Keep calm and camomile

Many of us search for ways to unwind and one fail safe is by harnessing the powers of pure camomile — a natural remedy for relaxation. But if infusing a teabag in a warm cup of boiling water doesn't take your fancy, there are other ways to enjoy the many benefits of the good stuff. There's a reason camomile is a must-include wonder ingredient on your kitchen shelf.

Breathe in

Grab some camomile oil, add two or three drops to a clean piece of cloth and breathe in deeply, with the cloth just under your nose and mouth. It's a wonderful way to encourage deep breathing relaxation techniques, which are also good for lowering stress levels.

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Drop in

The natural oil can also be consumed in other hot or cold drinks. A few drops in orange juice and the kids won't even know they're drinking it. There are usually two variants of oil — Roman and German. Roman is popular for its calming effect with emmenagogue properties, and the German tincture serves as an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent. Both are rich in antiseptic, carminative, analgesic, febrifuge, digestive, sudorific, and vermifuge properties.

Camomile (sometimes spelt Chamomile) is a herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions. To make camomile tea, the flowers are dried and then infused into hot water.

The potential benefits of drinking camomile tea include treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar, slowing or preventing osteoporosis, reducing inflammation and helping with sleep and relaxation. Some studies suggest that camomile tea may also target cancer cells or even prevent those cells from developing in the first place.

Camomile soap

Ideal for soothing irritated skin, calming down inflammation and sensitive areas, and helping speed up healing of minor injuries and sunburns, camomile is also beneficial when used in soaps and liquid detergents. Its antibacterial properties help fight acne and breakouts, meaning it's great when used in washing liquids and softeners. Camomile can also act as a safe, mild skin-bleach, lightening up your complexion and giving you a nice, healthy glow.