Pharmaceutical Chamomile Is A Herb For Many Ailments. Medicinal Properties. Application, Contraindications. Photo

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Pharmaceutical Chamomile Is A Herb For Many Ailments. Medicinal Properties. Application, Contraindications. Photo
Pharmaceutical Chamomile Is A Herb For Many Ailments. Medicinal Properties. Application, Contraindications. Photo

Video: Pharmaceutical Chamomile Is A Herb For Many Ailments. Medicinal Properties. Application, Contraindications. Photo

Video: Pharmaceutical Chamomile Is A Herb For Many Ailments. Medicinal Properties. Application, Contraindications. Photo
Video: PLANT MEDICINE 101: Fennel Seed, Chamomile, & Healing effects of Carminative Herbs! 2024, March
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Difficult environmental conditions negatively affect people. More and more people are turning to long-forgotten ways to maintain health using nature's green pharmacy. A great variety of herbs and other representatives of the green world of the planet are medicinal. I invite you to get acquainted with pharmaceutical chamomile, or medicinal (hereinafter referred to as chamomile), its use in various fields of medicine, cosmetology, medicinal properties, methods of collecting and storing raw materials, preparing infusions, decoctions, teas and other types of medicinal products.

Pharmacy chamomile, or Chamomile officinalis (Matricaria chamomilla)
Pharmacy chamomile, or Chamomile officinalis (Matricaria chamomilla)

Content:

  • Medicinal properties of chamomile officinalis
  • Botanical features of pharmacy chamomile
  • Collection, drying and storage of raw chamomile
  • Methods for preparing medicinal compositions from chamomile
  • Contraindications for long-term use of chamomile preparations
  • Methods of using medicinal compositions from chamomile flowers

Medicinal properties of chamomile officinalis

An annual weed, in the modern plant system it belongs to the family of Asteraceae or Compositae, the genus and species are chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Among the population, it is known as peeled chamomile or maiden flower. Chamomile in the list of plant resources of Russia rightfully occupies a leading place.

It has significant medicinal properties that have been known and used in Russia since the time of Ivan the Terrible, and at the time of Peter the Great, chamomile was already grown in pharmacy gardens for the needs of the army.

Pharmacy chamomile has the following effects:

  • quickly relieves inflammatory processes of a different nature, including gastrointestinal diseases;
  • a powerful natural antiseptic used for viral and microbial damage to internal organs, skin (dermatitis), treatment of purulent wounds, boils and other diseases;
  • a good therapeutic agent for tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, flu and other colds;
  • mild soothing for restless superficial sleep, insomnia, stressful situations, nervous tension;
  • used as an analgesic for neurological pain, stomatitis, glossitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, toothache;
  • enhances regenerative processes in a weakened body after surgery;
  • systematic use of teas enhances immunity;
  • lowers body temperature (diaphoretic), soothes and relieves pain;
  • has good restorative properties for gastrointestinal diseases;
  • excellent adsorbent for poisoning.

From the list of medicinal properties, it can be seen that chamomile inflorescences are needed in every family. They will help to maintain health and provide effective assistance in many diseases of various etiologies.

What causes the medicinal properties of chamomile?

Chamomile contains more than 40 components of natural compounds that provide a therapeutic effect. The flowers contain acids (ascorbic, nicotinic, salicylic), bitterness, choline, chamazulene, bisabolol, tannins, glycerides of fatty acids, sugar, dioxycoumarin, umbelliferone glycoside, mucus and pectins.

The flowers contain up to 1.5% essential oil, the main component of which is chamazulene, which determines the main medicinal properties of the plant. Due to the content of flavonoids, quercetin, luteolin, chamomile flowers have strong antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Fernesene, nonaboloxide, etc. have a positive effect on wound healing.

Chamomile oil contains herniarin, apiin, apigenin, which act as natural antispasmodics. They contribute to the expansion of blood vessels, including the brain, and weaken inflammatory processes. Flowers contain almost all vitamins necessary for a person, accumulate more than 15 macro- and microelements, including vanadium, selenium, nickel, zinc, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium and other elements necessary for the body.

Thus, even a short list of the content of nutrients in chamomile inflorescences and its therapeutic effect on the body is so impressive that almost every family pharmacy has it.

The most valuable thing in a pharmacy chamomile is inflorescences
The most valuable thing in a pharmacy chamomile is inflorescences

Botanical features of pharmacy chamomile

Chamomile belongs to the group of annual weeds. It is found in Russia everywhere in suitable climatic conditions along the roads, in the fields, on the open edges of deciduous forests. Several types of chamomile grow in the regions of Russia, but mainly chamomile is widely used for treatment.

The plant is easily distinguished from other types of chamomile by the structure of the inflorescence. A small basket with white marginal petals and a yellow center, where tubular flowers are located on a high cone (convex receptacle).

A distinctive feature is the hollow receptacle inside (with a vertical cut). Has a pungent specific aroma that increases when rubbed in the fingers. In some regions, it is grown as a medicinal raw material and comes to pharmacies in the form of dry raw materials (chamomile herb, chamomile flowers) or finished preparations (chamazulen, chamomile oil, decoctions, infusions).

The owners of summer cottages allocate space for a home green pharmacy, where they grow, among other things, chamomile. It does not require special care; it reproduces by self-seeding. Long bloom - May-September. Peak flowering in June, and seed ripening in the second half of July-August. Pharmacy plants are grown in conditions close to natural. Do not use fertilizing, increased watering, treatment with pesticides up to the use of raw materials for medicinal purposes.

Necessary conditions for growing chamomile:

  • have a pharmacy garden in areas open to sunlight;
  • away from garden crops being treated with various drugs.

Prepared raw materials are used for treatment according to the recommendations.

Collection, drying and storage of raw chamomile

Collection of raw materials

The collection of raw materials begins in the third decade of May and usually ends at the end of July. The chamomile inflorescences collected later sharply reduce their therapeutic effect. The collection begins in the morning after the dew melts, the fog clears, and ends before noon. You can continue the collection after 15-16 to 17 hours of the day.

If you collect wet material, it will not retain its medicinal properties; when dried, it will start to rot, emitting an unpleasant smell. Cut or pluck only those chamomile inflorescences in which the white marginal flowers are opened horizontally to the soil or "look" upwards. The marginal flowers, lowered down, indicate overripe flower baskets and the unsuitability of raw materials.

Plucking or cutting is performed at the very base of the chamomile flower basket. It is best to collect inflorescences in wicker baskets or in a rigid container lined with natural material. The flowers are laid loosely, not stuffed. During the growing season, 2-3 harvesting of raw materials is carried out.

Almost every family has a pharmacy chamomile, and many harvest it themselves, rather than buying it at the pharmacy
Almost every family has a pharmacy chamomile, and many harvest it themselves, rather than buying it at the pharmacy

Drying the collected material

Houses immediately sort out the collected material, cleaning it from any vegetable or other debris, and lay it out in a thin layer (no more than 5 cm) on natural burlap, paper that absorbs moisture well or on special mesh frames in places with good ventilation (attic, canopy, heated room).

Drying in direct sunlight on the collected material is not allowed. When drying, the raw material is constantly gently agitated. The collected raw materials can be dried in special dryers without raising the temperature above + 45 ° С. It is necessary to ensure that the material does not dry out (crumbles, crumbles in the hands) or remains underdried (sour rotten smell, brown color).

Storage of dried raw materials

Properly dried raw material is tough to the touch, the color of chamomile flowers is darker than fresh material, but remains within the natural color. The dried raw materials acquire a stronger aroma. Store in linen bags or tightly closed containers (boxes, jars) in a dry room without access to bright lighting.

In the room where dried chamomile is stored, an extraneous odor, especially pesticides, is unacceptable. Shelf life is 2 years, then the quality of the harvested raw material decreases.

Often chamomile is used as part of the collection of various herbs (for example: with yarrow, calendula, dandelion roots and leaves, etc.). When preparing the mixture, each component is dried and prepared (cut, pounded, ground) separately. The prepared and crushed components are mixed in proportions corresponding to the recipe.

Edge flowers, lowered down, indicate overripe flower baskets and unsuitability of raw materials
Edge flowers, lowered down, indicate overripe flower baskets and unsuitability of raw materials

Methods for preparing medicinal compositions from chamomile

Chamomile is prepared from dry raw materials:

  • decoctions;
  • water infusions;
  • alcohol tinctures;
  • powders;
  • chamomile tea.

Chamomile decoction

Chamomile decoctions (quick or light) are prepared in the form of infusions, that is, they are brewed like tea (not boiled) in certain proportions, and after 15-20 minutes of infusion, they are used for their intended purpose.

Broths are long-term - dry raw materials are insisted for 10-15 hours in cold water, then boiled for no more than 5 minutes. Cool gradually to an acceptable condition and take as directed.

Ordinary decoctions are used more often. Pour 15-25 g of chamomile raw materials (1-2 tablespoons) into actively boiling water (200-250 ml). Close the container with a lid and immediately turn off the gas. Leave to infuse and use after 15-20 minutes in a warm form according to the recipe.

After cooking, chamomile broths are filtered. Broths are stored for no more than a day.

Water infusion pharmacy chamomile

For 200-250 ml of cold boiled water add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs and leave to infuse for 6-8 hours under a tightly closed lid. Strain and take according to the recipe in the recommended dose several times a day before or after meals, 1-2 tablespoons or 30-50-100 g.

Alcohol tincture (tincture) of chamomile officinalis

In the manufacture of alcoholic tincture, instead of water, use medical alcohol (you can buy at a pharmacy) or high-quality vodka, but in double the amount in relation to alcohol. The ratio of the components is as follows: 100 or 200 g of alcohol is mixed with 2 tablespoons of dry chamomile baskets.

The container is closed and insisted in a warm place for 8-12 days, shaking occasionally. The finished tincture is thoroughly filtered and stored in a glass bottle, using if necessary.

Pharmacy chamomile powder

Dried raw materials are ground in porcelain dishes (metal is allowed) or grind to flour. Use as a powder for external wounds or prepare ointments. For 1 part of the raw material, 4 parts of the ointment base are taken - lard, butter, yellow petrolatum. The component must not contain salt.

Chamomile tea

A teaspoon of crushed inflorescences per 200 ml of boiling water, insist for several minutes and drink in small sips for inflammatory processes, overwork, superficial sleep. It is advisable to add honey to the tea.

It is advisable to add honey to chamomile tea
It is advisable to add honey to chamomile tea

Contraindications for long-term use of chamomile preparations

Chamomile can be collected and dried on your own, or you can buy ready-made medicinal raw materials at the pharmacy.

Even the safest herb can cause poisoning and even fatal. Poison or medicine - all the difference is in the concentration and dosage of the drug. Therefore, without following the instructions, you cannot independently (from the ceiling) prepare even the most harmless water decoctions. Only after talking with a specialist doctor can treatment be started.

An overdose in taking medicinal preparations from chamomile leads to increased excitation of the nervous system, cough, dizziness, and unpleasant chills. Diarrhea, allergic skin rashes may begin. You can not take drugs from chamomile (teas, infusions, decoctions) during pregnancy and gastritis acciadic.

Of course, it is almost impossible to cure a serious disease with herbs alone. But with the parallel use of drugs officially prescribed by a doctor and various herbal preparations, you can accelerate recovery, remove the inflammatory process, and increase immunity.

Methods of using medicinal compositions from the flowers of the pharmacy chamomile

For colds, use quick decoctions and infusions of chamomile to rinse the throat, carry out inhalations, and warm compresses on the bridge of the nose (with a cold).

With angina, it is good to rinse your throat several times a day with the usual decoction of a mixture of chamomile and celandine (if there is no allergy) or calendula. The broth is brewed like tea, the ratio of components from herbs is 1: 1. Take a spoonful of the mixture over a cup of boiling water.

Inhalation before bedtime helps with pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. Solution for inhalation: pour 1 tablespoon of chamomile with 500 ml of boiling water (2 glasses). In the absence of contraindications, add a spoonful of baking soda or honey, stir the mixture well and, under cover from a double folded terry towel, breathe in therapeutic warm (not hot) steam for 10-15 minutes, no more. Wrap up well after inhalation.

External use for skin damage - irritation, rash, itching, inflammation, wounds, burns, sores. A concentrated ordinary aqueous infusion is prepared. To do this, brew 2-3 tablespoons of chamomile top in 250 ml of boiling water (see description above). Insist in a tightly sealed container for at least an hour. They are filtering. A warm compress is applied to the sore spot. Ointments and powders are also used.

After radiation therapy, severe fatigue, irritability, articular rheumatism, gout, you can take therapeutic baths (15-20 minutes) from a mixture of chamomile, sea buckthorn leaves and yarrow after 1-2 days for 1-2 months (1: 0.5: 0,five).

Internal use for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal colitis, diseases of the liver, kidneys, bladder and others, use light medicinal infusions, chamomile teas, tinctures. The number and frequency of admission are determined by the doctor. The dosage recommended by the doctor must be carefully observed.

Dear Reader! You have familiarized yourself with the properties of chamomile, its use for a number of diseases. It remains to remind once again that chamomile can be taken for a long time (although it is harmless) only on the recommendation of a doctor. Be healthy!

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