We explain all the secrets of this traditional European medicinal herb.
Traditional herbalism is a source of folk knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
Science has turned its eyes on the medicinal virtues of a medicinal plant native to Europe: The fifth best-selling medicinal herb, chamomile , giving rise to research that demonstrates its healing capabilities.
In this article we will introduce chamomile, as well as discuss the possible benefits that this medicinal plant can bring to our health.
What is chamomile?
Chamomile, also known as chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a plant originally native to the south of the European continent, with records of its medicinal use in ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman and Saxon societies. In 1741, diuretic and analgesic capacities were already attributed to it, as well as facilitating digestion, while at the same time reducing gases .
European folk medicine has used it in different ways in multiple regions, for example to combat digestive system disorders such as pain, gas, vomiting and nausea. It has also been used to combat unpleasant symptoms that accompany pregnancy and even to regulate menstruation or relieve stress.
Given the enormous medicinal value that has been given to this plant throughout history, modern science decided to study it to better understand where its benefits come from and what it could be used for in modern life.
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traditional uses
Traditionally, chamomile has been used for a myriad of disorders and conditions. It is well known, especially in Mediterranean countries, its use as an infusion to treat the aforementioned disorders of the digestive system.
But this plant has also been used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, treatment of superficial wounds and skin conditions . Its classic use describes the ability to relieve, among other effects:
- Joint diseases, such as arthritis or gout.
- Mild allergic skin reactions.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Infections (for example of the skin).
- Sleep disorders.
- Anxiety.
- digestive disorders
- Fever and colic in children.
Chamomile Benefits
The chamomile plant contains several compounds of medicinal interest in the form of secondary metabolites that the plant produces . Plants produce these secondary metabolites as part of their normal activity, but some of them have effects that we can take advantage of (or they can harm us).
These secondary metabolites seem to be “the secret” of the healing effects of chamomile (and other medicinal plants). Chamomile is rich in secondary metabolites in the form of organic molecules such as sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids such as apigenin , as well as containing a significant load of carbohydrates of different complexity that could have effects on our body.
These compounds that chamomile generates have been subjected to scientific analysis to verify their ability to have benefits for human health, and below we present some of their healing properties observed in recent times.
1. Relaxing effects on smooth muscle
Smooth muscle is one of the types of muscle that we have in the body. Unlike skeletal muscle, which we can control, smooth muscle functions autonomously, without us having conscious control over its functions.
Smooth muscle is found, for example, surrounding the intestines, exerting different pressures on them so that digestion follows its natural course. The compounds in chamomile have a demonstrable effect on the relaxation of these muscles .
This would explain, for example, the calming effects of chamomile on menstrual and intestinal pain.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects
The essential oils extracted from chamomile permeate the upper layers of the skin . This allows its bioactive compounds (capable of interacting with our body) to act on inflamed tissues by applying these oils to the affected area.
Metabolites such as chamazulene or other flavonoids present in chamomile have reducing effects on the inflammatory response, relieving the different symptoms it causes. This gives credibility to its uses on bruises, irritation or mild allergic processes on the skin.
These anti-inflammatory effects have also been described at the gastrointestinal level, in studies that affirm the inhibition of the effects of H.Pylori , a known bacterium linked to peptic ulcers.
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3 . sedative effects
The aforementioned chamomile tea has been used to treat insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety . The flavonoid apigenin is believed to have central nervous system effects through interaction with benzodiazepine receptors, although this mechanism is unconfirmed.
Despite the lack of clinical studies in this regard, pre-clinical phase studies seem to agree with traditional knowledge, confirming the potential of chamomile and its extracts as a depressant of the central nervous system.
4. Promote natural wound healing
Studies done on the healing of tattoos after applying chamomile extracts have described the astringent capacity (which decreases bleeding and facilitates wound healing) of chamomile extract, as well as antiseptic effects (which prevents infection). These qualities allow minor wounds to heal more easily.
5. Reduce hemorrhoids
The classic application of chamomile extract in a bath seems to be effective in treating hemorrhoids. Although the causal relationship is not established, it could be related to the anti-inflammatory and astringent effects of the bioactive compounds of chamomile .
6. Anti-cancer effects
Tumor growth is inhibited in cancer cells when they come into contact with apigenin, one of the bioactive constituents of chamomile. Laboratory studies of skin, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer cells have been performed . All these studies have given promising results, as they inhibit the growth of cancer cells while having a minimal effect on healthy cells.
The agent TBS-101, a mixture of botanical extracts that includes chamomile extract, is already being clinically tested and shows marked anticancer effects in cases of prostate cancer , while being very safe for the patient. This is very important, since many drugs that affect cancer cells also seriously affect healthy cells, but this does not seem to be the case with TBS-101.
conclusion
Chamomile and its extracts are the subject of medical research due to its long history as a medicinal plant throughout human history. When medical research studies popular knowledge, it does us a double favor .
On the one hand, the study of folkloric medical practices, based on observation, experimentation and transmission of knowledge for generations, can open the door to discoveries lost in time, which we can take advantage of thanks to modern technology.
On the other hand, when we find cases in which this knowledge fails us, it allows us to curb currents of thought that are detrimental to the people who follow them and defend them simply out of ignorance.
If there is a huge source of medical and scientific wisdom compiled over hundreds of generations, don’t you think it’s worth studying?
Bibliographic references
- Srivastava, JK, Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901.
- Sándor, Z., Mottaghipisheh, J., et al. (2018). Evidence Supports Tradition: The in Vitro Effects of Roman Chamomile on Smooth Muscles. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 323.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.