Knowing Whats Best

It is a flower that you just might mistake as something ordinary and that is, if you don’t make the mistake of walking by without noticing it at all- Chamomile. Its healing powers have been known and used for centuries in creams, lotions, baths and teas, yet people seem to overlook it more and more. Chamomile seems like such an ordinary little, pretty plant but its qualities for health are much more than ordinary.

You may have heard that chamomile tea is used to promote sleep and calm nerves but fewer know that taking or drinking chamomile supports antibiotics for bladder infections, eases skin- inflammation and is of great use when inhaled to lessen cold symptoms. Recent research has even shown that massaging chamomile oil improves anxiety as well as quality of life in patient with cancer.

So what exactly are the powers of this little herb?
Chamomiles powers have been proven to work anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiseptic, which probably makes this herb a one of its kind with this range of healing powers.

What kind of diseases can it be used for?
Knowing the powers of chamomile it is less surprising to hear that it is used to treat diseases ranging from sleeping disorders, anxiety, poor digestion, colic, inflammation, and wound healing to treatment of water retention, blood clots, muscle tension, and a depressed immune system.

How can you use it?
Chamomile comes in all kinds of shapes, forms and products ranging from massage oils and creams to liquid, mouthwash and capsules, even though the most common form is probably tea or dried chamomile flowers.

Side-effects:
Even though chamomile is most of the time safe to use, side-effects have been reported such as allergic reaction (chamomile is related to ragweed- so be careful if you know to have an allergic history) and interaction with blood thinners (it may enhance the effects)

As you now may see, chamomile is ‘a true wonder plant’ and certainly more than just a good tea or a pretty little flower, which many mistake it for. So go ahead, have a little tea, relax in a warm, great smelling bath and enjoy the numerous benefits that chamomile brings with it, all natural – in all forms, shapes and colors.

Felicia Syring for knowing what’s best