Monthly Essentials: October

Mending Hands Proudly Presents a new segment - Monthly Essentials! I'm learning all about the health benefits of Essential Oils so I'm decided to feature a new one each month. Using The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy - By Valerie Ann Worwood as my guide, I hope to pass along some helpful hints about these natural helpers of health!

October's Monthly Essential is....

Chamomile!

Better Sleep: Chamomile tea's most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep. 

Stomach Soother: Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion. It is often found in teas for digestion in combination with peppermint. 

Menstrual Cramps: The ancient Egyptians used it to soothe menstrual cramps and now science is catching up. One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.

Cold Fighter: Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.

Wound Healing: The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used chamomile flowers in a poultice and applied them to wounds to speed healing.

Diabetes Management: Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.

Cancer: In-vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells.

Hemmorrhoid Help: One study found that chamomile ointment was helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Thanks to healthdiaries.com for this great research