Chamomile is more than just a fashionable and popular beverage; it is a herbal remedy that has been around literally for centuries! It has been used since ancient times not only as a drink but also as a panacea for various ills and ailments.

Did you know that Chamomile (also known as Camomile) is a word derived from the Greek word meaning ‘earth-apple’ because of its apple like smell. Camomile has been used for therapeutic uses since the time of ancient Egyptians? Its flowers, which look much like the daisy, are used to make chamomile tea. Chamomile oil is extracted from the herb and used for a variety of benefits.

Relaxation

One of the best known benefits of chamomile is relaxation. In the days of yore, when women were of the swooning kind, it was used to cure the ‘vapors’. Even now it is used as a relaxant and as a very safe herbal remedy for anxiety, depression or stress. It helps induce sleep, and thus is also used to treat insomnia.

Chamomile has long been associated with muscle relaxation and as such is seen as highly beneficial to ease menstrual cramps and other muscle related ailments.

Skin Problems

As one can use Chamomile as a drink, it can also be used as a topical application for helping to heal cuts and burns; even insect bites. Chamomile tea bags are used to reduce dark circles under the eyes. It is also used as treatment for skin acne and lightening the skin tone. It also serves as a lightening rinse for hair.

Digestion

Chamomile has been known to aid digestion and to ease irritable bowel syndrome. It can also have a mild laxative effect. Stomach ailments such as nausea and the stomach flu can be eased to a great extent by chamomile.

Headaches

Chamomile is known to relieve headaches, even migraines. It is generally recommended that it be drunk as soon as the headache starts so that you can stop it from getting any worse. So the next time you kick back with a fragrant cuppa, give a thought to all the good that chamomile does for you!