchase filter bags with chamomile at the pharmacy and brew them 1 pc. in 200-250 ml of hot water.

With flatulence, digestive disorders, spasms

A strong infusion of chamomile helps with diarrhea, and a weak one helps to eliminate constipation. Chamomile broth also works well on the digestive tract system with increased gas production, pain and spasms.

With flatulence, stomach and intestinal pain, during the period of stool disorder, such a decoction is prepared - 2-3 tsp raw materials are poured with 1 glass of boiling water and, having wrapped, let it brew for 2 hours (you can do it in a thermo mug, thermos). The resulting composition is taken warm 3 times throughout the day. To achieve a tangible result and consolidate the effect, treatment is continued for 5-6 days.

With gastritis

Chamomile is able to lower the acidity of gastric juice, suppress pain and stop the inflammatory processes that occur during gastritis on the surface of its epithelium. With an exacerbation of gastritis, a ready-made decoction of chamomile is taken in small doses for 25 minutes. before meals.

To enhance the effect, you can prepare a combined tea from chamomile, calamus, fennel and mint. All components of the medicinal drink are taken in equal parts (2-3 tsp each) and 300 ml of water is poured. After insisting 2-3 hours, use during the day in small equal portions 3-4 times.

For bowel problems

With colitis and intestinal infections, chamomile allows not only to stabilize the stool, relieve cramps and reduce gas formation, but also, acting as an absorbent, to remove harmful substances and decay products. For treatment 2-3 tbsp. dry raw materials are poured into 0.5 l of water and boiled for 15-20 minutes. Insisting 2 hours, take 0.1 l 5 times a day after each meal. The course of treatment is a month, only a freshly prepared drink should be used daily.

Application for beauty

Chamomile is widely used in the cosmetic industry for the production of various products - shampoos, toothpastes, decorative cosmetics, various creams, tonics, scrubs. It is suitable for all types of skin and hair, it is excellent for coping with various problems (acne, greasy hair, redness, rashes) and therefore cosmetics containing chamomile extract are trusted and in demand among buyers.

For hair care

Chamomile will suit any hair type. Rinsing it with infusion allows you to reduce the excessive production of sebum on the head, giving shine and shine to the hair. To rinse the hair, an infusion is prepared, with which the hair is simply washed after washing. You can also add a strong broth of chamomile to shampoos, make chamomile-oil (with burdock, olive oil) tinctures to strengthen hair.

For face care

Chamomile is included in a variety of skin care products. It is included in products that help to cope with comedones and acne, slow down aging and aging of the skin, and also allow you to care for sensitive, prone to irritation skin.

At home, many women also like to use chamomile to treat their face. Ready-made decoctions are used for washing and wiping the face in the morning and in the evening, freezing in the form of ice cubes to give the face freshness and eliminate puffiness, adding to various masks.

With skin pathologies on the body

Strong concentrated chamomile infusion helps to cope with a number of skin pathologies:

• reduces excessive moisture and sweating of feet and palms;
• helps to remove bags and dark circles under the eyes;
• eliminates itching and redness during exacerbation of allergies, psoriasis, eczema.

In the presence of a rash of various origins (acne, allergic reactions, skin diseases), it is useful to take baths with chamomile infusion in courses.

Overdose signs and side effects

The occurrence of side effects when using chamomile, both externally and internally, is rare. Most often this is due to the individual intolerance of this plant. With excessive consumption of chamomile, an overdose may occur.

This also rarely happens and may be associated, for example, with an excessive enthusiasm for cleansing the body with a decoction of chamomile or extreme diet, when almost all other food products are completely excluded and herbal decoction is consumed in large doses.

In such conditions, the following symptoms may be observed:

• difficulty breathing;
• anaphylactic shock;
• the occurrence of edema;
• development of vascular collapse.

All of these conditions are very serious and can be extremely life-threatening, therefore, if such reactions appear, you should immediately seek emergency medical help.

Chamomile decoction is an affordable and effective treatment for many pathologies. With its unique properties, chamomile helps to get rid of digestive problems, relieves colds, heals the skin and strengthens the immune system. Most doctors allow the combined use of chamomile infusions and decoctions, according to indications, in conjunction with drug treatment, as this contributes to the speedy recovery of patients.

Video about chamomile broth

How to brew chamomile: