PKD DIET

Chamomile

Enjoy chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla
Chamaemelum nobile
Asteraceae
Manzanilla

Chamomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Chamomile keeps the blood thinned. People with allergies to chrysanthemum or ragweed may react when they use chamomile either internally or topically. Chamomile contains coumarin, a naturally-occurring compound with anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. It should not be combined with warfarin or other medications or supplements that have the same effect or be used by people with bleeding disorders. Avoid two weeks before or after surgery. Take extra care with cosmetic ingredients, especially formulated for eye puffiness, many seem to contain green or white tea. Another alternative for diminishing eye puffiness is to place two used chamomile tea bags in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning gently place the cold chamomile tea bags over the eyes for a few moments.

Chamomile has been shown to decrease inflammation surrounding the kidney. The study involved fourteen volunteers (seven women and seven men) who each drank five cups of the herbal tea daily for two consecutive weeks. Daily urine samples were taken and tested throughout the study, both before and after drinking chamomile tea. Researchers found that drinking the tea was associated with a significant increase in urinary levels of hippurate, a breakdown product of certain plant-based compounds known as phenolics, some of which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. This could help explain why chamomile tea appears to boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, according to the researchers.

The relaxing effect of Chamomile is mostly attributed to apigenin a powerful phytochemical which is able to modulate GABA receptors in the brain.

Chamomile Tea helps reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and reduces stress.

This is what creates the relaxing effect.

Chamomile has several reported uses

  • Diminishes adhesions
  • PMS
    • Chamomile is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps possibly by relaxing the uterus, (say researchers). Glycine is known to act as a nerve relaxant, which may also explain why the tea seems to act as a mild sedative. Glycine supplements are sold in stores for that purpose. Chamomile is high in calcium.
  • Stress, irritability, flagging appetite
    • It relieves stress, irritability, flagging appetite, nausea and upset stomach.
  • Eye puffiness
    • Two used tea bags placed overnight in the refrigerator then placed over closed eyes, can diminish morning eye puffiness.
  • Normalizes kidney functioning
    • Animal studies have shown that Chamomile volatile oil when administered orally to rabbits with impaired kidney function, normalized functioning.
  • Antihistaminic effect
    • The flavonoid apigenin within chamomile, has shown antihistaminic effects in animal studies.
  • Stimulates immune system
    • Chamomile stimulates the immune system's infection fighting white blood cells (macrophages and B-lymphocytes). It is a very popular herbal product in Germany for wound care.
  • Heal burns
    • The essential oil was found to reduce the time required to heal burns.
  • Diminishes yeast infections
    • The herb kills yeast fungi that causes vaginal infections.
  • Impairs polio
    • Chamomile impairs the replication of polio virus.
  • Lessens adhesions
    • Found in chamomile apigenin, a flavonoid, effectively blocks intercellular adhesion. Some of us have not adhesions form. One cyst rupture before liver resection surgery. I was told that there were no adhesions. I do drink chamomile tea in the evening time. I find it calms me. It is high in calcium and gives a restful night's sleep. I had previously read that chamomile reduces inflammation around the kidneys. I have a book called the PDR of herbs. It says about chamomile:

    "Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chamazulene exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation (Safayhi, 1994). It inhibits degranulation of mast cells to prevent histamine release (Miller, 1996). Apigenin, a flavonoid, effectively blocks intercellular adhesion molecule-1 up regulation and leukocyte adhesion in response to cytokines. This activity is through a mechanism unrelated to free radical scavenging or leukocyte formation (Panes, 1996)."

    We are  sharing our experiences with PKD/PLD Diet, an adjunct diet envisioning it complementing a physician's prescribed medical therapy. Consider testing this with your doctor's prior knowledge, who can  adjust it according to your own uniqueness by adding it to your current  treatment.

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