Chamomile Extract Skin Benefits:
Chamomile can be found in popular health and wellness products. However, likely you’ve heard of or even had it infused in a cup of tea. Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs. In fact, about 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed everyday. Other popular products that include chamomile are post-workout drinks, and supplements However, today we discuss chamomile extract skin benefits.
Chamomile itself is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family, including 2 common varieties. Known as German & Roman Chamomile. Chamomile contains compounds such as flavonoids (which possess anti-inflammatory & antiphlogistic properties), apigenin & glucosides.
Reputed benefits of chamomile in it’s various preparations include;
- anti-inflammatory,
- mild sedative,
- used to treat hay fever,
- ulcers,
- wounds,
- treat pain
- finally, it can take on an essential oil form, which is used popularly in aromatherapy and cosmetics.
What is Chamomile Extract?
Chamomile extract comes from the chamomile plant. There are two main types of plants that the extract is derived from. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Roman chamomile extract and German chamomile extract oftentimes differ in the types of applications they would be used in. German chamomile extract does have a higher content of chamazulene. Thus, believed to have more positive effects on the body and skin.
One way the oils are extracted is through a from of distillation, via steam. Chamomile oils are a shade of dark yellow.
The long time soothing qualities of this oil has made it a very popular choice to many.
Chamomile Extract Skin Benefits: Uses For The Hair & Body!
So what exactly is the potential of such an extract? Believe it or not, some research does exist about the potential benefits.
As beforementioned, chamomile itself has quite a long history of usage, and has been used for many different applications, in history.
Anti-inflammatory:
Some research indicates that topical applications can help fight local atopic eczema, specifically.
Creams have been developed and tested using chamomile extract as an active participant. Extracts such as chamomile have been shown to have antiallergen potential.
One such study in 2000, suggested effectiveness after a 2-week trial against medium-degree eczema.
Another study published in 2010 investigated inhibitory effects of chamomile on inflammatory related disorders. Specifically, effects on nitric oxide. The study supports the use of chamomile as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Wound Healing Properties:
Chamomile has been used for centuries to aid in wound healing. More recent clinical studies have been performed to experiment with these claims.
One such study looked at chamomile extract and it’s effect on wound areas after dermabrasion of tattoos. There was a noted statistical significance in the wound drying and healing time for patients who received the chamomile. Specifically, an increase speed of epithelization.
An animal study in 2009 investigated wound healing capabilities of chamomile and corticosteroids. Concluding, the animal group receiving chamomile had complete wound healing 9 days faster then any of the other groups, even those receiving corticosteroids.
A Better Night of Rest/Fight Insomnia:
Chamomile, has been touted with certain preparations, like tea infusions and aromatherapy, to help induce sleep.
Some research indicates specific compounds within chamomile induces a sedative type effect. In addition, it’s been studied for it’s hypnotic effects. Chamomile has shown a significant decrease in sleep latency at specific dosages.
A compound that is tied to the sedative type effect of chamomile is that of apigenin. Apigenin is a flavonoid, that binds to certain receptors in the brain.
Could some of these attributes make it effective against anxiety disorders?
One study of German Chamomile showed that it had inhibitory effects on general anxiety disorder activity.
However, a double-blind, placebo controlled trial was also conducted in 2009 on extract therapy and patients with mild to moderate GAD indicated the potential for chamomile to help patients with mild to moderate GAD.
Gastrointestinal Conditions:
Highly touted benefits of chamomile are that of digestive support. In fact, individuals with digestive issues, often ingest chamomile.
There have been several studies that link chamomile with helping to treat colic in children. In one such study after 7 days of treatment, parents reported elimination of colic in 57% of the infants, with no adverse effects of treatment.
Other studies have reported aid in nausea symptoms in chemotherapy patients. One such study in 2016 revealed chamomile and ginger as being effective in reducing frequency of vomiting.
Another study in 2005 offered a viewpoint of chamomile aiding in nausea in hospital or palliative care patients. However, in this particular study making a clear link between the chamomile infused aromatherapy and reduction of nausea symptoms, is not clear.
Help Treat Diabetes:
According to a study posted to Agriculture and Food Chemistry in 2008, consistent daily consumption of chamomile tea with meal intake could have a positive effect on hyperglycemia that can lead to diabetic complications.
Can Improve Hair Health:
Chamomile is not only good for sleep and digestive issues, though. In fact, it may also have benefits for hair health. For example, chamomile tea can be used to promote healthier, shinier hair.
Studies have linked specific compounds within chamomile as a potent anti-inflammatory agents, potentially helping to alleviate itching and dry skin.
Resources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/chamomile-oil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
- https://ayrskincare.com/ingredients/chamomile-extract-benefits/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799352/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3388924/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15863883/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21042790/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19593179/
- https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/28/4/e16
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27644672/#:~:text=Ginger%20and%20chamomile%20were%20both,influenced%20the%20frequency%20of%20nausea.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0962456205000706
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3318194/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18803230/
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jf8014365
