Chamomile Tea Benefits: 11 Wonderful Health Perks

Chamomile tea is a staple in many homes, known for its soothing aroma and calming effects. Traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was first mentioned as a cure for fever, chamomile tea has long been recognized for its medicinal properties.

In this article, we will discuss what chamomile tea is and how it’s made, list down the numerous chamomile tea benefits, suggest the best ways to enjoy this herbal infusion, and look into potential side effects and considerations.

So, prepare your cup of tea and get ready for some enlightening reading time.

What is Chamomile Tea and How is it Made?

Chamomile tea is a type of herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. There are two main types of chamomile used for making tea: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

• German Chamomile
• Roman Chamomile

To learn more about the different varieties of chamomile tea, their origins, and specific details related to each type, check out our comprehensive guide on chamomile tea!

How to Make Chamomile Tea

Consider this straightforward instruction for preparing a chamomile tea, utilizing either dried flowers or tea bag:

1. Gather 1-2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers, or simply grab one chamomile tea bag.
2. Boil about 8 ounces (1 cup) of water in a kettle or pot.
3. Put your chamomile into a teapot or your preferred tea cup.
4. Pour the boiling water directly over the chamomile.
5. Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
6. If you used loose chamomile, strain the tea into another cup.
7. Relax and relish your aromatic cup of chamomile tea!

Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for those who want to avoid or limit their caffeine intake.

Now, let’s explore the many chamomile tea benefits that you can enjoy.

List of Chamomile Tea Benefits

Chamomile tea is not just a delicious and calming beverage. It also offers a wide array of health benefits. Here are some of the chamomile tea benefits that have been backed by scientific evidence.

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

When we talk about anti-inflammatory properties, we’re referring to the capacity to alleviate bodily inflammation. A key benefit of chamomile tea lies in its potent anti-inflammatory abilities. This can play a crucial role in conditions marked by inflammation such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and various skin irritations (Helal et al., 2021). Consequently, chamomile tea can serve as a beneficial dietary inclusion for those managing these inflammatory conditions. Its gentle, natural anti-inflammatory effects offer a potential avenue for complementing traditional treatments, promoting overall wellness and relief from inflammation-associated discomfort (Srivastava et al., 2010).

2. Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidants are powerful compounds known for their role in guarding the body against oxidative harm and free radical-induced damage. One of the significant attributes of chamomile tea is its impressive antioxidant content, which actively safeguards your body from such detrimental effects (Helal et al., 2021). Regular consumption of chamomile tea could potentially decrease the susceptibility to chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases and various forms of cancer, courtesy of its antioxidant activity (Helal et al., 2021).

3. Relaxation and Stress Relief

Among the myriad chamomile tea benefits, its ability to foster relaxation and mitigate stress stands out prominently. Chamomile tea is well-regarded for its calming and sedative properties. It has been linked with promoting a sense of calm, easing feelings of stress and anxiety (Ghamchini et al., 2019). In today’s high-paced world, where stress is an all-too-common experience, sipping a warm cup of chamomile tea can serve as a simple, natural strategy to alleviate tension and enhance relaxation. Furthermore, these relaxing effects can extend to sleep quality, making chamomile tea a potentially beneficial beverage for those struggling with sleep disruptions (Ghamchini et al., 2019).

4. Digestive Health

The influence of chamomile tea on digestive health is considerable. The age-old tradition of using chamomile tea as a remedy addresses numerous digestive complaints including indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps (Srivastava et al., 2010). Chamomile tea can function as a muscle relaxant for the gastrointestinal tract, easing digestion and mitigating inflammation within the digestive system (Moss et al., 2016). Therefore, it serves not only as a comforting beverage but also as a natural aid for maintaining a healthier and more balanced digestive process.

5. Sleep Aid

The potential of chamomile tea as a natural sleep aid lies in its reputed soothing and sedative properties. Many people incorporate chamomile tea into their bedtime routines to enhance sleep quality, and this practice is not without scientific backing. Studies suggest that chamomile tea promotes relaxation and helps alleviate insomnia and other sleep disturbances (Srivastava et al., 2010). By calming the mind and inducing tranquility, it helps to foster a conducive environment for restful and uninterrupted sleep (Ghamchini et al., 2019).

6. Menstrual Pain Relief

Menstrual pain relief is one of the potential chamomile tea benefits. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can offer relief from menstrual cramps and discomfort (Khan et al., 2021). As such, chamomile tea may be a soothing and natural remedy for individuals who experience painful periods. Additionally, it has been found to help manage other menstruation-related symptoms such as mood swings and irritability, adding to its usefulness during this time (Khan et al., 2021).

7. Immune System Support

Among the health-promoting properties of chamomile tea is its capacity to bolster the immune system. The tea contains protective compounds that safeguard the body against infections (Helal et al., 2021). Its antimicrobial properties can help to fend off bacteria and viruses, potentially contributing to overall immune health and resilience against illness (Helal et al., 2021).

8. Heart Health

Heart health is another domain where chamomile tea shows potential benefits. It has been associated with reduced blood pressure levels and a lower risk of heart disease (Srivastava et al., 2010). Therefore, including chamomile tea in one’s diet could potentially support cardiovascular health. However, it is important to remember that it should complement, and not substitute, other heart-friendly lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

9. Oral Health

Oral health is an integral facet of total health, which often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Remarkably, one of the advantages of consuming chamomile tea lies in its antimicrobial properties, which can suppress the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity (Ahmed et al., 2017). Regular intake of chamomile tea may aid in the enhancement of oral health, potentially mitigating inflammation in the gums and reducing other dental issues (Ahmed et al., 2017).

10. Anti-cancer Properties

Chamomile tea is rich in bioactive constituents, including apigenin, which have demonstrated anti-cancer potential (Matić et al., 2012). The beneficial effects of consuming chamomile tea could encompass the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis, a process leading to cell death, in diverse cancer types (Matić et al., 2012). This suggests that regular consumption of chamomile tea could possibly contribute to a comprehensive strategy aimed at cancer prevention and management.

11. Weight Loss Support

Maintaining a healthy weight is a vital aspect of overall health, and chamomile tea may play a supportive role in this area. The natural compounds in chamomile tea can contribute to weight loss and management by promoting digestion and detoxification. Regular consumption can help in the regulation of appetite and reduction of water retention, thereby assisting in weight control.

Additionally, the calming chamomile tea benefits can help manage stress-related eating, which is often a hindrance to weight loss goals. However, remember that drinking chamomile tea should be accompanied by a balanced diet and regular exercise for more effective weight management.

Chamomile tea benefits are far-reaching, providing potential advantages for various aspects of health. Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive article on the “health benefits of drinking tea” to further your knowledge about the many blessings of tea!

What’s the Best Way to Take Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day, either in the morning for a serene start, in the afternoon for a calming break, or in the evening to promote good sleep. It can be served hot or cold, with honey or lemon, or even blended with other herbal teas.

If you prefer to sip it in a fun and flavorful way and at the same time benefit from other herbs, you should absolutely try the chamomile tea blends from Art of Tea!

Potential chamomile tea side effects and Considerations

While chamomile tea is generally safe for most people, some may experience allergic reactions, especially those who are allergic to plants in the daisy family. Pregnant and nursing women should also consult their healthcare provider before adding chamomile tea to their diet. Always remember to source quality ingredients to ensure the best chamomile tea health benefits.

Conclusion

Chamomile tea benefits are truly remarkable, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ability to provide relaxation and stress relief, improvement of digestive health, sleep aid, relief of menstrual pain, support for the immune system, contribution to heart health, improvement of oral health, and anticancer properties.

We encourage you to try chamomile tea and discover these benefits for yourself. Don’t forget to check out our review post about the best chamomile teas! Enjoy the relaxing experience and the wonderful chamomile tea benefits.

References

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• Ghamchini, V., Salami, M., Mohammadi, G., Moradi, Z., Mohammadi, A., Movahedi, A., … & Aryaeefar, M. (2019). The Effect Of Chamomile Tea On Anxiety and Depression In Cancer Patients Treated With Chemotherapy. JYP, 3(11), 309-312. Link Here
• Khan, S., Farooq, F., Khalid, S. (2021). Medicinal Properties Of Chamomile Against Dysmenorrhea. BJSTR, 1(34). Link Here
• Helal M., Badr S., AbedElaaty, S. (2021). Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Anticancer and Hypolipidemic Activities Of Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.). Nutr Res Food Sci J, 2(4). Link Here
• Matić, I., Juranić, Z., Šavikin, K., Zdunić, G., Nađvinski, N., Gođevac, D. (2012). Chamomile and Marigold Tea: Chemical Characterization And Evaluation Of Anticancer Activity. Phytother. Res., 6(27), 852-858. Link Here
• Moss, M., Jones, R., Moss, L., Cutter, R., Wesnes, K. (2016). Acute Consumption Of Peppermint and Chamomile Teas Produce Contrasting Effects On Cognition And Mood In Healthy Young Adults. Plant Sci. Today, 3(3), 327. Link Here
• Roland, A. (2018). Toxicological Assessment Of Green Tea ( Camellia Sinensis ) and Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla ). IPCM, 3(2). Link Here
• Srivastava, J., Shankar, E., Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: a Herbal Medicine Of The Past With A Bright Future (Review). Mol Med Rep, 6(3). Link Here
• Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M., Jafarabadi, M. (2018). Effects Of Chamomile Tea On Inflammatory Markers and Insulin Resistance In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Trends Gen Pract, 3(1). Link Here