Chamomile plants are native in many countries throughout Europe, and are cultivated in such countries as Germany, Egypt, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and parts of Eastern Europe. The various different Chamomile plants are very distinct and require their own set of conditions to grow. For example, Roman chamomile is a perennial plant (meaning it will live more than two years). It grows close to the ground and has smallish blossoming flowers. It tends to be bitter when used in teas. German chamomile, on the other hand, is a sweeter variety. It is an annual plant and can grow large blossoms up to three feet in height.

Active Ingredients

The plant’s healing properties come from its daisy-like flowers, which contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin) as well as flavonoids (particularly a compound called apinegin) and other therapeutic substances.

Health Benefits

Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory, to name only a few therapeutic uses. Chamomile may be used internally or externally. Extensive scientific research over the past 20 years has confirmed many of the traditional uses for the plant and established pharmacological mechanisms for the plant’s therapeutic activity, including antiseptic, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergenic activity.

Recent and on-going research has identified chamomile’s specific anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic and sedative properties, validating its long-held reputation. This attention appears to have increased the popularity of the herb and nowadays Chamomile is included as a drug in the pharmacopoeia of 26 countries.

Specifically, chamomile may:

• As a tea, be used for lumbago, rheumatic problems and rashes.
• As a salve, be used for hemorrhoids and wounds.
• As a vapor, be used to alleviate cold symptoms or asthma.
• Relieve restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.
• Relieve allergies, much as an antihistamine would.
• Aid in digestion when taken as a tea after meals.
• Relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
• Speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.
• Treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
• Reduce inflammation and facilitate bowel movement without acting directly as a purgative.
• Be used as a wash or compress for skin problems and inflammations, including inflammations of mucous tissue.
• Promote general relaxation and relieve stress. Animal studies show that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. Never stop taking prescription medications, however, without consulting your doctor.
• Control insomnia. Chamomile’s mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing effects may help those who suffer from insomnia to fall asleep more easily.
• Treat diverticular disease, irritable bowel problems and various gastrointestinal complaints. Chamomile’s reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions relax the smooth muscles lining the stomach and intestine. The herb may therefore help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. It may also be useful in the treatment of diverticular disorders and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
• Soothe skin rashes (including eczema), minor burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or added in oil form to a cool bath, chamomile may ease the itching of eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation. It may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection.
• Treat eye inflammation and infection. Cooled chamomile tea can be used in a compress to help soothe tired, irritated eyes and it may even help treat conjunctivitis.
• Heal mouth sores and prevent gum disease. A chamomile mouthwash may help soothe mouth inflammations and keep gums healthy.
• Reduce menstrual cramps. Chamomile’s believed ability to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramping.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile oil is an essential oil extracted from the chamomile flower.

The oil serves many medicinal purposes, but one of the best-documented uses is for relaxation. The oil has a calming effect on people, and can be used to help induce sleep, ease frayed nerves, and promote a general sense of calmness and wellbeing. It is great for those with nervousness or anxiety problems. Aside from having mental calming properties, chamomile is also good at relaxing sore muscles and tight joints. It can ease menstrual cramps and back aches, as well as relax the digestive system to ease upset stomach or indigestion issues. When applied topically to the skin, it soothes redness and irritation. For this reason, it is a common ingredient in skincare. It also eliminates itchiness and is good for those with allergic reactions. Sometimes chamomile is used on rashes. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can work to take down swelling caused by rashes or skin irritants.

Finally, the oil has antibacterial properties and can help to clean and protect wounds from infections. It is commonly used as an all-natural remedy for dental abscesses, conjunctivitis, and other infections.

There are a wide variety of ways in which chamomile essential oil can be ingested or applied on the body, depending on the reason the product is being used. For example, the oil can either be applied topically—when dealing with skin problems, or ingested orally—for upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues. To ingest the oil, it should be diluted into water, as only a small amount is highly potent. One to two drops in a glass of water should be sufficient for using as a mouthwash or ingesting for stomach problems. To use in a bath as an aromatherapy agent and muscle relaxant, less than 10 drops should still be sufficient.

The scent of the essential oil can be inhaled as a form of aromatherapy. The oil can be vaporized for aromatherapy use. This method works well to soothe nerves and headaches. It can be blended with another oil such as such as sesame, mineral, or olive, to be used for massaging aching muscles and joints. Finally, the oil can be blended with other cream based lotions to provide relief from rashes and irritated skin.

Other Uses

In addition to medicinal use, chamomile enjoys wide usage, especially in Europe and the U.S., as a refreshing beverage tea and as an ingredient in numerous cosmetic and external preparations. Rob McCaleb, President of the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colorado estimates that over one million cups of Chamomile tea are ingested worldwide each day, making it probably the most widely consumed herbal tea.

EverEscents use Lemongrass is a number of our products and not only is the aroma beautiful, we enjoy using this ingredient for its wonderful features and benefits as mentioned above.

Sourced from: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chamomile.html

www.wikipedia.com

So you have heard the word “Superfood” being thrown around quite a lot lately but you’re still not 100% sure what it means?

You’re not alone.

We’ve collated some information below explaining what this term really means and how they can benefit us in our everyday life.

Superfoods are a term that appeared during the 1990s. It refers to types of foods which are thought to have a very high content of certain nutrients, making them exceptionally worthwhile to include in our diets.

What are Superfoods?

Typically these food sources are high in antioxidants and essential nutrients – nutrients our bodies can”t produce.

Unfortunately, since the term has been introduced, many companies have abused the label in order to promote their products, even though they don”t live up to the claims. ALWAYS CHECK THE INGREDIENTS LIST BEFORE PURCHASE TO MAKE SURE THE CLAIMS ON THE FRONT ARE CORRECT.

The main health benefits of superfoods include:

• Helping to regulate metabolism and burn body fat.
• Protecting the organs from toxins.
• Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Preventing or reducing inflammation in the body.
• Preventing heart disease and cancer.
• Promoting digestive health.

No definitive list of superfoods exists, but some of those that appear frequently include:

• Cacao – Packed with antioxidants
• Goji Berries – High in vitamin C and A
• Chia Seeds – a great source of soluble fibre
• Maca – can help to balance hormones, enhance libido and mood, and boost strength and stamina.
• Oily fish, such as sardines and salmon – rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
• Olive oil – rich in antioxidants and good fats.
• Brazil nuts – high in selenium.
• Broccoli – high in antioxidants and a good source of folate.
• Spirulina – consists of chlorophyll, amino acids, protein
• Natural yoghurt – contains good bacteria to fight bad bacteria.
• Soy – rich in protein and high in fibre.
• Dark Chocolate – rich in flavonoids and antioxidants

So should you specifically choose superfoods?

Superfoods do provide generous amounts of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids and offer slightly more protection against some health conditions than ordinary foods, but they are best included as part of a balanced diet. So rather than striving to just eat superfoods, it”s better to simply aim for a minimum of five portions of whole fruits and vegetables per day. It”s true that most superfoods contain the same nutrients as other natural foods but in higher quantities which means you don”t require as much of them to get the benefits.

Sourced From: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au