7 Amazing Healthy Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is popular for a good reason. It has multiple health benefits and a smooth flavor.

It is a common ingredient in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and skin care products as it contains multiple components.

Chamomile is known as the best tea to unwind the day to keep your mind and body healthy.

What Is Chamomile Tea?

This is a flower or tisane tea. Chamomile tea is traced back to ancient people, which used fresh and dried flowers. Most pallets find it very pleasing and subtle.

There are two main types of tea, namely; Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile.

Origins

Chamomile tea was used in Ancient Egypt as a cosmetic and treat fever. On the other hand, Romans used chamomile as an herb to cure illnesses and add flavor to beverages.

It was also used in medieval times in public events to sprinkle for fresh air. Another use was to manufacture beer in place of hops as a flavor.

It is derived from the family of Asteraceae, which includes marigold and sunflower. It is made by infusing the petals in hot water.

Chamomile tea has no caffeine – which makes it a perfect tea bedtime.

Taste

Chamomile tea has a herbal flavor with a fruity ending. The taste is always compared to crisp apple – this explains its name, which is derived from “chamai melon,” (Greek words) which mean ground apple.

The taste is globally accepted and has a lovely smell. When brewed, it has a light similar to that of sunlight, which is excellent for body and mind health.

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

1. Relieves Stress

One of the main reasons why we take tea is to relax, especially after a long day of work. With its warmth and soothing nature, it significantly aids with relaxation. To achieve these results, consume two cups of tea every day when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Stephanie Ross, an author of an article in Holistic Nursing Practice Journal, gave a detailed explanation of its calming effect. She says that it increases melatonin and serotonin, which helps in reducing stress. Once the body increases these two hormones, it is easy to relax and let the stress slip away.

Another article in Vegetarian Times also showed that chamomile could reduce the tension associated with headaches and migraines. Antioxidants and other compounds found in chamomile reduce inflammation tea by opening blood vessels, which can lead to intense pain and headaches. Reduced inflammation also eliminates menstrual cramps and muscle spasms.

2. Can Improve Your Sleep

Besides reducing stress and anxiety, chamomile tea can improve your sleep and have a restful repose. Chamomile is of great help to individuals who find it difficult to relax and sleep, or have severe sleeping disorders such as insomnia and apnea.

A study carried out in 2015 showed the effect of chamomile tea in depression and sleep quality. The participants were 80 women who claimed to have sleeping difficulties. They were divided into two, by the end of two weeks, the group that was taking chamomile tea reported that they were sleeping better.

You may, however, consider visiting the hospital if you are struggling with depression as chamomile- has the  ability to heal depression that is only temporary. It is, therefore, only very effective in inducing sleep by taking it before bed. Healthy sleep prevents one from many diseases. A cup of chamomile tea can, thus, improve your general health significantly.

3. Supports Skin Health

Drinking chamomile tea can make significant improvements to your body and mind; it can also be used in treating various skin infections. If you have itchy skin, you can bath using chamomile. You can also apply it on your skin and enjoy healthy skin.

Chamomile tea can eliminate rosacea and eczema irritations thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other compounds such as polyphenols and phytochemicals reduce skin breakage, wrinkles, and speed up the healing of scars. Polyphenols get rid of radicals that cause premature aging.

4. Aids in Digestion

If you are having digestive problems such as abdominal pain, stomach upset, chamomile may be your answer. In the past, it was used to cure colic in kids as it is great in preventing ulcers and relieving gas.

Phytomedicine published research showing that mixing chamomile with licorice and peppermint helped in the prevention of gastric juices. This is through the elimination of leukotrienes and decreased acid output, which triggers ulcers.

The anti-inflammatory properties are also used in the prevention of diarrhea. This was proved in a research where mice were induced with diarrhea through castor oil after they were given chamomile. As a result, they had decreased digestive problems.

Although more research on how chamomile aids digestion needs to be done – for now, it’s clear that it helps with digestive issues.

For maximum benefits, take a cup of chamomile 30 minutes before your meal.

5. Boost Immune System

Adding a cup of chamomile in your meals may save you from having flu and colds every now and then. The scent of the tea helps in clearing congested sinuses as the antibacterial property  of the tea removes bacteria that block your immune system.

The soothing properties of chamomile can also deal with sore throat symptoms. This has been proved by a research carried out by American Chemical Society which had 14 volunteers. The latter took 5 cups of tea every day for two weeks. By the end of the experiment, the participants had high levels of glycine and hippurate, which is credited to antibacterial activities.

Scientists associate the improved immune system with polyphenols in chamomile.

6. Improves Heart Health

With poor eating habits and no exercise, heart disease is a global disaster that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, a cup of chamomile can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and lower the blood pressure as well.

One study carried out a study that involved 64 people aged 30-60. The control group took a cup of chamomile every day after meals for two months. By the end of the period, those who drank the tea had insulin associated with diabetes.

7. Promotes Healthy Hair

Strong and healthy hair is a dream come true for everyone. What if I told you that it was possible to achieve this by taking a cup of chamomile? Anti-inflammatory compounds help in the elimination of itchy and dry scalp that result in dandruff.

Applying the brew on your scalp can also help lighten your hair. Rinse your hair with cold chamomile tea to enjoy these benefits.

Side Effects of Chamomile Tea

Everything in this world has a good thing, and a bad thing, and as much as the good part of chamomile is greater than the bad part, it’s only fair that I brief you on  the two sides.

Here are the factors that you should know;

• Allergies – avoid chamomile if you are allergic to flowers such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and ragweed.
• Surgeries – You should avoid drinking chamomile two weeks before surgery. This is because it has coumarin, which can be a blood thinner when taken in large amounts.
• Pregnancy – Due to the long term effects of chamomile, it is best to avoid chamomile when the infant is still young. Consult your physician before taking chamomile with any medications.

How to Brew Chamomile Tea

There are multiple ways through which chamomile can be prepared. Here is a general way that you can use any tea;

Step 1: Prepare Flowers

Use an infuser to create your tea bag if you are using fresh flowers. Alternatively, you can also boil your flowers and strain them when you are ready to drink it. Use 3-4 teaspoons for 8 ounces of water if you are using fresh flower and I teaspoon for dry flowers.

Step 2: Prepare Water

Heat your water to 200 F before placing chamomile flowers. The tea tastes better with hot water.

Step 3: Steep

For best results, steep the chamomile tea for 3-5 minutes

Step 4: Sweeten to Taste

Chamomile is sweet by itself. However, you can still add honey or lemon to sweeten it while still maintaining the benefits.

Conclusion

What is better than enjoying a cup of tea while enjoying multiple benefits?

Try the sweet chamomile tea and enjoy strong hair and glowing skin – not to forget the prevention of diabetes and heart diseases.

A cup before bed will leave you relaxed, free you from anxiety and depression – and improve your overall body health and mind.

Try one and thank me later!