Chamomile Tea Benefits and How to Use It for Great Health (Science Based)

For centuries, people have been drinking chamomile tea for its delicious flavor and relaxing properties. In fact, it is the first choice of many people as a refreshing drink before going to bed. It is reckoned that over 1 million cups of chamomile tea are consumed every day! However, studies show that there is more to chamomile tea than just being an enjoyable drink and in fact chamomile tea has a lot of health benefits and you can use it to for a great health.

What is Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a species of plant which has flowers resembling daisies. There are a number of species of chamomile plant, but chamomile tea is generally made from only two of these, German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

The tea can be made by using both dried flowers or fresh flowers and if you use fresh flowers, you will need about double the amount. When the flowers are put in hot water, the essentials oils contained in the plant are released. The tea or infusion can then be used hot or cold to get the health benefits from it.

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is one of the most well-documented medicinal plants in the world and various studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it has been used for centuries both topically and orally to treat a number of different kinds of health issues.¹

For example, chamomile has been used topically to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, burns, and various skin infections. Orally, it has been used to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep patterns, and relieve intestinal discomfort.

So, how can you use chamomile tea to get all the amazing health benefits from it?

Chamomile Tea for Sleep

One of the most common ways to use chamomile tea is as a sleep aid, and it is one of the best herbs for insomnia.

A study published by the Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin showed that chamomile has an effect similar to benzodiazepine drugs (commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and help induce sleep) and can help you fall asleep faster.² Other studies on humans have shown that chamomile extract can help some people get to sleep better.

So, drinking a cup of chamomile tea about 30 minutes before going to bed can help you fall asleep quicker.

You can combine drinking chamomile tea with other methods to improve sleep, such as these foods for better sleep, or these essential oils for insomnia and you can also combine these 2 natural ingredients for a better sleep.

Chamomile Tea for Anxiety

Because chamomile tea has a calming effect on the brain and can help get to sleep quicker, it is no surprise that it can help reduce anxiety.

Chamomile contains high amounts of the flavonoid apigenin which is known to reduce anxiety.³

Research into chamomile tea on general anxiety disorders has shown that extracts of chamomile have an effect similar to anti-anxiety medication, but without the side effects of drugs.⁴

To enjoy the calming effects of chamomile, you can make a chamomile infusion by letting 2 tsp of dried chamomile flowers steep in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Always keep a lid on the cup while it is infusing so that the essential oils don’t evaporate.

To reduce anxiety you can also diffuse these essential oils for anxiety and depression, or try some of these natural remedies for anxiety and stress.

Chamomile Tea to Heal Wounds

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chamomile make it an excellent treatment for cuts, wounds, and scabs.

In one trial an extract of chamomile was mixed with olive oil and applied to burn wounds twice daily. The wounds that had the chamomile applied to it healed quicker.⁵

To clean wounds and help them heal faster, make a strong infusion of chamomile tea and allow the tea to cool. You can use a cotton pad dipped in the chamomile infusion to gently apply to the wound. Or you could mix some of the infusion with aloe vera which is also great for skin healing.

Alternatively, you can dip a cloth in the chamomile tea infusion and use as a compress on the affected area.

Chamomile Tea for Digestive Problems

Chamomile tea can also work wonders for the digestive system and it is one of the traditional uses of chamomile tea.

It has been shown in studies that chamomile tea extracts can help stimulate processes in the body which inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation.⁶ The properties of chamomile tea also help stimulate the body to produce more digestive juices.

Chamomile tea contains bisabolol which is can help to prevent and treat ulcers, both externally and internally.

Chamomile tea is one of the top 10 herbal teas that will work wonders on your digestion, so if you have stomach cramps, excess gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other kinds of problems in the digestive tract, drink a cup of chamomile tea in the morning and evening to relieve your symptoms and will allow to get all the other chamomile tea benefits.

Chamomile Tea for Stronger Immune System

By drinking chamomile tea regularly you can also strengthen your immune system and suffer from fewer colds, flu, or other types of infections.

An interesting study showed that by drinking chamomile tea 5 times a day, the levels of antibacterial activity in the body of those people participating increased.⁷

To boost your immune system, especially if you know that friends and family around you have colds, drink chamomile tea frequently during the day. You can also use these natural substances to further boost your immunity.

Chamomile Tea for Healthy Skin

Chamomile tea can help in keeping skin healthy and free of oxidants. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties can do wonders to keep your skin looking and feeling wonderful.

You can make a facial toner from chamomile tea by putting 2 tea bags of chamomile tea in 1 cups of boiling water and leave it covered until it cools down. Remove the tea bags and add 10 drops of lemon juice and keep it a clean bottle. Then with a cotton pad, use it daily as a skin toner.

Alternatively, you can let the steam vapors of chamomile tea go to work on your face. To do this, boil 2 cups of water with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place a towel over your head and place your face in the steam. This can help to condition and lighten your skin. It is also a good way to prevent acne breakouts.

Chamomile Tea for Weight Loss

Drinking chamomile tea regularly can assist in weight loss. As I’ve already noted, chamomile tea can help in improving the body’s digestive system. This helps the body to break down fat and cholesterol.⁸

To use chamomile tea for lose weight, drink a cup of chamomile tea before each meal.

There is also a beneficial side-effect from taking chamomile tea regularly in losing weight. This is because it is a known fact that a person’s quality of sleep can directly influence weight (as well as other health conditions mentioned in my article about the 23 dangers of sleep deprivation). Because regular use of chamomile tea can help you sleep better, it has the good side effect of helping you lose weight.

Chamomile Tea for ADHD

In some cases, the calming effect of chamomile tea can have a beneficial effect on people who suffer from Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A small study showed positive results when chamomile extract was given to patients diagnosed with ADHD.⁹

Chamomile Tea for Diabetes Patients

One health issue for people with diabetes is to control sugar levels, especially after meals. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that consuming chamomile tea with meals can help prevent high blood sugar levels and other diabetic complications.¹⁰

If you suffer from diabetes, then taking a refreshing cup of chamomile tea with each meal can help in the management of diabetes.

Chamomile Tea for Tired Eyes

To relieve the symptoms of dry and tired eyes, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can help.

What’s great about chamomile tea bags is that you have a ready-made eye compress and it is a great way to reuse teabags after you have made your chamomile tea! For more information on how chamomile can relieve tired eyes, please read this article.

Chamomile Tea and Cancer

Various types of tea have been shown to offer some amazing health benefits but chamomile tea can be particularly beneficial when it comes to preventing and fighting cancer.¹²

The active component in chamomile tea is called apigenin, and researchers have found that apigenin can help to stop the spread of cancer cells.

Cancer cells live longer than normal healthy cells and this is one of the factors that allow cancer cells to spread and proliferate. Many of the modern cancer drugs are designed to cause cancer cells to die like normal cells.

Study #1

Researchers at Ohio State University showed that apigenin causes cancer cells to die at a rate equivalent to normal cells. They found that apigenin helped to curb the spread of breast cancer.¹³ Chamomile has not only been found to be effective against breast cancer, but research shows that chamomile is effective against many other forms of cancer.

Study #2

In another study published in the Journal of European Health, scientists found that the consumption of chamomile tea protected individuals from developing thyroid cancer.

The study showed the longer you drink chamomile tea, the higher your protection against thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer.¹⁴

Why Chamomile Tea Fights Cancer

In an effort to find out how chamomile tea protects against cancer, scientists studied the chemical compounds in chamomile tea and how it works. Researchers found that the ingredients in Chamomile tea selectively targeted and killed cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.¹⁵

Reducing inflammation is a vital key to prevent and fight cancer. Inflammation is a natural process but it can damage your body and cellular DNA, which can signal the start of cancer.

By regulating inflammation, you effectively control one of the major factors known to cause cancer. Stress is another important factor linked to cancer. Chamomile tea fights stress and it helps to reduce inflammation.

In a study published in the Journal of Life Sciences, scientists proved that chamomile regulates the compounds that cause inflammation. Chamomile tea therefore protects against cancer and a host of other modern diseases like cardiovascular disease, asthma, and arthritis, all of which are associated with inflammation in the body.¹⁶

Which Type of Chamomile to Use

Chamomile tea is a natural relaxant and it is great for relieving your anxiety and stress. There are two types of chamomile tea, Roman chamomile and German chamomile, but both contain apigenin so it is really up to you which type of chamomile you prefer.

To get the best benefits of this healthful and delicious tea, steep a cup and drink at least one cup every night.

Chamomile Tea for Menstrual Cramps

Chamomile tea also contains glycine, an amino acid which can help to relieve muscle spasms, including uterine cramps. To relieve menstrual cramps during their period, women should drink 4 to 5 cups of chamomile tea a day. This also has the added benefit of relaxing nerves as well.⁷

Chamomile Tea for Your Hair

Chamomile tea bags can be used to make a hair rinse which will bring out blonde highlights.

Use 5-6 tea bags per 2 cups of hot water to make an infusion and rinse your hair with it after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair and then let your hair air-dry out. This is a gradual natural lightening process so you need to be patient.

How to Make a Great Cup of Chamomile Tea

It is very easy to make a refreshing cup of healthy chamomile tea.

The easiest way is to pour boiling water into a cup of water and let a chamomile tea bag (or 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or double the amount for fresh flowers) infuse for a few minutes.

You can decrease or increase the steeping time for a weaker or stronger infusion.

Then pour the infusion through a tea strainer into a cup.

Chamomile Tea Side Effects

Chamomile tea is generally safe to consume. If you are taking a large amount of chamomile tea over a long period of time, then you should view this as a dietary supplement. As with all dietary supplements, you should let your let your doctor know if you are taking medication or planning to undergo surgery.

Chamomile Tea and Pregnancy

According to The American Pregnancy Association, chamomile tea can help pregnant women because it contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium.

It is also a natural way to improve sleep patterns and also reduce inflammation.¹¹

However according to WebMD due to insufficient reliable information available it is recommended to avoid drinking it. Most health practitioners believe that drinking a small amount a day should be fine.

Read my other related articles:

1. This Tea is a Medicine for Numerous Diseases
2. How to Make Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Ginger Tea
3. 9 Amazing Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
4. How To Make Parsley Tea for Swollen Feet

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