You’ve had a long, stressful day at work (Happy Monday!) and you’re looking forward to going home, throwing on some fuzzy slippers and a movie, and relax. A great thing to add to this end of day plan is to sip on a cup of hot chamomile tea. But, what is it and why should you drink it?
What is chamomile?
Chamomile is a medicinal herb that people have used for centuries. The name is derived from the Greek “khamai” meaning “on the ground”, and “melon” meaning “apple”. Although native to Western Europe, India and western Asia, it has become abundant in the United States as well.
Different types of chamomile
- Roman chamomile – A member of the daisy family, it is a hardy, low growing perennial. It has creeping roots and a “mat-like” growth and is sometimes referred to as lawn chamomile.
- German chamomile – German chamomile is a hardy, self-seeding annual herb. It has long been cultivated in Germany to maximize its medicinal properties.
- Dyer’s chamomile – This is also known as yellow chamomile. It is valued mainly as a dye plant, as it does not contain the medicinal properties of the others.
Traditional uses of Chamomile
German chamomile traditionally was used for:
- Chest colds
- Slow-healing wounds
- Abscesses
- Gum inflammation
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Chicken pox
- Diaper rash
Roman chamomile was most commonly used in tea to treat upset stomach, sleeping problems, or menstrual pain. Roman chamomile would be the type found in chamomile tea.
Modern uses of chamomile tea
Chamomile Tea today is respected for the following benefits:
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Menstrual cramps
- Boost Immunity
In addition to drinking Chamomile, there are a range of other benefits associating with using chamomile, outside of tea, which can be found here: http://naturalremedyideas.com/chamomile-tea-benefits/ Give chamomile tea a try before bedtime tonight. What have you got to lose, but a bad night’s sleep?
Image by Mabel Amber from Pixabay
Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/why-chamomile/