In the event of various forms of ailments, people most often resort to the help of drugs, often with non-natural, synthetic components. However, the best way for the body to cope with diseases is with the help of herbal medicines, which have a mild and unobtrusive effect.
Types of chamomiles are impressive in their diversity, but the most popular among them is chamomile, which is used in most medicines. Due to its unique properties, it is able to cope with many serious diseases.
This flower can be found not only in the steppe area, but also along the roads. In addition, due to its unique medicinal properties, it is cultivated even on an industrial scale.
Chamomile pharmacy: types
Chamomile can be found in all areas where a temperate climate prevails, due to which the plant does not need to create special conditions for development. Best of all, it takes root in open areas, where the plant has access to adequate lighting.
Most commontypes of daisies in this group:
- Azerbaijani;
- golden;
- transcaucasian;
- rough fruitful;
- south.
Chamomile has quite characteristic differences from its related species. It is a plant that does not exceed 50-60 cm in height. A characteristic smell is present not only in the baskets, but also in the leaves of the plant.
The inflorescences are held on a straight stem, while, due to the fact that they are located in the same plane, they form a kind of saucer. The leaves of young shoots are similar in appearance to dill and do not exceed 60 mm in length and 18 mm in width.
It is noteworthy that it is not the leaves that distinguish it from other types of daisies, but the bottom of the baskets, curved and empty inside.
Chamomile: types and varieties
This type of plant is the most common, because it grows almost everywhere. The most common types of daisies:
- Pharmacy or medicinal.
- Scented chamomile, or tongueless, is a small plant whose height does not exceed 30 cm. The leaves are close to the stem. Flower baskets are small and are placed on short peduncles. It is noteworthy that this type of chamomile does not have white petals characteristic of this flower, but it has a characteristic pleasant aroma.
- Garden chamomile is a beautiful perennial plant. Types of garden chamomile differ in a very significant variety, because their number reaches 200 varieties. Among them, the most popular arecultivars like Maxima Koenig, Sieger, Virrel Praid and Mayfield with unique semi-double flowers.
- Odorless chamomile - this type of plant is characterized by a straight stem with branching in the upper part. The leaves are dissected in the same way as that of chamomile officinalis. White petals favorably border the yellow core. Most often, this variety of chamomile can be seen among cereals. Seeds take root well on almost any type of soil, if the depth of their penetration does not exceed 6 cm.
Despite the fact that all types of daisies have a characteristic appearance, they often include most plants with white petals. An example is a plant such as leucanthemum, which looks very similar to chamomile.
Useful properties of chamomile
Chamomile far surpasses most medicinal plants in terms of the number of active elements, however, among most species, it is chamomile that has the most significant features:
- Anti-septic properties that have a pronounced character, thanks to which it effectively destroys harmful microorganisms. Chamomile has been successfully used to disinfect wounds.
- Treatment of the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, it actively affects the internal organs.
- choleretic action.
- Antimicrobial activity, making it one of the most effective herbal remedies used in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sweatshops anda sedative effect that positively affects the nervous system.
How to collect and store chamomile
It is necessary to start collecting and further harvesting chamomile flowers at a time when the petals of the plant are in a horizontal position. As a rule, this occurs approximately on the fourth day after the start of flowering. If the petals are directed upwards, this indicates that the flowers are not yet ready to be harvested, and if they are lowered down, the flower is no longer suitable for harvesting.
It is better to collect the plant by hand, along with a small cutting. In the event that the plant will later be used only for bathing, it can be cut immediately with the stem.
All types of daisies must be collected exclusively in baskets. At the same time, it is worth avoiding collecting plants in plastic bags so that the flowers do not get steamed and can breathe freely. It is best to dry them in a warm, shady room with free air circulation inside.
