Chamomile: a thousand-year-old flower with enchanting benefits
Chamomile, with its delicate scent and calming properties, has been a beloved flower for generations. Its history is rooted in antiquity, where its healing properties were considered true magic of nature.
Its history
Camomile, a member of the Asteraceae family, is native to western and central Europe, but has conquered the world due to its many benefits. The ancient Greeks called it ‘ground apple’ because of its aroma similar to a freshly picked apple, while the Romans used it as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders.
One of the main benefits of chamomile is its ability to calm the mind and body. The ancient Egyptians used it to soothe stress and induce sleep, while in medieval Europe it was popular as a remedy for anxiety.
There are two common varieties: German chamomile (chamomilla recutita) and Roman chamomile (chaamaemelum nobile).
Its benefits
Chamomile flower heads – also called camomile flower – are used to prepare infusions and extracts that are mainly used for their beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
The plant does not actually have hypnoinducing active ingredients, like most medicinal herbs used against insomnia, but mainly has an antispasmodic action, i.e. it is able to promote muscle relaxation. This action makes camomile an excellent muscle relaxant, useful in cases of intestinal cramps caused by digestive problems, as well as when suffering from menstrual pain or pain caused by muscle tension and spasms.
Chamomile also brings benefits in cases of skin and mucous membrane inflammation, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and protective action of flavonoids, mucilage and the components of its essential oil (chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol).
How to experiment with chamomile
The ways in which one can come into contact with this beautiful flower are varied: besides being consumed as a herbal tea, camomile is widely used in cosmetics. Chamomile extract is often a key ingredient in skin creams and lotions due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used in infusions for hair rinses, helping to give shine and soothe the scalp.
It is also widely used for oral cavity rinses as it helps with inflammation of the mouth, throat and gums.
Also tried and tested in the kitchen, it is quite versatile: cake recipes, jams or even as an ingredient in salads for a unique touch. Its versatility knows no bounds, offering a range of possibilities beyond the cup.
Chamomile is one of the special ingredients in our Remedium No. 1 Night and Remedium No. 4 Hangover!
