Chamomile tea is brewed from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, widely known for its calming and medicinal properties. Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which may contribute to it potential health benefits.
What is Chamomile tea? Chamomile, which is a member of the daisy plant family, is one of the earliest recorded herbal remedies. The herbal tea is made by brewing dried chamomile flowers in hot water.
Word of caution: While records of Chamomile medicinal used go back some three thousand years there is very little verifiable information regarding its actual benefits. Therefore, more large-scale studies are needed to fully understand how it works and its long-term effects.
Apigenin In Chamomile Tea
Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in a variety of plants, including chamomile, parsley, celery, and citrus fruits. It reportedly offers a waide range of health benefits, particularly in the fields of stress relief, inflammation reduction, and cancer prevention.
1. Stress Relief Benefits
Apigenin’s most recognized benefit is its calming effect on the nervous system. It works by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, similar to the way some anti-anxiety medications work to reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Chamomile Tea For Sleep
Apigenin contributes to the mild sedative properties of Chamomile which can improve sleep quality. One study suggest that Chamomile tea also helps modulate the actions of dopamine and serotonin which reduces depressive symptoms1 resulting in in better sleep.
3. Cancer Prevention
Apigenin has demonstrated anticancer properties in various studies. It appears to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce programmed cell death2 in several types of cancer. It works by interfering with rapid cancer cell growth as well as suppressing tumor and formation.
4. Hearth Health Benefits
Apigenin in chamomile tea may support cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood vessel function. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help prevent the plaque buildup in arteries and its ability to relax blood vessels may improve circulation.
5. Supports Skin Health
Apigenin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it beneficial for skin health. It may help reduce redness, irritation, and other signs of inflammation. Topical formulations can soothe skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea, and may even slow down skin aging.
Although herbal remedies like chamomile and chrysanthemum have been used in traditional mediciine for thousands of years, their benefits are still not fully understood. Therefore, more scientific studies need to be done to fully understand how they work.
More Chamomile Tea Antioxidants Benefits
- Luteolin is another important antioxidant in Chamomile that is beneficial for its Anti-inflammatory action. It is s also known for improving blood vessel function, which potentially lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Quercetin in Chamomile tea is widely studied for its health-promoting effects, including Immune support. Quercetin can also help reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and allergies.
- Chamazulene is a unique compound found in the essential oil of chamomile flowers. Like other antioxidants in chamomile, it helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritated tissues. It also has proven skin support benefits.
Now that we’ve seen what modern science says about the potential chamomile tea benefits, let’s see how current research stacks up against the traditional use of the tea.
Traditional Uses And Benefits
Chamamile tea has a reputation as one of the most effective natural remedies. It has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, including gas, acid reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea. It is also used to relieve PMS symptoms, alleviate sleep problems, muscle spasms, and rheumatic pain.
Where You Can Buy Chamomile
Chamomile tea is available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online marketplaces. To ensure responsible sourcing, look for organic or fair-trade certifications.
You can find Chamomile in several formulations. Here are three options along with their pros and cons:
| Formulation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Chamomile Flowers | Offer a higher quality and fresher taste. | Requires more preparation time as well as a tea infuser or strainer. |
| Tea Bags | Convenient, readily available and easy to use. | Often lower quality and flavor compared to other options. |
| Chamomile Extracts | Stronger concentration of active compounds. | Not the most pleasant tasting option. May need to be diluted. |
If you are looking to by organic, high quality Chamomile places like Etsy and Amazon offer great options.
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How to Prepare Chamomile Tea
To make chamomile tea, steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (or one tea bag) in 8 ounces of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Cover the cup while steeping to retain the volatile oils. Strain and enjoy. Adding honey or lemon will improve the flavor.
Daily Dosage
While there is no Recommended consumption amount for herbal products, some experts advise consuming one to two cups daily for best results. For stress relief, they suggest drinking Chamomile tea in the evening, about 30 minutes before bed.
Side Effects of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is generally safe for most people, however, in rare cases3 some individuals may experience allergic reactions, drowsiness, (particularly if consumed in large amounts) or mild digestive discomfort.
Who Should Avoid Chamomile Tea
Generally enjoying a cup of Chamomile tea to help you relax maybe a good idea. But chamomile is not for averyone.The following groups people may want to avoid it:
- If you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies), you may also be allergic to chamomile.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before consuming chamomile tea.
- Chamomile can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives.
Related Article: You may also like know about Passion Flower Tea
Conclusion
According to several studies, the combination of flavonoids, essential oils, and phenolic compounds in Chamomile tea may offer some health benefits. Benefits may include both immediate soothing effects and potential protection against some health issues.
However, there is much work to be done to validate the safety and effectiveness of long-term use of Chamomile tea. So remember to consume it in moderation, and seek professional advice if you have any health concerns.
References
- Amsterdam, Jay D et al. “Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study.” Alternative therapies in health and medicine vol. 18,5 (2012): 44-9. ↩︎
- Srivastava, Janmejai K, and Sanjay Gupta. “Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry vol. 55,23 (2007): 9470-8. doi:10.1021/jf071953k ↩︎
- Budzinski, J W et al. “An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 7,4 (2000): 273-82. doi:10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80044-6 ↩︎
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