Know the Uses of Chamomile for Beauty Purposes

As most cosmetic and beauty products are usually loaded with chemicals, more people are opting for herbal products to apply on their skin and hair.

Several herbs have been used since ancient times for beauty purposes – one of them being chamomile. Chamomile is popular for its calming, anti-irritant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reports that chamomile has been included in a wide variety of cosmetic products, including soothing moisturizers and cleansers as well as color-enhancing hair products (1).

Another study published in 2010 in the Molecular Medicine Reports highlights that essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy (2).

Many different preparations of chamomile are available, the most popular of which is the herbal tea. In fact, more than 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed per day worldwide. Chamomile is also available in the form of liquid extract, essential oil, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments.

Warnings:

• Do not use chamomile if you’re pregnant.
• Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed or any members of the aster family, including daisies and chrysanthemums.

Here are several ways you can use chamomile for beauty purposes.

1. Cures Acne

If you have to deal with acne and acne scars, you can use chamomile tea topically for an inexpensive and natural way to reduce the appearance of acne and the related scars.

Chamomile is a powerhouse of antioxidants that help fight acne breakouts.

• Daily use: Brew a cup of chamomile tea, saturate a clean washcloth with the tea and wring it out slightly. Wash your face with a mild facial cleansing soap. Place the washcloth over your face, allowing it to stay in contact with your skin for 15 minutes. Remove the washcloth and rinse your face well with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft cotton towel. Do it twice daily.
• Weekly treatment: Pour hot water into a cup with 1 tablespoon of dry chamomile flowers. Let it infuse for 20 minutes. Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 egg white. Apply the mask on your clean face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off with cool water. Repeat once a week.

2. Lightens Skin Complexion

Chamomile tea acts as excellent natural skin bleach that will lighten your complexion and add a healthy glow to your skin.

It also tightens the skin pores, which makes your skin look young and beautiful.

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Put 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in the water and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Strain out the chamomile-infused water.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to it.
5. Apply the solution on your face and neck area, and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
6. Rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water.
7. Use it once daily.

3. Fights Skin Aging

Being a good source of antioxidants, chamomile helps fight free radicals in the body that damage skin cells resulting in prevention of any damage to skin.

It also accelerates cell and tissue regeneration; helps tighten the pores and slows down the aging process.

• Daily use: Steep a cup of chamomile tea and allow it to cool. Dip a cotton ball in the tea and rub it over the affected skin. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Do it once daily to enjoy healthy and glowing skin.
• Periodic use: From time to time, you can use hot chamomile tea to steam your face and open your pores to get rid of impurities.

4. Exfoliates Skin

The slightly grainy texture of chamomile tea also works as a natural scrub. It helps remove dead and dry skin cells, soothing your skin and giving it a beautiful glow.

1. Empty the contents of 2 or 3 tea bags into a bowl.
2. Add a little sugar and olive oil to make a good scrub.
3. Apply this scrub gently on your clean face and massage it around using circular motions.
4. Rinse your skin with cold water and pat dry.
5. Do this once a week.

5. Reduces Dark Circles

The soothing and relaxing nature of chamomile helps lighten dark circles under the eyes. Its anti-inflammatory nature also reduces swelling around your eyes and eye puffiness.

1. Steep 4 chamomile tea bags in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags. Put one in the refrigerator and the other on the kitchen counter.
3. First, put the tea bag from the kitchen counter on your closed eyelids for 5 minutes.
4. Next, place the refrigerated tea bag on your eyelids for 5 minutes.
5. Repeat this treatment as often as you like.

6. Treats Dandruff

A chamomile tea hair rinse will help fight dandruff. It also soothes any scalp irritation and adds a beautiful shine to otherwise dull-looking locks.

1. Boil 2 to 3 cups of water and dip 4 or 5 chamomile tea bags in it
2. Let the solution sit until it has completely cooled, then remove the tea bags.
3. Wash and condition your hair as you normally do.
4. Rinse your hair with the cooled chamomile tea.
5. Let your hair air-dry.

7. Heals Wounds & Minor Cuts

Chamomile has strong healing powers, due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also acts as a good disinfectant and can be used to treat minor cuts and wounds.

It also reduces swelling and redness around the injured area, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Soak a few chamomile tea bags in warm water. Remove one of the tea bags and press it over your wound. Do it as needed,
• Alternatively, you can buy a chamomile tincture or natural ointment at your local health food store and apply it to the affected area as directed.

Resources:

1. Stallings AF, Lupo MP. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958188/. Published January 2009.

2. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Molecular medicine reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/. Published November 1, 2010.