Chamomile in pregnancy

Many of us love chamomile tea, and it has multiple beneficial effects on the body. However, when women become pregnant, they often wonder: is it possible to drink chamomile during pregnancy? After all, most plants are prohibited during this period.

It is true: some herbs can cause irreparable harm to the future baby or affect the course of pregnancy. Is chamomile one of these herbs during pregnancy? Understanding this issue is the goal of our article.

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Chamomile during pregnancy

The effect of chamomile during pregnancy is due to a combination of useful pharmaceutical properties: the plant contains a lot of active components. The presence of essential oil, flavonoids, vitamin components and polysaccharides determine the anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, soothing and some analgesic effect.

Chamomile flowers during pregnancy eliminate spasmodic phenomena in the intestines, stimulate the production of bile, relieve swelling, which can be very important during pregnancy. Chamomile can even heal ulcers in the stomach, restoring damaged mucous membranes.

Chamomile decoction is sometimes taken internally during pregnancy: it helps to increase the secretory activity of the digestive glands, increases the amount of bile secreted, reduces fermentation in the intestines, and effectively eliminates spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. The active antispasmodic effect is explained by the m-anticholinergic ability of glycosides in chamomile. Natural essential oil increases the respiratory amplitude, stimulates cardiac activity, and can expand the lumen of blood vessels in the brain.

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Instructions for chamomile during pregnancy

Chamomile flowers can be used in the form of an infusion or a complex mixture in the treatment of many diseases. For example, an infusion can be used as an anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and analgesic agent for inflammatory reactions in the oral cavity, laryngitis and colds.

Chamomile is used to treat and prevent acute and chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, and enterocolitis. Women experience significant pain relief, nausea, bloating, and heartburn disappear, and their general condition improves.

In case of liver pathologies and bile secretion disorders, chamomile relaxes spasmodic bile ducts, increases the amount of bile secreted, and relieves inflammation.

Tranquilizing chamomile tea during pregnancy is used for intestinal spasticity and increased gas formation in the abdomen. In addition to chamomile flowers, a little mint, valerian roots, caraway seeds and dill are added to this tea. A tablespoon of this mixture is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 20 minutes, after which it is filtered and used for internal use, 100 ml in the morning and at night.

However, when taking chamomile infusion during pregnancy, it is necessary to remember that its excessive amount can harm a woman, and even provoke a miscarriage. For this reason, you should not get too carried away with chamomile tea. The optimal amount of tea to drink is up to 2 cups a day, which is about 300-400 ml. Many doctors still recommend limiting yourself to one cup, and preferably not daily, but at least every other day.

Chamomile for thrush during pregnancy

Probably nine out of ten women have at least once in their life encountered such an unpleasant disease as vaginal candidiasis, or thrush. With candidal infection, it is not only itching and discharge that bother - the pathology affects the general condition of the patient, complicating a full sexual life. Even after curing the disease, many girls after a short time again observe the recurrence of thrush. In this regard, some experts advise periodically conducting treatment with folk methods, for example, chamomile, for prevention.

However, it should be noted that douching with chamomile is prohibited during pregnancy. In fact, douching during pregnancy is highly discouraged. Why?

• Firstly, this procedure can completely disrupt the pH of the vaginal environment, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy.
• Secondly, during douching, air may accidentally end up in the cervix, which can cause irreparable harm to the fetus.
• And thirdly, douching can aggravate the course of the infectious process with the introduction of infection into the uterus.

Of course, every woman decides for herself whether she needs douching. And, of course, it would be better to consult a doctor. But remember: even if you decide to douche, you can do it for no more than five days.

To prepare a liquid for douching, take a tablespoon of dry chamomile flowers and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse for an hour, filter and use only warm.

A more gentle method of treating thrush during pregnancy is washing with chamomile.

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Washing with chamomile during pregnancy

Washing as a hygienic procedure is extremely important for maintaining a woman's health. Moreover, such old proven means for washing as chamomile help no worse than modern pharmacy and store-bought preparations.

External use of chamomile is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but the benefits of these procedures are quite significant: the plant will help fight inflammatory diseases of the genitals, as it is an excellent natural antiseptic.

During pregnancy, you should wash yourself with chamomile twice a day: during your morning hygiene procedures and in the evening before going to bed. To prepare a solution for washing, you need to brew a tablespoon of dry chamomile flowers with boiling water for 15 minutes, filter and use warm. After the procedure, you should not wash off the infusion with clean water: you just need to gently blot it with a clean towel.

Externally, chamomile decoction during pregnancy can be used throughout all three trimesters. The decoction has a noticeable anti-inflammatory and deodorizing effect. Chamomile for making a solution for washing can be bought at any pharmacy, and the ready solution can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

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Chamomile Rinse During Pregnancy

Various infusions and solutions for rinsing can be easily prepared from dried chamomile flowers. They are used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, laryngitis or pharyngitis), as well as for bacterial pathologies in the oral cavity (stomatitis or gingivitis).

Stomatitis is a very unpleasant disease of the oral mucosa, which is accompanied by the formation of multiple ulcers. For stomatitis, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with chamomile infusion every 30 minutes.

To prepare the infusion, take the crushed chamomile raw material and pour boiling water over it (a tablespoon per glass of water), let it stand for at least twenty minutes. Squeeze and filter the solution. If desired, you can add honey (1 to 2 tablespoons). This remedy is recommended for use in periodontal disease, as well as after tooth extraction for faster wound healing (in this case, you do not need to add honey).

The same solution is recommended for use when gargling. Gargling with chamomile is recommended to be combined with washing the nasal cavity, which is carried out by sucking in the infusion or dropping it into the nasal passages using a pipette.

In addition to dry raw materials for rinsing, it is possible to use a ready-made preparation of chamomile, which is sold in pharmacies under the name "Romazulan". This is a liquid containing extract and essential oil of chamomile. This preparation is used for medical procedures for inflammatory manifestations in the oral cavity or on the skin. In order to prepare a solution for rinsing, "Romazulan" is diluted with water in the following proportion: 1.5 tablespoons of the preparation are taken per 1 liter of water.

Gargling with chamomile infusion during pregnancy soothes toothache: chamomile infusion with sage is especially effective for this purpose. For 200 ml of water take 2 spoons (tablespoons) of chamomile flowers and one spoon of dry sage. For gargling, use a warm infusion, and also try to keep it in the mouth for a long time near the sore tooth.

Chamomile for cough during pregnancy

Cough during pregnancy may not always be associated with a cold. Therefore, to effectively combat cough, you first need to see a doctor and find out the reason for its appearance. The reasons may be infections, bad habits, parasites, it may be a manifestation of an allergic reaction.

Chamomile for cough during pregnancy can be useful only in case of infectious or cold diseases. In addition to drug treatment of such pathologies, you can use folk methods, in particular, chamomile infusions.

We have already talked about gargling: this procedure is very necessary for coughing, especially dry coughing. Gargle after all meals, and you can also additionally gargle every 2 hours.

During pregnancy, you should be very careful when taking cooled chamomile infusion internally, without overdoing it. Drink one cup a day, replacing subsequent drinks with warm tea with milk and honey, alkaline heated mineral water, berry fruit drinks and compotes.

Chamomile inhalations during pregnancy are an excellent remedy for coughs and sore throats. Simply throw some dry chamomile flowers into boiling water, remove the pan from the heat, cover yourself with a towel and breathe in the vapors of the herbal decoction. The essential oil, having penetrated the respiratory tract, will soothe the cough, increase the secretion of sputum, facilitate breathing, relieve pain and inflammation in the throat. When inhaling, be careful not to burn yourself or damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory system with hot steam. The following proportion is usually used for inhalations: 1 tablespoon of chamomile raw material - 0.4 liters of water (approximately 2 glasses). To improve the penetration of essential oil into the tissues of the respiratory tract, it is recommended to add a tablespoon of baking soda to the inhalation solution.

Chamomile is widely used for colds during pregnancy, thanks to the analgesic, diaphoretic and bactericidal properties of the plant. However, do not forget that the use of chamomile infusion internally should be moderate. If your pregnancy is not going very smoothly, there were threats of miscarriage or minor bloody discharge - you should refuse to use chamomile internally, or consult with your doctor. For treatment procedures for many diseases, including colds, you can get by with external use of chamomile, which, believe me, is no less effective and useful.

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Chamomile bath during pregnancy

The use of baths with chamomile flowers has an excellent therapeutic and cosmetic effect, strengthens the immune system and cleanses the skin. Chamomile baths are prescribed for nervous stress, intestinal spasms, rheumatic pain and hemorrhoids, insomnia and migraines. The effect of chamomile baths is multifaceted:

• relief from fatigue;
• strengthening the immune system;
• treatment of boils and dermatoses;
• relief of back pain;
• improving sleep quality;
• sedative effect;
• moisturizing and cleansing the skin;
• relief of itching and inflammation of the skin;
• acne elimination;
• improving blood circulation;
• rejuvenation of the body.

To prepare a chamomile bath, you will need a 100-gram package of chamomile flowers and about 1.5-2 liters of water. Boil the water, pour in the dry chamomile mixture, boil for 5 minutes, remove from the burner and leave for two hours, covered with a lid. Filter the potion and add to the bath with water.

Remember that taking a hot bath during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. Hot water can raise your blood pressure and even cause premature labor. The optimal water temperature in the bath is 37-38 °C, the duration of the procedure during pregnancy is no more than 15 minutes. After taking a bath, ask your loved ones to help you get up, especially for women in the late stages of pregnancy.

For preventive purposes, such a procedure can be carried out once every 7-10 days. For treatment purposes, the bath is taken more often, after consulting with a doctor, who will determine the frequency and duration of such therapy.

Chamomile when planning pregnancy

Planning a pregnancy is an important stage in a woman's life, which must be approached with all responsibility. Of course, when planning conception, it is very important to treat all diseases of the reproductive system in advance: infections, erosions and inflammatory processes. Along with drug treatment, procedures using folk remedies, such as chamomile, will also be of great help. However, some use chamomile douching supposedly to facilitate the process of conception. Is this true or another myth?

In principle, many experts are against douching in general, since this procedure helps to wash out normal microflora from the vaginal cavity and opens access to pathogenic flora, which can lead to the development of infection.

Chamomile has a wide range of useful properties, and its infusions are famous for their anti-inflammatory and softening properties. Thanks to chamomile, you can cure quite a lot of diseases without taking antibacterial and other drugs with a lot of side effects. Chamomile is added to many cosmetics and therapeutic and prophylactic products: creams, ointments, gels and shampoos.

In order not to cause harm with the infusion of this plant during douching, the procedure must be carried out extremely carefully, no more than five days, and only if there are indications: for example, thrush or vaginitis. By curing these diseases, you will certainly help the process of conception.

It is not recommended to do chamomile douches if there are no diseases (for prevention). Experts are sure that natural, undisturbed microflora in the vagina is extremely important for successful conception, which we can easily disturb with this procedure. Get tested for vaginal environment, determine pH, consult a specialist and do not rush to self-medicate. Perhaps the environment in your genitals really has some changes to the acidic side, which can negatively affect conception (sperm simply die in such an environment). In this situation, the problem is solved by using soda douches and prescribing a complex of beneficial bacteria to normalize the composition of the microflora.

To sum it up: chamomile douching will not help you plan your pregnancy successfully (unless you have candidiasis or bacterial vaginitis). If you have a normal vaginal environment, you can use chamomile infusion douching to prevent inflammation, and sometimes drink chamomile drinks (unless you are prone to endometriosis and polycystic disease, pathologies associated with high estrogen levels).

Before planning conception, consult a good gynecologist, cure chronic and infectious diseases, undergo the necessary examinations, and you will definitely get pregnant, and your future baby will be strong and healthy.

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Contraindications for use

The use of chamomile during pregnancy has several contraindications that should be taken into account.

• Allergic reactions to chamomile preparations.
• Increased production of estrogen.
• The threat of spontaneous termination of pregnancy, as well as spontaneous abortions and fetal death in previous pregnancies.

Remember that chamomile tea should not be abused. Use chamomile during pregnancy mainly for local effects.

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Reviews of chamomile during pregnancy

Among the reviews about chamomile during pregnancy, the overwhelming majority are positive comments. For example:

Sonya: Chamomile always helps me when I need to cure a sore throat, get rid of pimples on my face, or just calm down and drink a glass of tea. I do steam baths for my face, and pimples and small inflammatory spots disappear.

Elena: I put the brewed tea bags on the eye area. It helps to get rid of redness and puffiness.

Polina: I use chamomile for baths. The skin of my hands and feet becomes very soft and velvety after them. I also use it for washing myself and my baby: it helps me prevent thrush, and the baby gets rid of diaper rash.

Luda: I make chamomile infusion for rinsing my hair. Before, my hair was dull and dry, but now it is soft and a pleasant "sunny" color.

Natalia: I use ice cubes, which I make from chamomile infusion and freeze in the freezer. I wipe the cube on my face, neck, and décolleté, and I use this method every morning. The skin seems to be renewed and becomes elastic, and the pores become narrower.

Dasha: Be careful if you have allergies. Chamomile can cause headaches and arrhythmia.

Anya: I make compresses from chamomile tea. It relieves irritation and inflammation.

Alena: If my stomach hurts, I always make myself a cup of chamomile tea. The pain and discomfort go away in just a couple of days, and I've been suffering from gastritis for over two years.

Indeed, according to reviews we have collected on the Internet, chamomile can be used for many diseases: these are inflammatory processes of the stomach and duodenum, stomach ulcers, enterocolitis, excessive gas formation. For hemorrhoids, chamomile is prescribed in the form of enemas. Chamomile also helps with acne on the face, excessive oiliness of the skin, dermatitis and ulcers.

However, chamomile should be used with great caution during pregnancy, and preferably after consulting a doctor.