Chamomile Tea: Top 6 Health Benefits
Chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria chamomilla, is an ancient medicinal and herbal plant.
Even the ancient Egyptians used chamomile for various medicinal purposes. Today, many people still find chamomile tea a gentle and effective natural remedy for issues such as insomnia and anxiety.
Currently, research is exploring chamomile’s efficacy in treating serious illnesses, including cancer. Studies have been cautiously promising and show clear benefits, although some findings only suggest potential health effects.
In this article, we explore conditions where chamomile tea has demonstrated proven benefits!
Chamomile tea offers numerous health benefits and is generally safe for most people to try alongside other treatments. However, it should never replace standard medical treatments if someone is suffering from a serious condition.
Chamomile Tea Health Benefits in a Nutshell
Health Benefits for Insomnia
The mild sweetness and gentle floral notes of chamomile tea aren’t the only factors helping people feel relaxed and calm.
Chamomile tea contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which binds to certain brain receptors (1) and may promote sleepiness, helping you sleep more peacefully.
One study (2) found that individuals who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported improved sleep quality compared to a control group that did not. Participants also experienced reduced symptoms of depression, often associated with sleep disorders.
But does chamomile tea contain caffeine? Since chamomile tea is an herbal tea, it naturally does not contain caffeine, unlike black tea, green tea, or other tea varieties.
How to use chamomile tea for insomnia?
To fully benefit from chamomile tea’s sleep-promoting effects, it is recommended to drink it about 45 minutes before bedtime. This allows your body enough time to metabolize the chemical compounds that make chamomile tea effective as a sleep aid.
Also, incorporate relaxing activities into your evening routine, such as meditation or avoiding electronic devices at least an hour before bed.
These recent findings about chamomile tea’s effects on sleep onset and quality are promising, but more research is needed to scientifically validate them.
If you have trouble falling asleep or experience restless nights, it’s definitely worth trying a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed!
2. Health Benefits for Anxiety
Studies suggest chamomile may alleviate anxiety and depression, although the evidence is not yet strong enough to be considered scientifically conclusive.
In one study (1), chamomile demonstrated benefits for treating anxiety. Long-term chamomile use significantly reduced moderate to severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, remember to take deep breaths and try a calming cup of chamomile tea.
Let your chamomile tea steep sufficiently (preferably over 2 minutes) to reap its full benefits.
(However, chamomile does not prevent future anxiety symptoms from occurring, so it’s not a miracle cure!)
3, Health Benefits for Menstrual Pain
Chamomile tea has antispasmodic (anti-cramping) properties (1), potentially providing relief from painful menstrual cramps. It also reduces the stimulating effects of neurotransmitters and hormones, calming the sympathetic nervous system.
Chamomile tea also reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX enzyme activity, making menstrual cramps potentially more manageable!
4. Health Benefits for Digestion
Chamomile tea might help with digestive issues like constipation. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory substances that relax intestinal muscles and promote food movement through the digestive tract.
Chamomile tea contains oils, flavonoids, and terpenoids beneficial for the entire digestive system.
Chamomile’s acidic compounds stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding efficient nutrient absorption when consumed after meals.
5. Health Benefits for Diabetes
Chamomile may help improve blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes.
It is believed that drinking chamomile tea may lower glucose levels and facilitate glycogen storage in the liver (1).
According to a study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, daily chamomile tea consumption during meals significantly lowered participants’ blood sugar levels over eight weeks, compared to a control group drinking water.
6. Health Benefits for Colds
Chamomile may also help alleviate cold symptoms.
The common cold (acute viral rhinopharyngitis) is the most frequent human illness. It’s typically mild but can lead to complications like pneumonia if untreated.
Studies have shown inhaling steam containing chamomile extract may help alleviate cold symptoms (1), although more research is needed.
If suffering from a cough, adding a spoonful of honey to your chamomile tea might help soothe it, as research indicates honey can suppress coughing (2).
Summary of Chamomile Tea Health Benefits:
- Insomnia: Chamomile is calming and sleep-promoting.
- Anxiety: Chamomile’s calming effect may help anxiety.
- Menstrual pain: Chamomile has anti-cramping properties.
- Digestion: Chamomile enhances digestive function.
- Diabetes: Chamomile may balance blood sugar levels.
- Cold: Chamomile steam inhalation may relieve cold symptoms.
Potential Side Effects of Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea side effects are rare, but some individuals might experience nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions, including rare but severe anaphylaxis (1).
Those allergic to plants related to chamomile, like daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and ragweed, might have an increased risk of allergic reactions.
Interactions between chamomile tea and certain medications, such as cyclosporine (anti-rejection medication) and warfarin (blood thinner), have been reported. Theoretically, chamomile might interact unpredictably with other medications, so always consult a healthcare professional before consumption if you’re taking any medications.
Chamomile tea is not only delicious but beneficial for health. Whether you suffer from digestive issues, stress, or insomnia, a hot cup of chamomile tea is worth trying!
However, chamomile’s safety has not been thoroughly studied in small children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with liver or kidney problems.
Disclaimer:
Yrttitohtori.fi provides general information and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm the safety of herbal treatments with a qualified expert (e.g., your doctor) before trying them!
