If you’re looking for the best chamomile supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Chamomile Supplements Guide.
Top 10 Chamomile Supplements
| #1 |  |
Nature’s Way Chamomile Flowers | More Info |
| #2 |  |
Solaray Chamomile Capsules | More Info |
| #3 |  |
Nature’s Answer Chamomile Flower | More Info |
| #4 |  |
Swanson Valerian Chamomile Hops Sleep Complex | More Info |
| #5 |  |
Piping Rock Health Products Chamomile | More Info |
| #6 |  |
Vitacost Chamomile | More Info |
| #7 |  |
Barlowe’s Herbal Elixirs Chamomile Extract | More Info |
| #8 |  |
Nature’s Sunshine Chamomile | More Info |
| #9 |  |
Paradise Herbs Chamomile | More Info |
| #10 |  |
Samsara Herbs Chamomile Extract Powder | More Info |
Chamomile Supplements Guide
Chamomile is a well-known addition to beverages and is particularly loved as an caffeine-free alternative to black tea. Currently, two species of this plant are used medicinally: German chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, and English chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile.
These two varieties have the same effects when used as a supplement, and are among the most popular herbal remedies available today. If you are just learning about this relaxing plant, learning more about its characteristics and uses can help you maximize its medicinal benefits.
What Is Chamomile?
Chamomile is a flowering plant that produces daisy-like blooms. The distinct yellow center and white petals grow on a creeping, low-cover plant that grows from 10 to 24 inches high, depending on the species and growing environment. The blossoms produce a fresh scent that is often compared to apples when fresh, but the dried variety has a sweet, earthy smell that resembles fresh hay. The foliage light green and hairy, and the entire plant has a weed-like, feathery appearance when it is mature.
The plant blooms in late summer through early autumn. The flowers found on English chamomile are shorter than those found on German chamomile, but both have the distinct yellow center surrounded by white petals. Chamomile is self-seeding, or reproduces easily without replanting, and was traditionally thought to grow more abundantly when it was disturbed regularly. The traditional method of disturbing chamomile was walking on the plant to improve its growth. Walking on the plant also releases the sweet scent of apples.
Chamomile was also traditionally planted near other herbs as a remedy for poor growth, and is still frequently used as a border plant in ornamental gardens. When used medicinally, the plant is allowed to grow until the flowers bloom. After blooming, the flower heads are harvested for use in a variety of products, including cosmetics and teas. Typically, the flower heads are dried or placed in a tincture for medicinal use.
Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. This plant was historically used as a tonic for digestive issues. When taken internally, chamomile can help relieve gas and diarrhea, reduce stomach craps and decrease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The plant is also used to treat colic, a condition that causes inconsolable crying in babies under one year of age.
Chamomile is thought to remedy stomach issues by reducing muscle spasms in the large intestine. The historic use of chamomile as a treatment for digestive issues is found in regions throughout the world, including Europe, the United States and Mexico. Chamomile is also commonly used as a relaxant that promotes restful sleep and reduces the symptoms of anxiety. Traditionally, chamomile flowers were served as tea to enhance mood. The sedating properties also make chamomile a useful treatment for insomnia.
Today, chamomile is a common ingredient in cosmetics. The plant has skin soothing properties and can be used as a mouthwash to relieve mouth sores, such as the sores caused by chemotherapy treatment, and to treat gum disease like gingivitis. When used topically, chamomile can reduce the symptoms of eczema, soothe irritation and treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Chamomile is generally considered safe for people of all ages, but can cause worsening asthma symptoms in some people. If you have asthma, avoid products that contain chamomile. The supplement can also cause an allergic reaction or worsen the symptoms of seasonal allergies. An allergic reaction can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the hands and face or dizziness. Chamomile has sedative-like effects. Don’t drive or participate in other activities that could be dangerous until you know how chamomile affects you. Generally, the effect is mild enough to allow you to continue your normal daily activities.
If you have any unusual symptoms, seek medical help immediately and avoid chamomile products in the future. People with seasonal allergies should also avoid products that contain chamomile, and those taking prescription medications should consult their doctor before using the supplement. Chamomile can interact with blood thinner, high blood pressure medicines and diabetes medicines.
If you are taking sedatives or anti-seizure medications, chamomile can make the side effects of these medicines more intense. Consult a physician before taking supplements if you are using these medicines. Chamomile also interacts with medicines that are processed by the liver, such hormonal birth control and anti-fungal medications. Avoid chamomile and other supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How To Take Chamomile Supplements
Chamomile supplements are typically available as whole, dried flower heads, in capsules or in liquid tinctures. To use whole dried flowers, add two to four heaping tablespoons of the dried flowers to a cup of boiling water, and cover the container to seal the steam inside the cup. Steep the flowers for up to 15 minutes, and strain the tea. Drink the tea between meals, or up to four times a day. The tea is also suitable for use as a mouthwash. Use the mouthwash as often as needed to sooth mouth sores.
To treat skin irritation with whole flowers, add one-fourth a pound of dried flowers to your regular bath. The dried flowers are also used to make a poultice to sooth irritation or minor injuries. To make the paste, grind the dried flowers with enough water to make a paste, and put the paste in cheesecloth. Tie the ends of the poultice together and place it on the affected area.
Tinctures and liquid chamomile supplements vary in strength. The recommended dosage for a tincture that contains one part chamomile to five parts alcohol is 30 to 60 drops in a cup of hot water. Use the chamomile up to three times a day, and take the tincture between meals to maximize the benefits offered. Alcohol-free liquid supplements are also available, and should be taken in the same manner as other tinctures provided the ratio is the same as alcohol-based tinctures.
When using capsule supplements, the recommended adult dose is 300 to 400 milligrams taken three times per day. Children shouldn’t take capsules, but chamomile is safe for most children when taken as a tea. Children can also use alcohol-free tinctures, provided the supplement is given in the appropriate dosage. Discuss using chamomile with your child’s pediatrician beforehand to ensure it is safe for your child’s specific health status.
What to Look For in A Good Chamomile Supplement
Commercially prepared supplements are widely available and offered from a variety of brand names. When choosing a chamomile supplement, opt for organic chamomile whenever possible to avoid the potential side effects of additional ingredients. It is also important to choose a supplement that contains more chamomile than other ingredients, unless you are choosing a blended herbal tea that contains ingredients designed to enhance the medicinal benefits of the plant.
Generally, teas that contain only chamomile are recommended when you are using the plant for its medicinal benefits. Additional ingredients can weaken the medicinal benefits of chamomile. Capsules should also contain only the active ingredient, chamomile, along with the ingredients used to make the capsule. Additional ingredients are fillers that may reduce the effectiveness of the supplements.
Tinctures should contain about one part flowers for every five parts alcohol, or about 45 percent alcohol, for maximum benefits. Children’s chamomile supplements should be alcohol-free and milder than adult formulas. Choose a formula that is specifically designed for kids if you are using a tincture, or steep chamomile flowers for up to five minutes when serving the tea to kids.
Dried flowers are available from many vendors. Opt for a larger company with a reputable brand name to ensure your supplement is designed for internal use. When growing your own chamomile, avoid growing the flowers near sources of pollution, such as roadways, and dry the flowers immediately after harvest to prevent the mold and other contaminants.
The post 10 Best Chamomile Supplements – Ranked & Reviewed for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-chamomile-supplements/
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