Chamomile extract

If you had to name 1 hot tea that’s just perfect for winding down from a stressful day, what would it be? Chamomile, of course! We all know it makes a great tea, but did you know it’s just as beneficial when used externally? Read on to find out why chamomile extract may be the perfect solution to many of our most common (and annoying!) skin problems.

Chamomile has been around since at least 1550 BC when Egyptians used it as a cold remedy. It was also used extensively by the Romans as a beverage and a natural way to treat headaches. Chamomile flower extract comes from the Asteraceae family – a group of daisy-like flowers. While there are many different varieties, there are 2 main types used in products today: 

German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Most of us recognize the benefits of this plant when used to relax the body and prepare for sleep. However, chamomile is so much more than a simple relaxant. In fact, it’s been used for hundreds of years to treat digestive issues, soothe the skin and more.

We love its relaxing traits as a tea, but chamomile extracts for skin just might be our favorite use. This extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can heal acne, decrease eczema, soothe dermatitis, improve skin’s natural glow and even speed the healing of burns. It not only reduces inflammation, but also cleanses and moisturizes the skin while soothing irritation. These are invaluable qualities when dealing with damaged skin.

When added to other skincare products, chamomile extracts can even increase the efficacy of creams and lotions. While it’s beneficial for nearly any skin type, chamomile is especially powerful for dry or acne-prone skin. 

The 2 primary components of chamomile extract are apigenin and alpha-bisabolol. Alpha-bisabolol is what gives chamomile its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also aids in cell turnover, which speeds the healing process.

Besides chamomile extract skin benefits, there are a host of other amazing ways that this natural extract helps the body. Both German and Roman chamomile are effective soothers of the mind as well as the digestive system. Roman chamomile is slightly different from the German variety in that it has antiseptic qualities. However, both forms provide great analgesic and antibacterial properties.

Thanks to its flavonoid-rich profile, the anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile can be experienced both internally and externally. As an example of its internal use, some have found great success in treating urinary stones with chamomile supplements. It also treats vaginal and mucosal inflammation, as in the case of ulcers. 

Other inflammatory issues within the digestive tract, such as esophageal reflux and diverticulitis, have also seen improvement with chamomile flower extract. Besides these amazing health and skin improvements, the unique chemical component of the chamomile flower has been shown to provide the following benefits:

• Improves hemorrhoids
• Decreases symptoms of the common cold, including sinus congestion
• Improves colic symptoms in babies and irritability in children
• Prevents bone loss in osteoporosis
• Decreases insomnia and anxiety
  
• Decreases high blood sugar levels in diabetics
• May inhibit tumor growth in skin, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers

While chamomile is most popular in tea form, you won’t be able to reap its full spectrum of benefits using this method. More potent forms include dried flower heads, a liquid extract, capsules for oral consumption and topical ointments. While chamomile is found in many standard grocery stores, its more specialized forms are often only sold in smaller health stores or online shops.

As you shop for chamomile-infused products like topical ointments or creams, pay close attention to their ingredient labels. The ingredient list should be as short as possible (and preferably organic) to ensure its efficacy and that it hasn’t been diluted with lower quality ingredients.

 Chamomile extracts are considered safe for most individuals. However, it may interact with some prescription drugs like blood thinners, anti-seizure medications and antidepressants. Also keep in mind that chamomile is a member of the daisy family. If you’re allergic to daisies, you should avoid chamomile all together.  

Outside of these possibilities, chamomile is safe for everyday use. Its extract can be added to teas or can be taken as a tincture up to twice a day. Chamomile essential oil can also be diffused in a vaporizer. If you want to use it help troubled skin, look for it in a high quality skincare product. 

We use it in our plant-based anti-itch cream along with 15 other ingredients to quickly calm and heal a wide range of conditions. Nursing mothers can also find it in our organic nipple balm to help take the pain out of breast feeding.

By learning more about chamomile, you might be surprised how versatile this little flower can be. It provides a truly natural way to treat everything from problematic skin to painful digestive tracts. As ancient as the plant is, chamomile remains as relevant for today’s ailments as it was hundreds of years ago.