Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) native to western Europe and northern Asia, is an aromatic plant that has been used for many years for its medicinal properties and benefits. It is an annual plant that can reach a height of 50 cm, with a cylindrical stem, erect and branched, which gives off a strong aroma. Its cultivation is very rewarding and does not need much care.
Only flowers are harvested from this plant once they are well developed (when they are open). It is recommended to pick them up the day they are opened because it is the day in which their active components are in greater quantity. Once harvested, we must dry them in the shade and in the air. To prevent our chamomile plant from deteriorating after harvesting, it is necessary to prune the plant and the branches from which you have collected the flowers.
This plant is also known as German chamomile, sweet chamomile, maroon or common chamomile. Currently there are varieties of chamomiles:
German variety: It is used to prepare tea and is characterized by being a flower.
Roman variety: Normally it is cultivated as a vegetation cover for gardens, pot borders or cultivation beds.
Benefits.
- It is antiseptic, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic.
- Strengthens the digestive system.
- It relieves fever.
- Help regulate menstruation.
- Perfect to relieve and fight against conjunctivitis, styes or tired eyes.
- Stimulates the expulsion of bile from the gallbladder.
- Treats various skin irritations.
- Perfect for treating health problems such as insomnia or nervousness.
- It helps heal wounds, sores and burns.
- Eliminates blood fats and as a consequence blood cholesterol decreases.
- Stimulates appetite.
- Among others.
Forms of use.
The oil and infusions or tea for therapeutic purposes are the ones that stand out, in addition, chamomile can be used as the main ingredient to prepare several products such as: cosmetics, for home and gardening.
Infusion or chamomile tea.
- Place a pot with water on the stove.
- When it starts to boil, add a tablespoon of dried flowers.
- Let it boil for 3 minutes and strain.
- Take two cups a day.
Chamomile capsules.
These can be found in health food stores and you can take one or two pills a day.
Chamomile oil.
This oil is obtained through the distillation of flowers. In general, it can be applied in different ways:
Aromatherapy: This oil can be sprayed in the air or inhaled. We can also make an air freshener spray by diluting 12 drops of oil in 40 milliliters of distilled water. This will help us stay relaxed.
Topical: It is applied directly to the skin or mixed with coconut oil. It is ideal for massages and we can also dilute it in a bathtub.
Chamomile cultivation.
This plant grows in spring, in the month of April and continues to bloom during the summer.
It is common to see them in temperate climates, including deserts and meadows.
They can reproduce with seeds or by planting twigs.
The soil must be rich in nutrients and a good drainage system.
Chamomile cultivation requires sun exposure.
The seeds can be sown directly in the soil, pots and orchards.
The seeds are sown at a depth of 0.5 cm and then we cover with the same land.
Water immediately after sowing and keep moisture. Watering should not be exaggerated. This plant can better withstand lack of water than excess.
In about 2 weeks the seedlings begin to sprout.
Withered flowers and weeds should be removed, this to stimulate flowering.
The harvest is done when the plants begin to bloom, we simply cut the flowers and then place them in a place with little light, dry and with enough ventilation.
Recommendations.
Consult the doctor before leaving for natural medicine.
The oil has negative effects for pregnant women, it can cause abortion. Similarly, children under 5 years old should not ingest this oil.
If you are allergic to this plant, none of its presentations is recommended.
Neither oil nor infusion should be combined with alcohol.
People who are allergic to pollen should not consume chamomile.
Do not exceed your consumption, since everything is fine until you reach the excess.