We saw in a previous article the soothing properties of verbena and linden, but other plants also have soothing properties, such as chamomile known for many years, but also the lesser known but very interesting poppy to calm and treat cough.

Chamomile matricaria

Chamomile has been used as an infusion for many years, because it is an easy plant to grow in its own garden, but its many properties are not all known: Matricaria recutita L. or Matricaria chamomilla L (botanical name) is different from Roman chamomile but its properties are similar, it is very effective against digestive disorders, nervous tension and allergies.

Chamomile matricaria is highly concentrated in mucilage, so it is indicated for gastric irritations and digestive disorders and can also relieve painful periods.

It is also a powerful antispasmodic that reduces muscle pain and irritability, its soothing action is known to promote sleep, help fight stress and reduce tension.

Chamomile can be used without any restriction in children, it can be consumed alone or in combination with other herbal teas (including verbena).

Chamomile matricaria is also effective for certain ENT problems: it cures colds, allergic rhinitis and can be used in cases of asthma.

Used externally, it helps to heal wounds and treat skin irritations, burns, insect bites, chapped skin, eczema, or psoriasis, as chamomile helps to promote skin cell renewal.

Chamomile can also be used in an eye bath to relieve and decongest irritated eyes.

The Poppy

The poppy invades our fields and delights our eyes, but it also has sedative, pectoral and softening properties, helps to fight against sleep disorders, especially in children over 7 years old, and helps to fight against problems of falling asleep and waking at night.

The poppy is also known as the field poppy, it contains alkaloid substances, in particular rhœadine, which provide sedative properties, it provides a serene and restorative sleep, rhœadine can calm and soothe without causing any addiction, which is why the poppy has long been called "the harmless opium of the people".

Poppy also helps to treat bronchial disorders, coughs and hoarseness and is indicated for soothing throat and respiratory system disorders (bad colds, bronchitis, angina, asthma and pertussis).

Be careful, the poppy is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children under 7 years of age.