Helping in bad digestion, calming and reducing anxiety are some of the benefits of Chamomile tea, which can be prepared using the dried flowers of the plant or the sachets that you buy at the supermarket.
Chamomile tea can be prepared only with this medicinal plant or in a combination of plants such as fennel and mint. The scientific name of the chamomile is Matricaria recutita, also commonly known as Margaça, Camomila-vulgar, Camomila-common, Macela-nobre, Macela-Galician or simply chamomile.
Benefits and Properties of Chamomile Tea
The main benefits of Chamomile tea include:
- Decreases hyperactivity;
- It helps to soothe and relax;
- Relieves stress;
- Helps in the treatment of anxiety;
- It helps in treating stomach problems, controlling poor digestion and treating ulcers in the stomach;
- Helps relieve motion sickness;
- Relieves menstrual cramps;
- Helps in the treatment of wounds and inflammations;
- Soothes and removes impurities from the skin.
Chamomile tea is the most common way to use this plant, and it can also be associated with honey, fennel or peppermint, thus combining different benefits.
Chamomile Tea Recipes
Teas can be prepared using only dried chamomile flowers or blends made using other teas, according to the taste and desired benefits.
1. Tea to soothe and relax
Dry chamomile tea has relaxing and slightly sedative properties that help treat insomnia, relax and treat anxiety and nervousness. In addition, this tea can also help reduce cramps and spasms during menstruation.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers.
- 1 cup of water.
Method of preparation :
In 250 ml of boiling water add the 2 teaspoons. Cover, let stand for about 10 minutes and strain before drinking. This tea should be drunk 3 times a day, and if necessary can be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey.
In addition, to increase the relaxing and sedative effect of this tea can be added a teaspoon of dry cat's herb and according to indication of the pediatrician this tea can be used by infants and children to reduce fever, anxiety and the nervousness.
2. Tea to treat bad digestion and fight against gas
Chamomile tea with fennel and root of alteia has an action that reduces inflammation and calms the stomach, also helping to reduce the gas, the acidity in the stomach and to regulate the intestine.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile;
- 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds;
- 1 teaspoon of thousand leaves;
- 1 teaspoon chopped chopped root;
- 1 teaspoon of filipéndula;
- 500 ml of boiling water.
Method of preparation:
To 500 ml of boiling water add the mixture and cover. Let stand for about 5 minutes and strain before drinking. This tea should be drunk 2 to 3 times a day or whenever it is needed.
3. Chamomile tea to refresh tired and swollen eyes
Chamomile tea dries with crushed fennel seeds and with dried elderberry when applied to the eyes helps to refresh and reduce its swelling.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile;
- 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds;
- 1 tablespoon dried elderberry;
- 500 mL of boiling water.
Method of preparation:
To 500 ml of boiling water add the mixture and cover. Let stand for about 10 minutes, strain and place in the fridge.
This tea should be applied to the eyes using a moistened flannel applied over the closed eyes for 10 minutes whenever necessary. In addition, this tea can also be used to help treat vaginal infections, to calm and reduce inflammation of the skin in cases of irritation, eczema or insect stings or may still be used to treat psoriasis.
4. Chamomile tea to calm sore throat
Dry chamomile tea can also be used to help soothe sore and inflamed throat pain due to its properties that reduce inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 cup boiling water.
Method of preparation:
Add the Chamomile to a cup with boiling water and let stand until cool. This tea should be used to gargle the throat, and can be used whenever necessary. In addition, it can also be used to facilitate the healing of gingivitis and stomatitis.
5. Tea to calm motion sickness
Dry chamomile tea with raspberry or peppermint helps relieve nausea and seasickness.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile;
- 1 teaspoon dried leaves of Peppermint or Raspberry;
- 1 cup boiling water.
Method of preparation:
Add the mixture to a cup of tea with boiling water. Cover, let stand for about 10 minutes and strain before drinking. This tea can be drunk 3 times a day or according to need, however it should not be taken by pregnant women without doctor's advice.
6. Tea to relieve flu and cold symptoms
Dry chamomile tea helps to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, inflammation in the nose and of colds and flu, due to its properties that reduce inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 6 teaspoons of Chamomile flowers;
- 2 liters of boiling water.
Method of preparation:
Add the dried flowers to 1 to 2 liters of boiling water, cover and let stand for about 5 minutes.
The steamed tea should be inhaled deeply for about 10 minutes and for a better result should put the face on the cup and cover the head with a large towel.
In addition chamomile can be used in forms other than tea, such as in the form of cream or ointment, essential oil, lotion or tincture. When used as a cream or ointment Chamomile is a great choice for treating some skin problems, such as psoriasis, helping to cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.
