Historically, chamomile is most famous for its use in tea, tinctures, and other treatments aimed at helping with sleep. It is also popularly used to relieve digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and ulcerative colitis. Chamomile plants look very similar to daisies. When used to induce sleep, chamomile is often served with honey or lemon to enrich the flavor. This plant has been used as a medicinal drug for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. During the Middle Ages, chamomile was commonly used as a remedy for afflictions such as asthma, colic, fevers, stomach ailments, inflammation, skin diseases, and cancer. Chamomile can cause uterine contractions that can lead to miscarriage. For this reason, the U. S. National Institute for Health advises pregnant women to abstain from consuming chamomile.
Some preliminary research suggests that chamomile could be an effective therapy for people suffering from anxiety or depression. Given its use as a sleep aid, the aroma of chamomile can often be found to be relaxing. This soothing impact makes chamomile an excellent natural remedy to help you de-stress and unwind. Its mild sedative properties and relaxation benefits make it a useful tool for addressing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Two forms of chamomile are commonly used in skin care and beauty products. Known as Roman and German chamomile, both strains have been shown to be incredibly safe for human consumption and both offer the same benefits for the skin. Roman chamomile is most commonly found in Great Britain. Most other areas of the world grow and use the German variety of the plant.
The active ingredient in the chamomile flower is an essential oil. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, and sedative properties. Because of this, chamomile essential oil can be applied topically to the skin to help to ease pain and discomfort caused from burns, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, and other skin irritations. The chamomile plant can help to rejuvenate the skin, offering calming effects. Research has shown that chamomile can help address skin inflammation when applied to the skin, revealing a healthy and radiant complexion. Due to its calming effects, chamomile is an ideal ingredient when treating dry skin, blemishes, scars, eczema, psoriasis, spider veins, age spots, and discoloration.
Beyond its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile also offers anti-bacterial and antiseptic benefits. Used as an ingredient in various facial care products, chamomile can calm not only inflammation but the itching commonly associated with various skin irritations. The chamomile plant and essential oil contains azulene, an ingredient known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and refreshing benefits. This leaves skin looking soothed and toned.
These beneficial properties also help to improve skin’s health over the long-term. Chamomile is included in many facial, skin care, and beauty products for its ability to repair and protect skin. By improving skin’s health and texture, chamomile strengthens the skin’s natural defenses against environmental damage.
Chamomile can be found in in a wide variety of skin care and cosmetic products. Applying chamomile directly to the face via a spray infusion can provide a quick boost to your skin. Chamomile is commonly combined with comfrey and calendula to create a powerful healing formula for inflamed, dull, or irritated skin. It can also be mixed with rosewater, witch hazel, or aloe vera to serve as a soothing toner after cleansing.
Chamomile is also present in many moisturizers and hydrating lotions that are designed to seal in moisture and protect skin from free radicals in the environment. Because harsh weather and environmental irritants can strip the skin of its protective layer and moisture, chamomile is a popular ingredient in many creams. In this context, chamomile works to soothe damaged and tired skin. It reduces inflammation and restores the skin’s natural softness, smoothness, and radiance.
Because it is a natural and safe ingredient with proven results, chamomile has grown in popularity as an ingredient in skin care and beauty products. Its health benefits have been proven through time and scientific research. It offers relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits when ingested or applied topically. Chamomile’s many healing and protective benefits combined with its gentleness and low likelihood of allergic reaction or irritation make it a powerful ingredient in many skin care products.
