The benefits and harms of chamomile tea: tips for use - contraindications and beneficial properties of the drink

About the composition

Chamomile inflorescences are actively used in folk medicine to eliminate a number of diseases. You can understand what their healing effect is by familiarizing yourself in detail with the features of the composition.

So, chamomile contains:

• Apigenins are substances designed to suppress allergic reactions and all kinds of inflammatory processes. They fight free radicals and can prevent the formation of certain types of cancer cells.
• Chrysins are components that have a powerful sedative effect. Reducing fear, anxiety and panic, they are used to treat hysterical conditions and prolonged depression. They are especially useful for people suffering from nightmares.
• Coumarins are anti-inflammatory drugs. They provide the characteristic and recognizable chamomile scent. What is noteworthy: this substance can be used to eliminate swelling that appears during the postoperative period.
• Ascorbic acids are an essential ingredient necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is he who improves the functioning of bone and connective tissues, regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, converting it into bile. In addition, it can act as a powerful antioxidant.
• Tannins are essentially natural laxatives. They provide a bitter taste, stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing the internal intestinal microflora.
• Pectins are the orderlies of the human body, as doctors call them. Effectively cleaning internal systems from harmful compounds, they do not disturb the natural microflora.
• Carotenes are components that stimulate metabolism. Slowing down the aging process, they are designed to prolong youth and preserve beauty.
• Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects. In some cases, they can accelerate regeneration.

In addition, the plant contains vital vitamins and microelements (iron, calcium, zinc, etc.).

How to brew

The brewing process is simple. Two teaspoons of dry inflorescences should be poured with boiling water (200-250 ml). Cover the container with tea with a saucer and let it brew for 10-20 minutes.

A cup of aromatic and healthy drink is prepared from two teaspoons of dry herbs brewed with boiling water. The drink should sit for about 20 minutes and then it can be consumed. The pleasant herbal aroma and unusual taste are well perceived. Breath becomes fresh, the body receives a dose of healthy vitamins and microelements.

To give the drink different flavor notes, it is recommended to combine chamomile with other herbs. It goes well with linden blossom, mint, calendula, and St. John's wort. The characteristic bitterness of chamomile is neutralized when the inflorescences are brewed with green tea. The multicomponent composition not only improves the taste, but also enhances the beneficial properties of the drink.

Chamomile tea in bags is supplemented with honey, a slice of lemon, dry or fresh mint.

To prepare the drink for future use, it is recommended to use the thermos method. Dry inflorescences along with additional components (if any) are poured into the thermos bowl. Next, the container is filled with well-hot boiled water. Under a closed lid, the tea is infused for 40 minutes. It is not recommended to keep the liquid in a heat-insulated box for a long time; it is better to prepare a new portion for the next use.

What are the benefits for men and women

Surprisingly, even pathologies of the male genitourinary system can be cured with the help of pharmaceutical chamomile. Next, we present to your attention a specific list of ailments that the plant can affect.

What are the benefits of this drink for ladies?

• relieves painful spasms during PMS;
• helps fight depression caused by hormonal imbalances.

How it affects men:

• acts as an effective prevention of prostatitis;
• prevents the development of gastrointestinal pathologies.

In addition, tea has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, fights rashes and dull complexion.

Chamomile tea (with photo) and its beneficial properties

Due to its unique chemical composition, the drink is able to provide:

• powerful antibacterial effect, fighting the pathogenic environment, eliminating internal inflammation;
• choleretic and diuretic effect, eliminating swelling;
• sedative calming effect, preventing hysterical states, eliminating feelings of anxiety and restlessness.

In addition, the product has antispasmodic and analgesic properties, which explains the need for its use during PMS, fever, the height of a cold, etc.

What's inside: flowers or stems with leaves?

The most valuable part of a chamomile is the flower. The stems and leaves contain much less useful substances than the flower. But manually collecting chamomile inflorescences is time-consuming, tedious and unprofitable. And with a combine, naturally, part of the stem is cut off along with the head. How many chamomile flowers are in the package and is there any chamomile in it at all?

Investigations of the contents of packages of medications, dietary supplements and teas were carried out based on external and microscopic signs.

According to FS.2.5.0037.15 “Chamomile flowers”, the external signs of high-quality chamomile are as follows:

1. A mixture of crushed flower particles of various shapes, passing through a sieve with holes with a diameter of 2 mm.
2. Color – brownish-yellow with white, yellowish-white, greenish-gray and brown inclusions.
3. The smell is aromatic.
4. The taste of the aqueous extract is spicy, bitter, with a mucous sensation.

• Medicines from three of the six brands did not fully meet the requirements - fragments of stems and leaves were found in them, that is, a significant amount of the mixture is not flowers.

Also, fragments of stems and leaves were found in five out of eight dietary supplements and seven out of eleven teas (including tea for children).

Experts noted the smell and taste typical for such mixes: the smell is usually weak, uncharacteristic of chamomile, has little or no aroma, and the taste of the infusion is poorly saturated.

Chamomile flowers without leaves and stems were found in only ten of the 25 products studied.

• For almost all products, the mixture is crushed, and properly crushed, according to FS.2.5.0037.15: no more than 5% of the mixture consists of large particles that do not pass through a sieve with holes with a diameter of 2 mm, as well as very small particles that pass through a sieve with holes diameter 0.18 mm.

Why is this particular degree of grinding set for chamomile? Particles that are too large do not fully release beneficial substances into the water. In addition, the brewing time will be longer and the water temperature will be higher. If chamomile is literally crushed into dust, valuable essential oils quickly disappear from it.

Unground chamomile flowers (whole raw materials) were found only in tea.

However, flowers in the composition or flowers with stems are not as important as whether the raw materials are fresh enough. If the flowers have been cut a long time ago, the content of beneficial essential oils and flavonoids decreases sharply.

Emma Khachaturova

Executive Director of the National Association of Distinguished Physicians

– Typically, the shelf life of chamomile does not exceed two years. But this depends on the storage conditions, packaging and degree of grinding of the raw materials: the smaller the particles, the more the essential oil glands are damaged and the more the essential oil evaporates. The more carefully and hermetically sealed the dry raw materials are packaged, the longer the essential oil lasts.

How much benefit is chamomile tea and chamomile from the pharmacy?

Chamomile has rightfully won its place among the most useful and recognizable medicinal plants: it helps solve many health problems, is suitable for all ages, and is hypoallergenic.

“It is no coincidence that the most valuable type of this plant is called “pharmacy chamomile,” says Emma Valeryevna Khachaturova. – Chamomile decoctions and infusions have anti-inflammatory, soothing and restorative properties. Most often they are used for problems with the gastrointestinal tract - constipation, excess gas formation, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, colic in infants.

Many people drink chamomile tea, being confident that this drink will reduce the risk of gastritis, stomach ulcers, liver and kidney diseases, relieve skin problems, etc. After all, doctors often recommend chamomile infusion along with basic medications for such ailments. Details HERE.

Unfortunately, most people still do not see the difference between chamomile, chamomile tea and dietary supplements.

People are also confused by the fact that chamomile tea can be bought both at the pharmacy and in the store. It is important to know that if you need to use an herbal mixture for treatment, the packaging must say “Medicine”. Only it theoretically contains sufficient quantities of beneficial esters and flavonoids.

Important

Buyers should read label directions and buy what they really need. There is no need to try to drink chamomile-based medicine as tea; it can only be drunk as prescribed by a doctor.

To find out whether there really is a difference in the content of useful substances in the medicine, dietary supplements and tea, experts examined purchased product samples for the presence and quantity of essential oils, flavonoids and extractives. Differences in composition have been identified between chamomile sold in pharmacies and chamomile tea sold in grocery stores.

Extractives

According to FS.2.5.0037.15, the content of extractive substances extracted with water must be at least 18%. Absolutely all products passed this test perfectly - the content of extractive substances varies from 21 to 44%.

Essential oils

Raw materials for medicines must contain at least 0.3% essential oils, according to FS.2.5.0037.15. The advanced requirements of Roskachestvo extend this indicator to the medicines themselves. For dietary supplements, the advanced requirements of Roskachestvo set a level of at least 0.1%. The content of essential oils in tea is not standardized.

• Among the medicines, only two and “ST.-Medifarm” (up to 0.35%) are in order for this indicator. The indicator is below the norm for goods 4 TM: from 0.05 to 0.1% instead of 0.3%. This level would be more suitable for teas than for medicines.
• Among dietary supplements, the products of three out of eight brands do not reach their standard of 0.1%. For others, the content of essential oils varies from 0.1 to 0.35%.
• Among the 11 teas, seven have a very low content of essential oils, literally in hundredths of a percent: from 0.02 to 0.09%.

Important

Although the content of essential oils in teas is not standardized, it was tea, and not a drug or dietary supplement, that became the leader among the studied products in terms of the content of essential oils. This is “Simply Azbuka” tea (0.54%).

Flavonoids

Flavonoids in terms of rutin in chamomile (in raw materials) should be at least 1.2%, according to FS.2.5.0037.15. This minimum is also established by the advanced requirements of Roskachestvo for chamomile products. All drugs meet the required minimum level of flavonoids. The content of flavonoids in two dietary supplements and three teas is below this level.

The maximum flavonoids among the products studied are in the Indian tea drink Newby (2%). At the same time, the content of essential oils in this product is quite low - 0.09%.

What does the situation mean when there are a lot of flavonoids and few essential oils, and vice versa?

Elena Malankina

Professor of the Department of Botany RGAU-MSHA named after. K. A. Timiryazeva, Ph.D. Sc., D.S. Sc., author of popular books on medicinal and essential oil crop production

– Naturally, the high content of both essential oil and flavonoids indicates the high quality of the raw materials. The ratio of these compounds depends on a number of factors: variety, weather conditions, fertilizers used. For example, if the essential oil content is low, this may indicate that the weather was wet and cool or that the plants were heavily fed with nitrogen fertilizers. The content of flavonoids is more stable over the years and reacts less to weather conditions. The same is true during storage: flavonoids are very stable and retain very well in raw materials. But essential oils are less persistent. Their safety depends on the degree of grinding of the raw materials. The finer it is, the faster the essential oils evaporate, the shorter the shelf life. Also, essential oils evaporate if stored improperly (in the light, in heat).

What does chamomile tea help with and what is it good for?

Above, we examined in detail the healing properties and constituent features of the tea potion. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the specific indications for use.

For a cold

The high content of vitamin C makes the plant especially effective in treating seasonal flu and infections. A pronounced antibacterial effect allows you to cope with the characteristic symptoms of colds.

Regular drinking of the drug helps:

• reduce sore throat;
• reduce temperature;
• improve your overall emotional state and well-being.

What is noteworthy: the product can be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention, since it has a powerful immunomodulatory effect.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Benefits of chamomile tea for the gastrointestinal tract:

• eliminates bloating and gas formation;
• normalizes internal work;
• removes waste and toxins;
• eliminates intestinal upset due to its astringent effect.

In addition, drinking can fight spasms and pain thanks to its powerful antispasmodic effect.

As a pain reliever

Chamomile is a natural antispasmodic. Literally one mug of decoction can eliminate a mild headache caused by a sharp drop in pressure and specific weather conditions. In some cases, it can even help minimize the symptoms of migraine.

For face and body skin

Surprisingly, pharmaceutical dried flowers can even be used for cosmetic purposes! According to a series of studies, chamomile infusions are effective in:

• increasing skin firmness and elasticity;
• eliminating shallow wrinkles;
• combating dull complexion;
• elimination of rashes and inflammations.

By rubbing the T-zone with a tincture based on petals, you can normalize the secretion of the sebaceous glands and get rid of oily shine.

Best Recipes

Next, we bring to your attention the most popular time-tested methods of preparing healing tea.

Classical

Even the ancient Egyptians grew chamomile to treat a variety of ailments and diseases. They believed that it was a sacred herb associated with the Sun God, and therefore capable of changing people's lives for the better. When preparing their healing potions, they adhered to the following recipe formula:

1. A teaspoon of dry tea leaves is poured with 200 milliliters of hot boiled water.

2. Next, add two incomplete spoons of honey, mix everything thoroughly.

3. At the end, pour in a couple of milliliters of lemon juice.

The drink is infused for about 10 minutes, then it is ready to drink.

With mint

Peppermint leaves are another essential ingredient in home medicine. Due to its pronounced sedative effect, it is particularly effective in the treatment of prolonged stress and insomnia.

How to make mint-chamomile tea:

• For one serving, take a teaspoon of dry pharmaceutical flower mixture.
• Add a couple of mint leaves.
• Pour 250 milliliters of hot water over the ingredients.
• Leave for 5-7 minutes.

Depending on your taste preferences, you can put a little honey or lemon in the mug.

Or use the ready-made Alpine Meadow blend, which contains chamomile, mint, lemongrass and hibiscus.

With oregano

Take a spoonful of each herb. The dry mixture is mixed, then poured with a glass of warm-hot liquid. Infusion time is from 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the strength desired).

With lemon

This is perhaps the easiest way to prepare it. Chamomile tea leaves are poured with hot water. In a separate container, a lemon circle is kneaded with honey. Next, both parts are combined and infused for about 20 minutes.

In Lithuanian

People with weak immune systems are recommended to choose this recipe. Thanks to a competent combination of pharmaceutical products and additives, it allows you to quickly increase the body’s protective functions and make it resistant to external pathogens and irritants.

What are the benefits of drinks prepared in this way:

• fights pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms;
• has an antioxidant effect aimed at removing waste and toxins;
• speeds up metabolism, facilitating the process of losing weight.

For a liter of drink you will need two tablespoons of chamomile, a couple of pinches of cumin, and a few peppermint leaves. All ingredients are brewed and left to brew for a quarter of an hour.

With St. John's wort

Another popular pharmacy supplement that provides tremendous health benefits. Among the most obvious properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• immunomodulatory;
• antispasmodic;
• antiseptic;
• antibacterial;
• regenerating.

The unique composition of the herb allows it to be used to solve dental problems and eliminate ailments of the gastrointestinal tract.

To prepare a medicinal drink, dried flowers are taken in equal proportions - 5 grams (per serving). Pour a mug of warm hot water and leave for about 10 minutes. If desired, you can add natural sweetener.

With lemon balm

This plant is also an effective sedative of natural origin. In addition to providing a sedative effect, it:

• promotes faster healing;
• relieves painful spasms;
• prevents varicose veins;
• fights anxiety and insomnia;
• lowers high blood pressure;
• eliminates cold symptoms.

Both herbs are taken in a one to one ratio of 5-6 grams, poured with 300 milliliters of boiling water. Infusion time is about 8-10 minutes.

With linden

From time immemorial, linden leaves have been used by the ancient Slavs to treat a wide variety of ailments and ailments. In particular, they help:

• eliminate internal foci of inflammation;
• activate and accelerate regeneration processes;
• have an antipyretic effect;
• fight stress and depression;
• remove waste and toxins from the body.

Both dried flowers are taken in equal proportions - one teaspoon each. They are filled with 300 milliliters of warm liquid and covered with a lid for 10 minutes.

Interestingly, you can use ready-made mixtures of the above plants in herbal teas to get the maximum effect from the benefits of all the herbs. For example, “Tatar tea” contains tea, chamomile, thyme, linden, oregano, mint, St. John’s wort and sage! An excellent solution for those who want to try everything at once!

With thyme

A powerful natural antiseptic also often appears in home medicine recipes. Based on it the following is prepared:

• cold medicines;
• remedies for intestinal disorders;
• antispasmodic mixtures designed to relieve headaches, eliminate migraines and facilitate menstruation.

In addition, thyme allows you to activate regeneration processes, accelerating the healing of wounds and cuts, eliminating small scars and scars.

Pharmacy tea leaves are taken in a ratio of one to two (1 – thyme herb, 2 – chamomile). They are poured with boiling water (300 ml) and left for about 20 minutes.

With fennel

This plant is a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the body. In particular, its composition is represented by vitamin complexes of groups A, B, E, C and PP, mineral compounds such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

Typically, the herb is used in the treatment of:

• viruses and infections;
• various skin lesions;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• toxic poisoning;
• pneumonia;
• tonsillitis and bronchitis.

To prepare a chamomile mixture with fennel, you need to mix both tea leaves in equal proportions and pour a glass of hot liquid. They are infused for about half an hour, honey is added if desired.

Chemical composition

Chamomile flowers contain a unique combination of micro and macroelements:

• calcium;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• fluorine;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• manganese;
• zinc.

Vitamin complex includes:

• beta-carotene;
• ascorbic acid;
• choline;
• B vitamins;
• nicotinic acid.

Chamomile tea is included in the menu of many dietary tables due to the healing properties of its constituent components. The calorie content of the product is one kilocalorie per 200 ml of drink.

Chamomile inflorescences contain essential oils, which include: farnesene, sesquiterpenes, isovaleric and caprylic acids, cadinene, sesquiterpene alcohol bisabolol. The raw material is enriched with the flavone glycoside apiin, from which apiose, apigenin and glucose are obtained upon hydrolysis. Other active compounds include: mucus, carotene, salicylic acid, gums, polysaccharides, coumarins.

We collect and dry ourselves

Today you can easily purchase dry chamomile at any pharmacy. However, those who want to get a completely natural product, devoid of any flavors, dyes and additives, are recommended to collect and prepare dried flowers themselves.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to dry a plant:

1. We collect raw materials. The optimal collection time is from late May to early July. It is worth plucking only those heads that have managed to fully open and ripen. Important: the stem and leaves are not touched, since only the upper parts with the petals are required. You can cut them off with your hands or use scissors.

2. Dry. The collected flowers are laid out in a thin layer on parchment paper without any press. If possible, try to place them in the fresh air - under a canopy or in the attic. Stir the flower mixture regularly so that it can dry evenly.

The standard drying time is a week. You can check readiness for brewing by simply grinding one flower. If it turns into aromatic dust, then the tea base is ready. And if you prefer to purchase finished products rather than waste time on gathering and preparing, we recommend purchasing “Tsar’s Chamomile” - a natural and environmentally friendly product.

Contraindications

Like any product, herbal tea with chamomile has a whole list of restrictions for use. Contraindications include:

• The presence of allergic reactions or individual intolerance. Such manifestations are observed extremely rarely, however, before starting a course of drinking a tea potion, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test.
• Use of diuretics or sedatives. Since the pharmaceutical preparation already has a similar effect, in combination with additional medications it can provoke a number of side effects and negative consequences.
• Problems with blood pressure. Drinks lower blood pressure, and therefore should be taken by people suffering from hypotension.

Chamomile herbal tea indeed has beneficial properties, but only if taken correctly, since irresponsible use of chamomile tea can cause major troubles due to contraindications.

Indications for use

The abundance of physiologically active components in chamomile is used in medicine (traditional and folk) to provide therapeutic effects:

• sedative;
• anti-inflammatory;
• analgesic (weak effect);
• antiseptic.

Hot flashes during menopause

Menopausal syndrome is caused by hormonal changes in the body of women. It is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, including hot flashes. Chamomile tea helps relieve symptoms.

It is better to prepare it in combination with other herbs: valerian root and peppermint. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions. At 2 tbsp. l. the mixture requires 450 ml of boiling water. The drink is infused for 2-4 hours in a thermos. I drink 200 ml of tea in the morning and evening for a month. The course is repeated after a 2-week break.

The therapeutic effect is observed due to the sedative, restorative, antioxidant effect of chamomile. An important role is played by a hormone-like substance that restores the balance of estrogen in a woman’s body.

Weight loss

Chamomile tea by itself does not get rid of extra pounds. But thanks to the properties of the plant, it is easier to transfer to a different diet. The inflorescences help restore the functionality of the digestive system. The drink enhances secretory activity. If you drink tea before meals, you will be able to speed up the absorption of food and activate the metabolic process.

A comprehensive weight loss program is stressful for the body. Chamomile tea neutralizes negative reactions due to its calming effect.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is not recommended to abuse chamomile tea. Doses recommended for daily consumption in normal situations may cause uterine contractions followed by miscarriage in a pregnant woman. This effect is explained by the plant’s ability to increase the amount of the hormone estrogen.

Pregnant women are allowed to drink chamomile tea prepared in low concentrations on an irregular basis, as well as use the inflorescences in inhalations, in the form of compresses, and for rinsing the mouth.

Chamomile tea is also beneficial for infants. However, the drink may cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, the first dose should be small. This way the situation with testing the product will be under control.

Restoration of hormonal levels

To restore hormonal levels, pharmacological agents are often prescribed. But you can do without replacement therapy using folk recipes. One of the effective ones is chamomile tea, which has a tonic and restorative effect on the body.

To solve the problem, it is recommended to prepare a drink from inflorescences and other herbs that stabilize hormonal levels. These are: nettle, motherwort, mint, valerian, rooibos, thyme, sage.

Stress and migraines

Chamomile has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system. It helps to relax, get rid of the consequences of emotional stress and stress.

A mild antispasmodic effect is used in the treatment of headaches and migraines. The active ingredients of tea relieve muscle spasms and neutralize pain caused by changing weather.

To relieve pain and relieve stress, it is recommended to use chamomile as tea and for bathing. Bathing in the decoction has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional background.

Myoma

The inflorescences contain a hormone-like substance that allows chamomile to be used to treat female diseases. For example, fibroids develop against the background of hormonal imbalance. Estrogen replacement restores balance.

Positive dynamics of therapy are observed when chamomile tea is used at the initial stage of the disease.

A multi-component decoction helps well with fibroids. To prepare it, take 2 tsp. chamomile, buckthorn bark, St. John's wort, calendula and motherwort. Add 5 tsp to the herbal mixture. strawberry leaves, and 1 tsp. nettle and yarrow. From two tablespoons of the collection, 1 liter of decoction is obtained. Prepare it in a thermos with infusion for 10-12 hours. Take 100 ml twice a day for 2 months.

Women over 50

The menopause period is characterized by characteristic features: irritation, sudden changes in mood, increased heart rate, increased sweating, etc. Experts recommend including foods containing Omega-3, Omega-6 acids, as well as herbal teas in the diet as maintenance therapy. The main role is given to such a tea component as chamomile.

During menopause, all the properties of chamomile are used: antiseptic, sedative, anti-inflammatory.

To alleviate the condition during menopause, you need to drink a cup of chamomile tea twice a day. To diversify and enhance the therapeutic effect of the drink, experts recommend brewing the plant together with peppermint, calendula, sage, and St. John's wort. You can also add honey and a slice of lemon for taste.

Insomnia

Chamomile is a natural sleep aid. It perfectly calms you down, allowing you to sleep and restore strength and energy. The action is due to the plant’s ability to influence the functioning of the nervous system.

Scientists from different countries have repeatedly conducted studies on the effectiveness of chamomile for insomnia. Test data differ significantly from year to year. Despite the skeptical conclusions, no one was able to refute the fact that the plant restores sleep.

Reduced blood sugar

Chamomile inflorescences have a beneficial effect on the health of diabetics. Drinking tea lowers glucose levels and regulates the amount of insulin in the blood. There is also a decrease in the frequency of peak values, at which sugar levels rise to critical levels.

Cold

The anti-inflammatory effect of the plant is used in medicine for preventive and therapeutic measures for colds. Vitamins and valuable microelements cope with viruses and pathogenic microflora. Ascorbic acid increases the body's protective functions, like phenol. Organic acids and esters help remove toxins. Chamomile tea is recommended for sore throat, bronchitis, and ARVI.