The Chamomile Herb Essay

Introduction

Herbs are plants used for their health-enhancing and therapeutic properties. They offer a path to safe treatment with regards to the oneness of life in this age of chemicals and drugs (Hoffmann, 2002). They are over two thousand plants that can be applied as herbal medicine in the world, and the chamomile plant is among the plants that can be used to cure and prevent diseases (Hoffmann, 2002). The chamomile plant contains flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to its medicinal value (Gupta, 2010). The preventive and curative properties of chamomile contribute to its advantages and disadvantages when used as a medicinal herb.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Advantages of Chamomile Herbs

The advantage of chamomile as a herb can be seen in its ability to cure and prevent diseases. Chamomile is used to treat skin conditions. Roman chamomile is used in cosmetic preparations since it provides a softening and soothing effect on the skin (Gupta, 2010). Oil extracted from the herb is used as an ingredient for hair care, and aromatherapy (Gupta, 2010). The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds in chamomile is useful when it is applied on the skin. It contains oils and flavonoids which penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to stop inflammation (Bloomsbury, 2015). This relieves pain and reduces skin irritations on the applicant.

An advantage of chamomile is that it helps cure illnesses related to the digestion tract (Kally, 2011). Chamomile tea which is a popular method of taking the herb can be used by individuals with gastrointestinal issues that emanate from ulcers, diarrhea, indigestion, colic, gastritis and the irritable bowel syndrome (Kally, 2011). Chamomile can prevent and cure problems in the digestive system because it possesses antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial compounds (Gupta, 2010).

Chamomile herbs provide therapeutic benefits to its users (Kally, 2012). Taking chamomile leads to muscle relaxation and a boost of the immune system. Herbs are used to prevent diseases and chamomile can boost the immune system of a person making it a beneficial herb that fights infections (Hoffmann, 2002). Taking chamomile increases the levels of hippurate in the body which is a byproduct of the plant compound phenolics. Phenolics boost antibacterial activity in the body hence fighting various infections(Kally, 2011). Chamomile has nervine relaxants that can eliminate stress and tension in the human body (Hoffmann, 2002).

Disadvantages

Chamomile use has some drawbacks that may affect the user's health. A downside is that chamomiles can interact with chemical drugs being used by a patient and interfere with how they are processed in the body (Swain, 2011). Chamomile has a natural blood thinning element that may lead to internal bleeding when used together with anticoagulant medication such as pentoxifylline, warfarin, and heparin (Swain, 2011).

Another disadvantage of Chamomile is that some people develop allergic reactions when they use chamomile herbs (Hoffmann, 2002). Some people have allergic reactions to plants of the daisy family like ragweed and marigolds. The allergic responses towards are manifested in the form of skin rashes, shortness of breath and throat swelling (Swain, 2011). Chamomile is not advisable for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. The safety of the herb to young children, nursing, and pregnant women is not well documented. Therefore, before taking chamomile one should seek medical advice (Swain, 2011).

Conclusion

The use of chamomile herbs to provide holistic healing offers an alternative to chemical drug treatment. Its use continues to help patients find solutions to diseases and health complications. However, they are some side effects that may arise in some users of chamomile herbs. It is therefore advisable to use chamomile in moderate amounts and to seek a doctors advice if one considers using chamomile herbs for treatment. Nevertheless, it is a herb that has a positive effect on one's wellbeing.

References

Bloomsbury. (2015). Concise Herb Guide. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Gupta. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6). doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377

Hoffmann, D. (2002). The complete illustrated holistic herbal: A safe and practical guide to making and using herbal remedies. London: Element Books.

Kally, K. (2011, August 15). Side Effects & Benefits of Chamomile Tea. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/518804-side-effects-benefits-of-chamomile-te

Swain, B. (2011, September 6). What Are the Dangers of Chamomile Tea? Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/536388-what-are-the-dangers-of-chamomile-tea/