Common Name: Babuna, Babuni ke phool
English Name: Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla Linn.
Family: Compositae
Description: Chamomile is a perennial low-growing plant native to Europe and Western Asia. The branched stem of the plant is erect, smooth and grows to a height of 15 to 60 cm. The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. The solitary, terminal flower heads consist of white ray florets that are furnished with a ligule and yellow disc florets. They bloom in early to mid summer and have a strong, aromatic fragrance.
Chemical Constituents: It contains Sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, and polyacetylenes. The coumarins are represented in M. chamomilla by herniarin, umbelliferone, and other minor ones. It also contains (Z)- and (E)-2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid (GMCA), the glucoside precursor of herniarin, bioactive phenolic compounds, such as herniarin and umbelliferone (coumarin), chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid (phenylpropanoids), apigenin.
Properties: Chamomile contains compounds that are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; one of these, the blue chamazulene, is noted for promoting tissue regeneration. The anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration. Chamomile can calm skin inflammations, as well as bacterial skin diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile used as a hair rinse brings on the highlights in blonde or light colored hair. Chamomile flower extracts are helpful in managing eczema .
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