Reference Number: 263
Year: 2010
Link: Link to original paper
Nutrition: Flavonoids | Polyphenols
Inclusions: Chamomile tea
Summary
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day. In this review we describe the use of chamomile in traditional medicine with regard to evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health.
What does this mean for bakers?
Chamomile tea is a popular beverage, used by many people to help them relax. This paper reviews studies on the potential health benefits of chamomile, including relieving symptoms of gatstrointestinal disorders. These findings suggest the use of chamomile as a herbal medicine can help in promoting good health.
