Skin care with chamomile
MANY of us want that natural glow, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get it. But a lot of us think the solution is in creams and potions when, in fact, it’s often in the very herbs we have growing abundantly at our homes.
One such herb is chamomile, which you may know of in soothing teas or baby baths or scented candles, but it’s also a good skin healer for when you have problems with inflammation and other such issues.
Herbalist Kenute Harrison said chamomile contains anti-fungal compounds which are also antibacterial and antiseptic.
“Using it can help in wound care and healing; and if you have problems like acne, rashes, sunburn or inflammation, it’s great for those,” he said.
He said that for women, it’s a good anti-ageing product that will give them a smooth, luxurious skin texture.
Chamomile, which belongs to the plant family Asteraceae, looks a lot like what Jamaicans call Spanish needle but it has a distinct smell, like pineapple.
“You can either use the chamomile plant and boil it into a tea, then cool and use that liquid for your skin care, or you can get the chamomile oil for the same purpose,” Harrison advised.
“If you’re using the oil, be aware that you have to dilute it like tea tree oil so you can add it to your lotion or moisturiser or another carrier oil. You can also just crush the herb directly and apply it to the skin like a poultice, especially if you have acne or eczema,” he added.
“Since the herb is anti-inflammatory it can ease a lot of the discomfort from mild or moderate skin conditions or irritation.”
He explained that the other properties of the plant, particularly in fighting bacteria and fungus, means that using it can speed up the healing process for any relatable skin or hair condition, even dandruff.
“But don’t just stop at the benefits for the skin and hair, you can use the plant in the traditional sense. And as a tea it helps keep you calm, ease depression, soothes the stomach, and helps with nausea. It also will help you sleep if you have insomnia,” Harrison said.
