Properties And Benefits Of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known for its medicinal uses. While it is not intended to be used to cure diseases, it can be used as an aid to alleviating certain symptoms. Discover its advantages!

Chamomile tea is a natural drink that became popular thanks to its interesting medicinal uses. While a large number of its uses have been passed down by the vernacular, there are now numerous studies that support its properties.

Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae family and many species exist. For the preparation of tea one uses most often Matricaria chamomilla and Matricaria nobilis . What are the main characteristics and what benefits are attributed to chamomile tea? Find out here!

Properties of chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is made from the dried chamomile flowers that have been infused with water. It is characterized by a slightly floral aroma and a mild taste that is pleasant on the palate. In addition, as an article published in Pharmacognosy Reviews describes, it contains bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.

Specifically, it contains substances such as:

• Sesquiterpenes
• Flavonoids
• Coumarins
• Polyacetylenes

This composition, which includes around 120 chemical components, gives this plant various health properties. It is said that both the tea and the extracts and other forms of presentation of chamomile have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic and antispasmodic effects.

Main benefits of chamomile tea

Chamomile tea plays a leading role in folk medicine. Although it is known these days that it should not be the treatment of first choice for disease, there are people who use it as a supplement to relieve the symptoms of certain ailments. What can you use it for?

1. It helps moderate menstrual pain

The phenolic compounds in chamomile tea have an antispasmodic effect that helps relieve menstrual pain. In a study published in the Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility , women who drank this tea for a month were able to reduce the severity of menstrual pain.

Also, since it is a relaxing drink, the participants also reported having fewer periods of anxiety related to their periods.

Furthermore, some hypotheses suggest that chamomile reduces the production of prostaglandins, ie substances that are responsible for pain and inflammation. However, we would like to point out that further research is required in both cases.

2. Chamomile tea supports digestive health

Of the properties of chamomile tea, the digestive ones are probably the best known. For centuries, this drink has been prepared to relieve gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

There is still a limited amount of evidence in this regard. However, a systematic evaluation in the Electronic Physician Journal shows that these effects are related to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and relaxing potential.

3. It promotes a better quality of sleep

There is no natural herb that can fight insomnia on its own. Even so , some plants, such as chamomile, serve as allies for better sleep. Due to its content of apigenin, a type of antioxidant, it stimulates the receptors in the brain and reduces insomnia.

In research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing , postpartum women who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported improved quality of sleep. They also showed fewer depressive symptoms associated with sleep disorders.

4. It favors the control of the blood sugar level

Improving eating habits and lifestyle is critical to keeping blood sugar levels under control. However, with occasional glucose spikes, it’s beneficial to drink beverages like chamomile tea. But why is that so?

Studies have shown that chamomile extracts help stimulate the functions of the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin. The latter is the hormone that is responsible for regulating the level of sugar in the body. While evidence is pending, the results look promising.

5. He supports heart health care

The antioxidants contained in chamomile tea, especially the flavonoids, have a positive effect on heart health. Of course, this does not mean that it can replace medical treatment for heart disease. As part of the normal diet, it only helps to reduce the risk of illness.

A brief study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that diabetics who drank chamomile tea with meals had improved total cholesterol and triglycerides, and had poor cholesterol levels.

What other benefits does chamomile tea offer?

The use of chamomile in tea and other dosage forms has spread throughout the world. For this reason , in addition to the aforementioned advantages, other advantages are ascribed to the drink. However, please note that many of the purposes below are based on anecdotes and lack scientific evidence:

• Anxiety and Depression: The calming properties of chamomile tea are beneficial for mental stress conditions such as anxiety and depression. Although it is widely used in aromatherapy for this purpose, its consumption as a tea is also beneficial.
• Skin Health: Topical use of chamomile tea has shown beneficial effects in soothing skin symptoms such as irritation, redness, and flaking. Some people even use it for burns or problems like eczema.
• Colds: Inhaling the vapors of hot chamomile tea serves as a remedy for a nasal congestion or irritation caused by a cold.
• Bone Care: There is currently little evidence of bone disease prevention through chamomile tea consumption. Even so, some hypotheses suggest that this drink has anti-estrogenic effects that help prevent bone density loss.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Chamomile Tea?

For most healthy adults, chamomile tea is safe to drink and also poses no risk. To date, however, there have been no reports of any fatal or toxic side effects from taking this drink. However, chamomile tea is not recommended in the following cases:

• People who are allergic to chamomile or to plants belonging to the daisy family
• People with hay fever
• People with chronic kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor on this matter

• Infants and young children

Final notes on chamomile tea

Chamomile, whether as a tea or in other forms, is used as a supplement to help improve the symptoms of certain medical conditions. However, it should by no means replace medical treatment.

Those who wish to consume this plant in tea form can safely drink 2 or 3 cups a day. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication, it is best to consult your doctor.