Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas consumed by people around the world, both for its pleasant taste and its numerous health benefits.
Chamomile has a soothing effect; it can help you sleep, regulates digestion, and also reduces stress and anxiety.
Drinking chamomile tea can ease an upset stomach and help with bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Chamomile is also rich in antioxidants, which help strengthen the body and reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
About Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant from the Asteraceae family characterized by daisy-like flowers.
It originates from Europe and Western Asia but can be found all over the world.
Chamomile tea is made from dried chamomile flowers.
There are two types of chamomile used to make herbal teas: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
How to Make Chamomile Tea?
You can make chamomile tea using one cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of the dried herb.
Steep for about 5 to 7 minutes, then take a sip and enjoy its mildly sweet, apple-like flavor.
You can use loose tea or a tea bag.
You can add lemon balm, warm milk, honey, or lemon juice to your chamomile tea to make a delicious beverage.
Does Chamomile Tea Contain Caffeine?
Chamomile tea is an herbal tea or tisane and does not contain caffeine like other types of tea, such as black tea and green tea.
This is because chamomile tea is not derived from typical tea leaves, but from chamomile flower heads that have a yellow center and small white petals, reminiscent of a daisy flower.
The absence of caffeine makes chamomile tea a suitable drink for relaxing and calming the body.
It can also help you fall asleep more easily, so drinking chamomile tea can become part of your nighttime routine.
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea May Improve Your Sleep Quality
Sleep is an important physiological process. A good night’s sleep will allow you to function well during the day, be full of energy and easily cope with everyday activities.
Drinking chamomile tea can help you fight insomnia and get the sleep you need.
Chamomile contains antioxidants, substances that boost your overall health.
One of the antioxidants, called apigenin, has the ability to bind to certain receptors in your brain, promoting sleepiness, and helping you calm down and get a good night’s rest.
In addition to its sedative effect, apigenin also has an anxiolytic effect.
It helps reduce anxiety, which will make it even easier for you to fall asleep.
Chamomile can also increase serotonin levels in the body.
Serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood and helps regulate your appetite.
Drinking chamomile tea in the evening will make you feel full and satisfied so you won’t be tempted to eat before bed and risk tossing and turning all night.
Considering that chamomile tea does not contain caffeine and has the ability to suppress appetite, we can safely say that this herbal tea is the perfect drink to include in your bedtime routine.
The scent and warmth of tea can also create a sensory experience that will calm and relax you.
If you include drinking chamomile tea in your nightly routine, you can “train” your brain to recognize the aroma of chamomile as a precursor to sleep.
When Is the Best Time to Drink Chamomile Tea for Better Sleep?
It is best to drink chamomile tea half an hour to 45 minutes before going to bed.
In this way, there will be enough time for the chemical compounds of chamomile to be activated, which will allow you to fall asleep easily and sleep well.
Chamomile Tea May Promote Digestive Health
Chamomile is a natural remedy for an upset stomach.
It can help with digestive problems, including cramping, nausea, gas, and diarrhea.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, so it reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract.
Drinking chamomile tea can improve the digestive process because it prevents bloating and promotes the elimination of waste products.
Some studies have shown that chamomile, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce the risk of diarrhea.
It can also help prevent stomach ulcers.
When Is the Best Time to Drink Chamomile Tea to Support Digestion?
In order for chamomile to have a beneficial effect on your digestive system, you must use it consistently.
It would be good to drink chamomile tea at least twice a day.
It is also very beneficial to drink chamomile tea about thirty minutes after a meal.
In this way, you will calm your stomach, prevent bloating and improve the digestion process.
Is Chamomile Tea Good for Acid Reflux and GERD?
Drinking chamomile tea is great for relieving symptoms in people who suffer from acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Chamomile tea is also have anti-inflammatory properties, contributes to better digestion, and calms an upset stomach.
Also, drinking chamomile tea can further relax you and help eliminate stress, which is one of the main triggers of GERD symptoms.
Chamomile tea may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer
Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants, substances that improve your overall health and protect your cells from free radicals.
Free radicals are “bad” molecules that are created in the process of breaking down food, or when you are exposed to some harmful substances such as tobacco smoke or radiation.
Free radicals can cause a variety of diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin, which contributes to reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of breast, digestive tract, prostate and uterine cancer.
It should be emphasized that more complex research is needed to confirm the role of chamomile tea in cancer prevention.
Chamomile Tea May Supports Your Heart Health
Chamomile tea is rich in flavonoids, a group of antioxidants found in plants that have many health benefits, including keeping your heart healthy.
Flavonoids protect your body from everyday stressors and toxins so it can function properly.
Flavonoids have the potential to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is extremely important in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Chamomile Contributes to Lowering the Level of LDL Cholesterol!
LDL cholesterol is also called “bad” cholesterol because it narrows your arteries, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Food rich in flavonoids plays an important role in maintaining health and preventing cardiovascular diseases, so it would be a good idea to include chamomile tea in your diet.
Chamomile Tea Can Help Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar can be a cause for concern if it lasts for a long time, or if you are diabetic.
Long-term high blood sugar can increase the risk of damage to blood vessels, nerves and other organs.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced.
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea can improve blood sugar control, and prevent damage to pancreatic cells that can result from chronically high blood sugar levels.
Also, the sleepless night can affect people with diabetes very badly.
Just one night of poor sleep can disrupt insulin production and consequently lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
Chamomile tea does not contain caffeine, relaxes the body, reduces stress and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Also, the sedative effect of chamomile can improve the quality of your sleep.
Can Drink Chamomile Tea be used to Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Drinking chamomile tea can help control blood sugar levels, especially when consumed with a meal.
One study found that diabetics who consumed chamomile tea three times a day with every meal for eight weeks had notably lower average blood sugar levels than those who drank only water.
Chamomile Tea Can Help Treat Symptoms of Cold
A cup of warm chamomile tea can help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe swollen and inflamed throat tissues, while its antispasmodic properties can help suppress the cough reflex.
Also, drinking warm herbal tea can relieve a sore throat.
So, if you have any of these symptoms, sipping a warm cup of chamomile tea will surely help.
Chamomile Tea Can Help Reduce Menstrual Pain
Some research suggests that chamomile works very similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) in relieving menstrual pain.
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (reduces pain) and antispasmodic effects.
It relaxes the muscles of the uterus and thus reduces the severity of menstrual cramps.
Chamomile is also rich in antioxidants that help calm stomach discomfort, relieve menstrual pain and PMS symptoms.
Can Chamomile Tea Help You Lose Weight?
Chamomile cannot directly cause weight loss, but its many properties can contribute to this process, especially if drinking chamomile tea is combined with a healthy, moderate diet and regular exercise.
You can drink chamomile tea hot or chilled (iced chamomile tea).
- Chamomile stimulates the production of gastric juices, so you can drink a cup of chamomile tea before a meal. Gastric juices stimulate metabolic processes, help break down nutrients and remove waste. This can help you lose weight faster.
In addition, a cup of tea before a meal will fill you up a bit and reduce your appetite.
- You can drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed to help you relax and drift off into a peaceful sleep. Irregular sleep can disrupt various hormonal processes, which can make it difficult to lose weight.
Also, during sleep, your body produces the hormone serotonin, which suppresses your appetite and reduces the feeling of hunger when you wake up.
- Be sure to drink a cup of chamomile tea if you are anxious or stressed. Stress can cause a series of hormonal changes that can lead to fat gain, especially belly fat.
Drinking chamomile tea regularly can boost your metabolism and break down body fat.
You can drink it twice a day, in the morning and in the evening before going to bed to contribute to effective weight loss.
Is It safe to Drink Chamomile Tea Every Day?
Chamomile tea is a drink with a pleasant taste that people enjoy daily. It is a great alternative to black and green tea if you want to treat yourself to a caffeine-free beverage.
If you are wondering if it is safe to drink chamomile tea every day, the answer is YES.
You can consume 1-2 cups of chamomile tea per day. In fact, some studies have shown that healthy people can tolerate up to 5 cups of this herbal tea during the day.
People have been drinking chamomile tea for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for various ailments.
It is interesting to know that drinking chamomile tea daily can also help your skin look healthier as it helps to hydrate the skin and reduce skin irritations and rashes.
It is important to make your tea according to the instructions as well as to drink it in adequate doses.
Otherwise, drinking a lot of highly concentrated chamomile tea can cause vomiting.
Can you drink chamomile tea while pregnant?
If you are pregnant and want to make some changes to your diet, be sure to consult your doctor first.
The same applies if you want to drink a cup of chamomile tea.
Many doctors believe that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use chamomile, as there is no evidence of its long-term safety, while others may suggest limiting the amount of tea you drink.
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Chamomile has also been linked to miscarriage and premature birth when used in large amounts, so it’s best to discuss its use with your doctor first.
If your doctor thinks it is safe for you to drink an occasional cup of tea, you should use commercially prepared chamomile tea to make sure the herbs are from safe sources.
Who Should Avoid Drinking Chamomile Tea?
Side effects from chamomile tea are rare, so drinking chamomile tea is generally safe for most people.
However, some people may have an allergic reaction to chamomile, especially those who are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed and chrysanthemums.
In this case, it is best to avoid drinking chamomile tea.
Medicinal herbs, including chamomile, are widely used to strengthen the body and treat diseases but must be taken carefully and with prior consultation with a doctor.
This is especially important if you are already taking other herbs, supplements, or medications.
You should avoid chamomile if you use sedatives, such as anti-seizure drugs (e.g. Dilantin, Depakote) barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Valium), tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil) or drugs to treat insomnia (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, Rozerem). Chamomile may increase the sedative effect of these medications.
The same goes for sedative herbs, such as valerian, catnip, and kava.
Drinking chamomile tea can further lower blood pressure in people taking blood pressure medications.
Chamomile can also lower blood sugar levels.
People taking diabetes medications should be extra careful with chamomile to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Chamomile can make you drowsy due to its soothing effect, so it’s not a good idea to drink chamomile tea while driving.
Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding in people who use blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.
When should you not take chamomile tea?
You should stop taking chamomile at least 2 weeks before dental work or surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
When it comes to young children, pregnant or lactating women and people with liver or kidney disease, a consultation with a doctor is necessary regarding the safety of drinking chamomile tea.
Taking all of the above into account, it must be emphasized that there have been no reports of life-threatening side effects from drinking chamomile tea so far.
The Bottom Line
Chamomile tea is a beverage with a subtly sweet taste and a pleasant aroma that has numerous health benefits.
It is rich in antioxidants, which are a powerful tool for preserving and improving our overall health.
Chamomile is very safe to drink and can be a pleasant choice at any time of the day.
Chamomile tea works best when you drink it regularly.
You can consume two to three cups a day.
A cup of chamomile tea is a great choice when you want to relax after a hard day at work or if you are dealing with a stressful situation.
You can drink it in the evening before going to bed to ensure a good night’s sleep.
For now, there are not enough studies to give us detailed conclusions about all the effects that chamomile can have on health.
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