Chamomile tea is highly reputed for its magical health benefits, and many of the claims are true. This natural tea is emerging as a popular beverage known for its mild flavor and delicate aroma. This hot tea is a go-to choice for those seeking relaxation, especially as a bedtime ritual. However, that’s not the only benefit since Chamomile can be enjoyed for its mainstream and surprising advantages. Continue reading to discover more:
Chamomile And Its Nutritional Profile
Chamomile is a fragrant, daisy-like plant boasting two species: Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria chamomilla. Commonly used as an herbal infusion for beverages, it doesn’t boast a rich nutritional profile, but some essential components add to its reputation.
The popular concoction, ‘Chamomile Tea’, is a caffeine-free and virtually zero-calorie drink. This light and refreshing choice is well-tolerated, safe, and primarily valued for its therapeutic benefits. Brewing these daisy-like flowers isn’t just about brewing a beverage but crafting relaxation and tranquillity. Read further to discover some of its promising and scientifically proven benefits.
Potential Benefits Of Chamomile Tea
- Improved Sleep Quality: It contains apigenin, a flavone, and an antioxidant that may reduce insomnia by binding specific receptors in the brain. This herbal tea can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality when consumed before bedtime. As per studies, consuming Chamomile tea twice daily for a month can reduce the chances of waking up at night.
- Calming and Stress-Reducing Effects: Popular for its relaxing and therapeutic properties, this herbal beverage may influence neurotransmitters (particularly serotonin), leaving a calming effect. Consuming this hot beverage daily may lower the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Digestive Support: Its antispasmodic and carminative properties can ease digestive discomfort, especially bloating and gas formation. It works by soothing the stomach lining and relaxing the digestive tract muscles.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Being a rich source of over 120 chemical elements, particularly compounds like chamazulene, it may help reduce inflammation in the body. Regular consumption of high-quality Chamomile drinks may lower the chances of autoimmune disorders and arthritis.
- Antioxidant Boost: The presence of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, helps neutralize the effects of free radicals, thus protecting against cell damage. Consuming this hot beverage regularly may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Skin Health Improvement: Not particularly in tea form, but topical application of Chamomile may offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on skin health. Using this compound in a skincare routine may help treat acne, reduce dehydration, and repair sensitive skin.
- Immune System Support: Flavonoids may strengthen the immune system but promote the body’s ability to fight infections and viruses.
- Heart Health Support: Although more studies are needed in this field, some researchers claim that Chamomile may offer heart health support. The presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in this drink positively impacts cardiovascular health.
- Blood Sugar Maintenance: Consuming this drink regularly may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. However, its direct benefit for diabetes isn’t promised, and it may not substitute the traditional medicinal methods.
- Menstrual Cramps and Other PMS Symptoms Support: Although the research in this field is limited, herbal concoction may ease menstrual cramps and other pre-menstrual symptoms. Not only that, but it may even reduce the anxiety and mood swings associated with the menstrual cycle.
- Osteoporosis Prevention: Due to the antioxidant effects of flavonoids, this herbal drink may reduce oxidative stress, thus reducing the chances of Osteoporosis. However, the research is limited to rats, and a more extensive study on humans is still much needed.
How to prepare Chamomile Tea?
Preparing Chamomile tea is a simple and quick process. All you need to gather is dried chamomile flowers/ readymade tea blend, water, and additional flavorings like lemon, honey, etc, although optional.
Heat 250 ml of water in a hot kettle or a saucepan. Once the water comes near boiling, add Chamomile (dried flowers or tea blend) and simmer the temperature. Let it boil for 4 to 5 minutes, then pour the tea directly into the cup. Do not overboil (if instructed in the manufacturer’s label). You may use additional flavors to alter the taste; however, Chamomile is quite enjoyable.
Considerations and Side Effects
Although Chamomile tea is generally safe with few side effects (when consumed in moderation), there are some considerations. When consuming this herbal drink regularly, keep the following points in mind:
- Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family, and some individuals may experience allergic reactions to its tea. Individuals allergic to marigolds and ragweed may experience itching, redness, or difficulty breathing.
- A compound called Coumarin may have mild blood thinning effects. Thus, people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinning medications may consult a doctor before consuming this tea.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding ladies must consult their healthcare practitioner as safety isn’t conclusively established for this category.
- Although mild, it may have sedative effects; thus, practice caution, especially if you are sensitive to sedation.
- It may interact with sedatives, antiplatelet drugs, and anticoagulants. Individuals consuming these medications must consult their doctor and monitor their consumption.
- Some individuals may experience digestive sensitivity.
- It is not recommended for kids and infants.
- Individuals with known allergic reactions to ragweed may experience allergic reactions to this herbal concoction.
- It may enhance the effects of anesthesia, thus stopping the consumption at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
Sum Up
Overall, the potential benefits of Chamomile tea extend beyond its flavor and fragrance. This herbal infusion is a magical concoction to add to the daily routine, from lowering stress to aiding better sleep, promoting digestion, and helping with PMS.
However, despite its gentle nature and benefits, it is essential to learn that Chamomile isn’t a substitute for traditional medication and practices and thus cannot replace their need.
It may aid in numerous benefits but only as part of a healthy diet, lifestyle, and proper medicinal care (as and when required). Also, make sure you go through the considerations and side effects mentioned above before moving forward. Lastly, remember that moderation and awareness are the keys to herbal tea or remedies.
References
- Bostani Khalezi, Z, et al. (2019). Efficacy of chamomile in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970572/ - Chamomile. (2020).
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile - The health benefits of 3 herbal teas. (2021).
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-teas
