Chamomile tea is well known for its relaxing, sedative properties. Many people who have trouble sleeping often reach out for a cup of chamomile tea to help them unwind and fall asleep more easily. But there’s more to chamomile than that. The benefits of chamomile tea range from reducing stress and improving sleep to easing muscle cramps and boosting digestion.
Studies show that that dried flowers of chamomile contain numerous flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to its medicinal properties. Teas, tisanes, and salves using these dried flowers are commonly used in traditional medicine for treatment a wide range of ailments including insomnia, muscle spasms, inflammation, hay fever, gastrointestinal disorders, and menstrual disorders.
If you have not tried chamomile herbal tea before, here are seven reasons why you may want to start.
1 Helps You Fall Asleep More Easily
Yes, chamomile tea is the perfect nightcap and this is just one of many studies that have demonstrated the benefits of chamomile tea for sleep. According to the same study, Chamomile tea’s famed ability to induce sleep may be due to apigenin, a chemical compound that binds to certain receptors in the brain.
The best part about drinking chamomile tea for sleep is that it is caffeine-free. Unlike many other sleep aids, it does not knock you out or sedate you forcefully. Instead, it works by gently soothing and relaxing the muscles and the brain. This unwinding effect helps you fall asleep naturally.
For a good night’s sleep, sip a cup of warm chamomile tea about 1- 2 hours before your bedtime.
2 Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Chamomile tea is very effective for relieving stress and anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. While studies are still ongoing to fully understand how this herb works to reduce anxiety, there’s no doubt about its effectiveness in this area.
It also helps relieve stress, fatigue, and irritability.
3 Provides Digestive Relief and Support
There’s nothing better than sipping a cup of warm chamomile tea for digestive relief. Chamomile tea benefits digestion several ways.
The herb is rich in sesquiterpene lactones. These bitter compounds trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, which help break down food faster, preventing digestive issues.
Chamomile also has strong antispasmodic properties, which work to reduce spasms within the body, including the stomach and intestines.
Its calming effect plays a role in supporting the digestive system too, particularly in calming stress-related digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
4 Reduces Muscle Spasms and Menstrual Cramps
In addition to chamomile having antispasmodic properties, it also increases the levels of glycine in the body. Both of these work together to reduce muscle spasms and cramps, including menstrual cramps.
Several women who drank chamomile tea twice a day two weeks before they got their periods reported experiencing fewer cramps as well as lower anxiety levels during menstruation.
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties also work to soothe migraines and arthritic pain.
5 Helps When You’re Sick or Have A Cold
Sipping any warm drink can feel so good when you’re feeling under the weather. Drinking chamomile tea can give you a double whammy of goodness because of its therapeutic properties.
The digestive tract tends to get irritated when you’re ill. Chamomile tea soothes the digestive tract so you feel better. It also helps calm the respiratory tract. Steeping chamomile in boiling water and inhaling the steam using the tented method can provide relief from stuffiness and congestion.
6 Controls Blood Sugar
This is great news for anyone who struggles to lower their blood sugar levels. One study showed that individuals with type 2 diabetes had lower insulin and cholesterol levels after drinking chamomile tea three times a day as compared to those who drank water. The study was conducted over a period of eight weeks.
The cells of the pancreas are at high risk of damage when blood sugar levels are chronically high. This hampers the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for managing blood sugar levels. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties help prevent damage to the cells of the pancreas so insulin production is not obstructed. This also helps prevent blood sugar spikes after eating.
7. May Improve Heart Health
Chamomile tea is rich in a class of antioxidants known as flavones. Flavones lower cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure, both of which play a role in heart health.
Although more studies are required to confirm the benefits of chamomile tea in improving heart health, the general consensus is that it is safe to consume and it won’t hurt to include it in your diet.
Precautions Regarding Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is generally safe to drink, however, you should avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, and other plants in the daisy family.
If you are taking any medications, you must speak to your doctor about potential adverse reactions.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
