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How
To Use Chamomile For Sleep
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla) is a common flowering plant
that is indigenous to various parts of central and southern
Europe (Germany, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and Slovakia), and
northwestern Asia.
Chamomile is now widely cultivated in the United States, Australia,
Argentina, Egypt, and northern Africa. The dried leaves and
flowers are commonly packaged as a tea and can be purchased
over the counter in both bagged and loose form.
Chamomile has been used throughout the ages as a very effective
sleep aid. It has been administered in a variety of ways including
being brewed as a tea and used in a sachet placed underneath
a pillow.
Unlike some herbal sleep remedies, chamomile does not have to
be used on a regular basis to be effective as a treatment for
insomnia. It can be used on the spot to provide quick relief
for sleeplessness and anxiety.
Chamomile tea, which is made from the dried flowers and leaves
of this common plant, is most effective when sipped a half an
hour to forty-five minutes before going to bed.
It has been found that chamomile can be especially helpful in
relieving the symptoms of mild insomnia (a.k.a. transient insomnia).
Chrysin, a flavonoid component of Chamomile, is the chemical
attributed to Chamomile’s ability to relieve anxiety and promote
sleep.
Chrysin can also be found in Passionflower (Passiflora incarnatus),
another plant that has been found to be effective in the treatment
of insomnia and anxiety.
Chamomile is also known to reduce the histamine-based swelling
produced by allergic reactions, and is an excellent solution
when congested sinuses or food allergies contribute to sleeplessness.
It should be noted that it is not uncommon for Hay fever sufferers
who exhibit an allergic reaction to ragweed and its close botanical
relatives (such as chrysanthemum and aster) to have a similar
reaction to chamomile.
Chamomile
Tea Recipe (One serving)
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers
• lemon juice
• honey
Preparation:
First, bring the water to the boil in a saucepan. Add the dried
chamomile flowers to the water (either directly or using a tea
infuser) and boil for thirty to forty-five seconds with the
lid on. Remove tea from the heat and let the flowers steep for
another minute. The loose flowers can then be removed from the
tea using a strainer.
Served
with honey and a little lemon juice, this tea is a tasty way
to unwind after a busy day and its calming properties usually
begin to take effect within a half hour of drinking a cup. For
added sedative effect, substitute a few leaves of Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis) for the lemon juice.
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