Chamomile extract
Chamomile is one of the simplest and at the same time effective plant both in folk and conventional medicine. Medicinal or pharmaceutical chamomile has healing qualities. But how much do we really know about the features and properties of this plant?
Types and properties
Pharmacy chamomile has long been in demand in medicine. The plant is used for the treatment and prevention of various colds and viral diseases, stabilization of the digestive tract, rapid elimination of toxins, treatment of the urinary and gall bladders, liver and other organs. Moreover, its decoction is recommended for use in disorders of the nervous system. Chamomile relaxes blood vessels, promotes good sleep and generally reduces anxiety.
From the flowers of medicinal chamomile, an essential oil is extracted, which is used in the manufacture of the extract. When receiving it, modern pharmacologists try to preserve the original properties of medicinal herbs as much as possible.
The most useful substance contained in the plant is chamazulene, which is valued for its anti-inflammatory effect.
In pharmaceuticals, extracts are obtained by extraction, that is, the extraction of substances using solvents (extractants) in special devices.
Depending on the method of manufacture, different types of extracts are distinguished:
- liquid, alcohol;
- water-alcohol;
- glycerin, water-glycerin;
- propylene glycol;
- oil;
- CO2 - extracts and dry.
Water-glycerin chamomile extract is obtained by an innovative extraction method, which allows you to save much more useful properties. The result is a yellow-green liquid with a corresponding floral aroma.
When is it necessary?
As we have already mentioned, chamomile is useful for the treatment of many diseases. Chamomile extract will help with inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, including periodontal disease, purulent inflammation, burns, respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders and intestinal spasms, stomach diseases.
Since the extract also has smoothing and whitening properties, it will be extremely beneficial for the face, especially for the skin of the eyelids and around the eyes. As for the skin of the body, it will help reduce rashes, itching, allergies; alleviate psoriasis and eczema.
In gynecological practice, the remedy is also used for inflammatory processes, pain during menstruation, cervical erosion, and for the prophylactic treatment of wounds of the genital organs.
Application in cosmetology
In cosmetology, chamomile is popular not only for its healing properties, but also because it is a natural substance and, most importantly, inexpensive. In the house of every girl, for sure, there is more than one cosmetic product with chamomile extract in the composition, so we can read it as our savior.
Using the extract, various cosmetic products for skin and face care are made: creams, masks, lotions, cleansing milk, scrubs and gels. It can be used in massage oils as it has a calming effect. Shampoos, balms and other hair care products based on the extract will give them strength, shine and silkiness.
The dental industry has not been left out. Toothpastes and other oral care products may contain chamomile for its disinfecting, whitening, and hemostatic properties.
Soap with an extract of this plant not only cleanses, but also softens and moisturizes the skin. This soap tightens pores and has a mattifying effect, so if you are the owner of oily skin, try using this inexpensive but effective remedy.
Soap with chamomile extract, among other things, is suitable for sensitive and children's skin, as it has a hypoallergenic effect.
How to prepare an extract?
At home, you can get several types of extracts: oil, alcohol and water. Here we look at the most popular ways to prepare them. All of them are simple and affordable.
Chamomile oil extract can be obtained in two ways:
- Hot way. We take dried chamomile, grind it thoroughly, fill it with any vegetable oil in a ratio of 1: 2 and put it in a water bath for 2 hours. After that, the extract must be cooled and filtered.
- Cold press. Place the crushed chamomile in a glass vessel and fill it with oil in the same ratio, leave for 10 to 15 days in a dark place at room temperature. This method is long, but less energy-intensive, and it also helps to preserve the value of nutrients as much as possible.
Alcoholic extract of chamomile differs from oil in that crushed chamomile must be insisted on alcohol or water-alcohol infusion. The main manufacturing principle remains the same: grind chamomile, pour alcohol a few fingers above the border of the raw material.It is necessary to infuse the extract for 21 days, after which we evaporate the alcohol in a water bath before using the resulting product.
For more information about healing chamomile tea, see the following video.