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Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, a member of the daisy family. Not only is it delicious and soothing, but it also offers a wide range of benefits.
The benefits of chamomile tea range from reducing stress and improving sleep to boosting digestion and improving skin and hair.
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 Science Behind Chamomile Tea Benefits
The health benefits of chamomile tea are backed by science.
Chamomile contains several active compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and terpenoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sedative effects.
Some studies have also found that chamomile extract can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and digestive issues.
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.
Chamomile tea is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. It is a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help to protect against chronic diseases.
If you’ve not tried chamomile herbal tea before, here are seven reasons why you may want to start.
8 Benefits Of Chamomile Tea
1. Promotes Relaxation And Sleep
One of the most well-known benefits of chamomile tea is its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
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, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Drinking chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your sleep.
Unlike many other sleep aids, it does not knock you out or sedate you forcefully. Instead, chamomile tea for sleep 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. Reduces Stress And Anxiety
In addition to its calming effects, chamomile tea has also been shown to have antidepressant properties.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of chamomile extract for anxiety suggests that chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity in patients with mild to moderate GAD.
Future studies are needed to replicate these observations.
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.
Top 10 herbal teas for anxiety – Nature’s best soothing brews
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 flowers of this herb are 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.
The herb is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help to soothe the lining of the stomach and reduce inflammation in the intestines.
4. Supports Skin and Hair Health
Chamomile tea is not only good for your insides, but it can also benefit your skin and hair.
The benefits of chamomile tea for skin are due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also has antimicrobial properties that may help to prevent acne and other skin infections.
This herbal infusion has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to soothe skin irritations, reduce redness, and promote healthy skin.
Chamomile tea can be applied topically or consumed orally to promote skin health.
Chamomile tea can also be used as a natural hair rinse. It can help to soothe an itchy scalp, reduce dandruff, and add shine to your hair.
To use chamomile tea as a hair rinse, simply brew a strong cup of tea, let it cool, and pour it over your hair after shampooing.
5. Reduces inflammation
The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study suggesting that chamomile extract was effective in reducing inflammation in the body.
This is because it contains several compounds such as chamazulene, bisabolol, and flavonoids, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body, reducing symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and eczema.
Drinking chamomile tea regularly may help to protect against chronic inflammation and its associated health risks.
6. Boosts immunity
Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants, such as apigenin, quercetin, and patuletin. These work to protect the body against damage from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Reduces Muscle Spasms and Menstrual Cramps
The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of chamomile can help to relax the uterus and reduce discomfort during menstruation.
In addition to its antispasmodic properties, the herb also contains components that increase glycine levels 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 for 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.
8. HELPS WHEN YOU’RE SICK OR HAVE A COLD
Sipping a warm beverage 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.
Related: Home Remedies For Congestion: 12 Natural Decongestants That Work
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Chamomile Tea
Making the perfect cup of chamomile tea is easy. Simply follow these steps:
– Boil water and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Place a chamomile tea bag or loose chamomile flowers in a cup.
– Pour the hot water over the tea.
– Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
– Remove the tea bag or strain the loose flowers.
– Add honey or lemon, if desired.
Chamomile tea can be enjoyed any time of day, but it is especially beneficial before bed.
How Much Chamomile Tea Should You Drink In A Day?
There is no recommended daily intake for chamomile tea, but most studies have used doses of 400-1,600 mg of chamomile extract per day.
Drinking 1-2 cups of chamomile tea per day is generally considered safe and may provide health benefits.
Where to Buy Chamomile Tea Ingredients
Starwest Botanicals is my number one recommendation for buying all types of high-quality, organic herbs including chamomile.
They stock only the highest quality herbs and teas that are organic and free from any chemicals or pesticides. This is especially important when using herbs for culinary purposes. Using an organic variety of the herb ensures that you’re not ingesting any toxic chemicals or pesticides.
At Starwest Botanicals, you will also find a variety of tea accessories including tea infusers, mesh tea balls, tea strainers, and an interesting assortment of tea and coffee French Presses.
These are some of the dried chamomile flower options that Starwest Botanicals offers
Organic Whole Dried Chamomile Flowers – Fantastic for making fresh, organic Chamomile tea to unwind and relax before bedtime.
Organic Chamomile Flower Powder – In addition to making tea, chamomile flower powder can also be added to a warm bath to soothe and calm through aromatherapy, infused into shampoo to promote healthy hair, and applied as a wash or a compress.
Organic Lazy Daze Tea – A delicious, caffeine-free blend of mint and citrus fruit flavors, blended with aromatic flowers and berries. It’s the perfect beverage for relaxing any time of the day.
Organic Relaxing Tea – A mild-bodied, caffeine-free blend of the delicate floral chamomile flavor and a prominent flavor of peppermint and spearmint. The combination of soothing herbs makes this the perfect brew to relax at the end of a long day.
Special Mention – Chamomile Lavender Tea
Chamomile lavender tea is a delicious herbal tea blend made from two of the most popular medicinal herbs. Both are known for their calming properties and their ability to soothe nerves and promote relaxation.
Together, they create a tea that is not only delicious but also has a wide range of health benefits.
The ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress is one of the key benefits of chamomile lavender tea. This makes it an excellent choice of beverage if you’re looking to unwind after a long day or you struggle with persistent stress and anxiety.
In addition to its calming properties, chamomile lavender tea also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps to reduce inflammation in the body, boost the immune system, and protect against free radical damage.
Some studies have also suggested that chamomile and lavender may have beneficial effects on digestion, helping to soothe upset stomachs and improve overall gut health.
Chamomile lavender tea is a delicious and healthful beverage that can provide a range of benefits for both the mind and body.
Chamomile Tea Precautions
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.
Avoid drinking this brew before driving or performing any high-energy tasks. Its relaxing and sedative properties can increase the risk while driving or operating heavy machinery.
If you experience any allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, stop drinking chamomile tea and seek medical attention.
You must speak to your doctor about potential adverse reactions if you are taking any medications, including blood thinners, sedatives, and antidepressants.
Overall, chamomile tea is a versatile and healthful beverage that offers a wide range of potential benefits for both physical and mental health.
Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, soothe digestive issues, or support your heart health, chamomile tea is definitely worth considering as a natural remedy
Start enjoying the benefits of chamomile tea today by brewing yourself a warm cup of tea. Drink a cup of warm infusion before bed to promote relaxation and improve your sleep quality. And remember, always talk to your doctor before trying any new natural remedies or supplements.
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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.
