Three ways to use chamomile for wellbeing

You may well have seen this pretty little plant growing in your garden or even wild on those walks through the countryside. If you have stepped on it (it grows a bit like an alternative to grass), you may have noticed its sweet scent released as you stroll!

A favourite ingredient in wellbeing, chamomile can be used in a variety of ways for lots of therapeutic reasons. Here are three of the most popular ways of using chamomile for wellbeing:

Chamomile tea is a famously soothing herbal remedy that’s readily available in the shops. Buy it as tea bags or as a loose tea made from the dried flowers and steep to taste. It’s great for calming the mind, soothing the nerves and as a bedtime drink to help you unwind. We’re particular fans of adding a teaspoon of Manuka honey for extra wellbeing factor!

Potential chamomile tea benefits include:

• Easing menstrual pain
• Lowering blood sugar
• Helping with sleep and relaxation
• Soothing cold symptoms

Essential oils are a great way for enhancing or changing your mood, and much like the tea, chamomile essential oil is known for its relaxation and calming benefits. It’s also known to help ease indigestion and nausea. Why not try:

• Adding a few drops to a tissue to inhale whenever you need soothing
• Pop a few drops into an electric diffuser to scent your home

Essential oils can also be used topically but they should always be blended into a carrier oil or cream. In the UK, it’s never recommended that you apply essential oils directly to the skin as they are powerful (that’s why so many people swear by them). To keep things easy and make sure the quantities are gentle, you can get the benefits of chamomile used topically by using natural cosmetic products.

Moisturisers, shampoos and conditioners that contain chamomile can help to:

• Soothe and calm skin and scalp
• Are great for sensitive skin
• Improve hair shine
• Ease inflammation