Do you know who the world’s oldest healer is, dating back to the Egyptians? The chamomile plant is the oldest herb used for its healing properties. Egyptians considered this herb above all because it is both a pretty flower and an amazing healer.
What Is Chamomile?
Chamomile is a small plant that belongs to the daisy family. This herb is native to Europe and Asia but you can now find it everywhere. Chamomile is a Greek word that means earth apple. Its name is from its smell which is very similar to an apple. For making chamomile tea, dry its leaves and then add to hot water.
How Is Chamomile Used?
The chamomile plant is famous since the times of Hippocrates. It has impressive antioxidant properties and extensive use for many diseases. Germans called it alles zutraut, which translates to capable of anything. Today chamomile is mainly in the form of tea to help with different conditions like insomnia, upset stomach, and anxiety. Although chamomile shows effectiveness in treating diabetes, sufficient evidence to support this is still lacking. There are two types of this plant: German chamomile and Russian chamomile. The German chamomile is noted to be more potent as compared to Russian chamomile.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Chamomile?
Antioxidant Protection
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Due to these properties traditionally, it has uses in treating gout, wounds, eczema, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and other ailments. It is magic for the skin and treatment of inflammation of mucous membranes and bacterial skin infections. The chamomile plant is most valued for its gastrointestinal-related problems. It helps to treat indigestion, anorexia, motion sickness, and vomiting. It is also used to treat colic-related issues in children.
Aid in Sleeping
Chamomile also aids in sleeping. Drinking chamomile tea before bed helps with sleeping troubles. The aroma makes you relaxed, diffuses anxiety and tension, and calms your nerves. Chances are you will sleep soundly.
What Makes Chamomile An Anti-Cancer Food?
Scientific study has proven the role of chamomile in preventing certain types of cancer. The anti-oxidant apigenin in chamomile showed results in fighting cancer cells in test tubes. It is particularly effective for breast, digestive tract, uterus, skin, and prostate cancer. Researchers from the University of Ohio have stated the role of apigenin as an anti-cancer chemical. It can correct mistakes in genetic information carried by molecules, and we all know that those mistakes in genetic information most of the time are the cause of cancer.
Chamomile can fight cancer cells and equally prevent them from occurring in the first place. One case study showed that people who take 2-4 cups of chamomile tea weekly were less likely to develop thyroid cancer. It may also help prevent skin and ovarian cancer because it induces apoptosis in cancer cells. A Japanese research team found that chamomile extract caused a reduction and shrinkage of cancer in rats. Although the anti-cancer effects of chamomile tea are promising, further scientific research is still necessary to claim chamomile as an anti-cancer therapy.
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