Disclaimer :- The health benefits mentioned are drawn from existing research found online and are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen based on this content.
have you heard about chamomile tea benefits but never had a chance to dig deeper? maybe you’ve seen the tea on store shelves or heard friends raving about its amazing health benefits. most of what you’ve heard is probably true – chamomile is indeed a popular herbal drink known for its calming properties. after all, it has been used for ages to help people relax, sleep better and feel less stressed.
however, there’s much more to know about the health benefits of chamomile tea. so, stay with us as we explore more interesting details about this remarkable tea.
what is chamomile tea?
chamomile tea is sourced from daisy-like flowers (part of the asteraceae family), and the name "chamomile" is derived from the ancient greek words that translate to “earth apple”. the name probably reflects their adaptability to various soils and their apple-like aroma.
another interesting fact about these flowers is that they have bright yellow centres surrounded by delicate white petals that display a fascinating behaviour. its petals actually follow the sun throughout the day, turning to soak up as much sunlight as possible.
there are a bunch of different chamomile species, but they can look pretty similar. even though they might look the same, the ingredients inside can vary a lot. it's important to know the difference, especially because some chamomiles can be poisonous. so, if you're picking chamomile, make sure you get the right one!
the two primary varieties of chamomile used for tea are german chamomile (matricaria chamomilla) and roman chamomile (chamaemelum nobile). they're almost identical in how they look and what they do, even though they're from different families.
want to get access to chamomile tea benefits? it's super easy! just grab some dried chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bags. steep them in hot water for a few minutes and enjoy the delicious herbal tea.
here is a list of benefits of chamomile tea
with no further ado, let's jump into some of our favourite chamomile tea benefits.
1. anti-inflammatory properties
inflammation can lead to serious health problems. by reducing it, you can protect yourself from diseases, feel better and stay healthy – the health benefits of drinking chamomile tea can help you do it.
chamomile tea benefits us by reducing inflammation. a study shows that chamomile works by stopping cells from making too much nitric oxide – a substance that can cause inflammation. it also blocks the production of other chemicals that can make inflammation worse.
the way chamomile does this is by stopping a specific part of a cell called nf-κb from working. this part of the cell helps make nitric oxide. when chamomile stops it, it makes less nitric oxide, which means less inflammation.
another study shows that it works by targeting macrophages – specialised cells that work as garbage collectors and play a key role in inflammation. it can change the way macrophages behave. by doing so, chamomile oil can help shift macrophages from being overzealous (prone to causing inflammation) to gentle. this is important because it can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
2. reduces menstrual pain
ever had those cramps that feel like someone’s twisting your inside into knots? well, menstrual cramps can be a real killer. thankfully, drinking chamomile tea benefits us during such conditions!
a study shows that chamomile extract has a positive effect on easing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). it found that women who consumed chamomile experienced a significant reduction in pain intensity compared to those who did not. the anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties of chamomile are suggested to contribute to its effectiveness in relieving menstrual pain. overall, the findings support the use of chamomile as a natural remedy for managing menstrual cramps.
another study indicates the possibility that chamomile tea benefits during pms symptoms. it can ease cramps and help you feel less anxious. this is because chamomile has properties that can relax muscles and reduce inflammation. the findings suggest that chamomile can be a safer alternative compared to other treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids).
3. help to slow or prevent osteoporosis
osteoporosis is a sneaky disease that makes bones weak and can lead to broken bones. it's important to strengthen your bones to prevent injuries and stay independent as you get older.
studies show that chamomile tea benefits individuals with this condition. a study suggests that chamomile might help prevent bone loss. it was found to balance minerals in the body, protect kidneys and strengthen bones. chamomile might also stop the process that breaks down bones. these findings suggest that chamomile could be a natural way to help prevent osteoporosis. however, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
another study also shows that chamomile might help prevent bone loss. it shows that extracts from these plants can stimulate the growth of bone-building cells. they also have properties that can help prevent osteoporosis without causing side effects. however, additional studies are necessary to confirm the relationship between chamomile tea benefits and this progressive disorder.
4. it helps with sleep and relaxation
if you're struggling to fall asleep, the benefits of drinking chamomile tea might help. it’s known to help improve sleep quality, according to a review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. the study found that people who consumed chamomile experienced a notable improvement in their sleep. this indicates that chamomile can effectively boost overall sleep quality, making it a good choice for those dealing with sleep problems.
another study found that chamomile tea benefits elderly people in nursing homes by making them sleep better. the participants who consumed chamomile extract experienced a noticeable improvement in their sleep patterns. chamomile is believed to have sedative properties that can effectively promote relaxation and make you sleepy. these findings suggest that chamomile might be a safe and natural alternative for improving sleep in the elderly population, offering a potential solution for those struggling with sleep disturbances.
overall, chamomile tea benefits individuals, making this tea a safe alternative for those who want to improve their sleep quality and manage anxiety. however further research is necessary to confirm how good it is in treating insomnia specifically.
5. treats cold symptoms
don't let a pesky cold ruin your day! let the health benefits of drinking chamomile tea soothe your body and mind.
the common cold is a prevalent viral illness affecting the upper respiratory area. while typically not life-threatening, complications like pneumonia can be serious if not treated properly.
a study shows that chamomile has potential benefits in managing symptoms associated with the common cold. it highlights chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce cold symptoms.
additionally, the soothing effect of chamomile tea benefits us by getting relief from sore throats. it also helps with discomfort related to respiration that’s commonly experienced during colds. research also suggests that inhaling steam infused with chamomile extract may be beneficial for managing common cold symptoms. overall, the findings support the traditional use of chamomile tea benefits as a natural remedy for cold symptoms. nonetheless, further research is recommended to fully establish its usefulness.
6. promotes digestive health
traditionally, it’s believed that chamomile tea benefits digestive health. its benefits may be attributed to the special oils (bisabolol and matricin) it contains. as per research, these oils have antispasmodic properties, which means they can help relax your intestines and reduce bloating and gas.
in addition to its antispasmodic effects, chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties. this means it can help reduce inflammation in your stomach lining. the stomach lining can get inflamed due to certain conditions like gastritis and ulcers.
chamomile tea’s benefits might also help reduce gas after stomach surgery. a study found that people who drank chamomile tea after surgery had less gas than those who didn't. this suggests that chamomile could be a helpful natural remedy for stomach discomfort after surgery.
additionally, it might help with diarrhea and oxidative stress. there’s a study on non-human subjects that highlighted the role of chamomile extract in reducing diarrhea. it also showed that it can protect the intestines from damage caused by oxidative stress.
7. may help prevent cancer
cancer is a serious disease, but there's hope. even though there's no single cure, we're making progress in understanding and fighting it. additionally, we can reduce the risk by taking proactive steps – like eating healthy, staying active and getting regular check-ups.
speaking of diet, drinking chamomile tea benefits us by, possibly, fighting cancer. a study says chamomile has special chemicals called flavonoids that can stop cancer cells from growing. another study also showed something similar – a special chemical in chamomile called apigenin can stop cancer cells from growing. it can also help kill cancer cells and protect healthy cells.
there’s also a possibility that chamomile tea benefits those undergoing cancer treatment. that’s because it might help with some side effects of cancer treatment. a study found that chamomile can reduce things like mouth sores, skin problems, nausea, vomiting and depression in people with cancer. it can also help people with cancer eat more and feel better overall.
8. treats mild skin conditions
skin conditions can be a real pain! they can make your skin itchy, red and uncomfortable – but there are ways to manage them. here again, chamomile tea benefits us as a natural and soothing remedy.
research highlights that people have been using chamomile for skin problems for a long time. it's known for its calming and soothing properties, and it can be really helpful for conditions like eczema, wounds, diaper rash, burns and other skin irritations.
here are some of the ways chamomile tea benefits us:
- anti-inflammatory: chamomile has special chemicals called alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene that help reduce inflammation. this is great for skin conditions that cause redness, swelling and itching.
- eczema relief: this one is more of an application instead of consumption. studies have shown that chamomile cream can help people with eczema feel better. it's not as strong as some prescription creams, but it can still be helpful.
- wound healing: it can help wounds heal faster because it has antibacterial properties and can soothe irritated skin.
who should avoid drinking chamomile tea?
while chamomile tea benefits most of us, it’s a no-go for the following people, unless a doctor tells you differently.
- people with allergies: if you're allergic to daisies, chrysanthemums or marigolds, you might also be allergic to chamomile. chamomile belongs to the same plant family as these flowers. people with allergies to these plants should be careful around chamomile. you might have a reaction like asthma or a skin rash. even if you've only had a mild reaction in the past, it's important to be cautious.
- pregnant women: if you're pregnant, it's best to avoid it. while chamomile tea benefits against stomach problems, there's a risk that it could cause you to go into labour too early or have a miscarriage. it's always a good idea to check with your doctor when you're thinking of checking out any herbs while pregnant.
- infants and toddlers: if your baby is young, it's best to skip the chamomile tea benefits. it can sometimes contain harmful bacteria called botulism spores. don’t worry, adults are usually okay with these bacteria – our immunity system can handle them. so, it's best to save the health benefits of chamomile tea for when your baby is older.
- people taking certain medications: if you're taking medication like blood thinners, avoid this tea or check with your doctor before drinking a lot of chamomile tea. that’s because it might make these medications work differently.
conclusion
did you find the important details you were looking for about chamomile tea and its benefits? it's a great start to know what chamomile tea has to offer. now, take the next step by experiencing the tea firsthand.
whether you're keen on getting a better sleep, reducing stress or achieving other health goals – the health benefits of drinking chamomile tea might come in handy. let this be the start of a deeper exploration into how chamomile tea’s benefits can enhance your well-being. keep discovering and keep enjoying!
faqs on chamomile tea benefits
q. what does chamomile tea do to your body?
a. chamomile tea benefits your body and mind in several ways. it helps your body relax, sleep and get rid of stress. it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help you with certain digestive issues and immunity boost. it can also help you treat colds, reduce menstrual cramps, prevent osteoporosis or even prevent cancer. so, the benefits of drinking chamomile tea contribute to your overall well-being.
q. is it okay to drink chamomile tea every day?
a. you get the health benefits of chamomile tea when you drink it daily. that’s probably the reason it’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues. however, it's important to note that some individuals may be allergic to chamomile. additionally, high doses of chamomile can cause nausea, vomiting and skin reactions. to ensure it’s right for you, check with your doctor before taking it.
q. does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
a. it’s well known that the health benefits of drinking chamomile tea include relaxation and good sleep. its calming properties can help relax the mind and body, making it a popular choice for those struggling with insomnia or difficulty falling asleep. so, yes, it can make you sleepy. however, individual responses can vary, many people find that drinking chamomile tea before bed can help you with better sleep.
q. who should not drink chamomile tea?
a. chamomile tea is safe for most consumers, and usually, only good things will happen to the body and mind. however, certain individuals may want to avoid it. people with allergies to plants like ragweed (from the daisy family), may experience allergic reactions to chamomile. additionally, if you're taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, it's advisable to check with your doctor. that’s because it may interact with these medications.
