Chamomile facts for kids
Chamomile or camomile ( KAM-ə-myl or KAM-ə-meel) is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae that are commonly used to make herb infusions to serve various medicinal purposes. Popular uses of chamomile preparations include treating hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and haemorrhoids. Camomile tea is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, chickenpox and psoriasis. It is the national flower of Russia.
Contents
Tea / Herbal infusion
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Chamomile 'tea' is an herbal infusion made from dried chamomile flowers and hot water, though does not contain black, green, yellow or white tea (Camellia sinensis). There are two main types of chamomile that are used to produce the infusion; German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Chamomile 'tea' is said to be a digestive relaxant.
Medical use
German Chamomile has been used for treatment of inflammation associated with hemorrhoids when topically applied. There is level B evidence that German chamomile possesses anti-anxiety properties and could be used to treat stress and insomnia.
Cosmetic applications
Chamomile is frequently added to skin cosmetics to serve as an emollient, and for its anti-inflammatory effects. Chamomile is also often used to enhance the color of blonde hair.
Oil
German chamomile oil is used as a diffuser for aromatherapy benefits; and is also used to treat wounds and be blended with other essential oils such as lavender and rose.
Species
Some commonly used species include:
- Matricaria chamomilla – often called "German chamomile" or "Water of Youth"
- Chamaemelum nobile – Roman, English, or garden chamomile; also frequently used (C. nobile Treneague is normally used to create a chamomile lawn)
A number of other species' common names include the word chamomile. This does not mean they are used in the same manner as the species used in the herbal tea known as "chamomile". Plants including the common name chamomile, of the family Asteraceae, are:
- Anthemis arvensis – corn, scentless or field chamomile
- Anthemis cotula – stinking chamomile
- Cladanthus mixtus – Moroccan chamomile
- Cota tinctoria – dyer's, golden, oxeye, or yellow chamomile
- Eriocephalus punctulatus – Cape chamomile
- Matricaria discoidea – wild chamomile or pineapple weed
- Tripleurospermum inodorum – wild, scentless or false chamomile
Images for kids
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Chamomile tea being served at the Savoy Hotel in London, England.
See also
In Spanish: Manzanilla (hierba medicinal) para niños
