Chamomile (manzanilla), like most herbs, can truly become a beautiful sight especially when growing them. However, many do not know or understand the great benefits herbs can provide. This is why chamomile is so popular. A fascinating and easily accessible herb used for thousands of years for a variety of health ailments and beauty treatments, it is of no wonder why chamomile is still widely used to this day.
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| Loose Camomile Herb found at my local market |
Chamomile is great for many stomach problems. A simple tea can treat menstruation cramps, gases, constipation, nausea and indigestion. With just 5 mins of steamed inhalation, several times a day, chamomile can also help with respiratory issues such as sinusitis (sinus allergies) sore throats, and even asthma. For insomniacs, chamomile helps ease and calm the mind enabling those with trouble sleeping to relax and wind down making it an ideal tea before bed to ensure a restful night.
As a child during the dead of winter my mother would always make my sister and I chamomile tea with guava paste toast. The soothing and warm feeling a warm cup of chamomile tea can provide you with is rather simple yet amazing. Chamomile’s calming qualities allows you to release the day’s stress, tension and look forward to a rested mind and nervous system. Now that fall is here, it’s the best time to indulge in a variety of teas and chamomile can be a great start if you are not too familiar with teas.
As with every fall, this tends to be a time where most will be getting sick with the change of weather and all. Most likely you or someone around you will deal with one form of a cold or the other soon come winter. With chamomile’s immune enhancing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties chamomile can be an ideal tea for treating and preventing the cold and flu symptoms many will dread this coming winter (fever, nausea, pain). Chamomile is also known to be used as a mouth wash killing harmful bacteria existing in the mouth.
This tea however, I did not make to drink. Instead I chose to give myself a steam facial not only to benefit my skin but keep my rather bothersome sinuses at bay.
I bought a small package of loose chamomile tea at my local produce market for $1.You can also find it from many vendors online as well as most natural health stores. This facial steam can be done with regular chamomile tea bags as well. A steam facial can help open your pores and provide you with a clearer complexion. Adding chamomile to the mix can sooth irritated skin (like my nose). Chamomile is also known for dealing with eczema, skin inflammation and itchy skin conditions.
To give yourself a steam facial simply boil water and add your chamomile. Once your water has boiled let it sit for a minute or two and grab a towel. Make sure your hair is out of the way and your eyes are closed. Keep an ideal distance between you and the pot and place the towel over your head. You want to stay under the towel enjoying the steam for about five minutes. You can follow up with a face mask of your choice or simply rinse with cool water to close you pores and follow up with a moisturizer.
I made a lot of tea so I saved a little to experiment with a homemade toner I have been meaning to do. Either way chamomile has many great qualities for both your health and skin leaving you with an array of health benefits and possibilities.
Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic perspectives
By Anne McIntyre
Hell Notes for Beauty™ is the premiere metaphysical destination for the strong willed, inspired and determined soul. I am dedicated to the solitary practitioner seeking to establish spiritual independence, self care and recognition of ancestral knowledge.