Chamomile: 10 scientifically proven benefits

Chamomile is one of the oldest and most used medicinal plants as a natural remedy to alleviate various ailments. Its dried flowers are rich in flavonoids that contribute to its medicinal properties, as the experts underlined in a study dedicated to chamomile and its benefits.

The best known way to take chamomile is the preparation of an infusion or decoction with its flowers. Every day in the world we drink at least one million cups of chamomile. Researchers are increasingly interested in delving into the properties and benefits of chamomile.

Let’s discover the properties and benefits of chamomile based on studies and expert opinions.

1) Chamomile and longevity

According to a new study, chamomile helps us live better and longer. Scientists at the University of Texas took into consideration the effects of chamomile that occurred on a sample of 1667 subjects (men and women). Drinking an infusion of chamomile can help reduce the risk of premature death by 29%.

2) Chamomile to relieve stomach cramps

According to Dr. David Kiefer, chamomile contains substances that prevent the aggravation of gastrointestinal disorders. Chamomile has above all a calming effect against heartburn and stomach cramps. The infusion of chamomile must be prepared with very hot but not boiling water in order not to ruin the properties of the plant.

3) Chamomile to sleep better

Chamomile is one of the best known natural remedies to sleep better and to defeat insomnia. Preparing an infusion of chamomile is very simple. The advice is to buy dried chamomile flowers in herbal medicine shops and to use two teaspoons per cup. Here you can find an interesting study on the benefits of chamomile.

4) Chamomile to relax the muscles

Chamomile contains substances with a relaxing effect that soothe nerves and muscles. In particular, the infusion of chamomile is able to increase the levels of glycine present in the urine. Glycine is an amino acid that can calm cramps and muscle spasms. Here you can find more information.

5) Chamomile for painful menstruation

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlighted the ability of chamomile to relieve cramps and menstrual pains. As already pointed out, chamomile is able to relax the muscles, has a calming and relaxing effect and is able to calm the pain. Here, you can find more information.

6) Chamomile to fight colds and flu

Chamomile is considered a natural remedy to calm the symptoms of colds and flu. In particular, breathing the vapors of the camomile infusion would help to clear the airways. From this point of view its antimicrobial and sedative effects are considered very useful. Here, you can find more information.

7) Chamomile to stimulate the immune system

According to Elaine Holmes, chemist at Imperial College London, there are more and more studies that show that some very common natural remedies contain some chemicals that are really valid in the medical field. In particular, some substances present in chamomile can increase the antibacterial activity and stimulate the functions of the immune system.

8) Chamomile to relieve headaches

A study conducted in 2014 took into account the potential effects and action mechanisms of the topical use of chamomile oil – as it is traditionally prepared in Iran as a natural remedy – for headaches and migraines. Researchers hypothesize that chamomile oil may represent a ‘new' medicine to alleviate migraine-related pain.

 

9) Chamomile as a natural anti-inflammatory

Science is delving into the benefits of chamomile to reduce inflammation. For centuries, chamomile has been used as a natural anti-inflammatory. A study conducted in 2010 supports the use of chamomile as an effective anti-inflammatory.

10) Chamomile for type 2 diabetes

A study conducted in Iran and published in the scientific journal Nutrition found that drinking 3 cups of chamomile a day could help improve blood glucose levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. According to the experts, chamomile could help reduce risk factors related to diabetes.