Chamomile, a plant belonging to a family that features flowers similar to those of the aster family’s chrysanthemums, has been used in various medicinal treatments throughout the ages. Chamomile tea can be prepared by steeping dried flowers in hot water, as many enjoy it as a warm alternative to caffeinated beverages like green or black tea. The higher the concentration, the greater the potential benefits.
Clinical studies have shown some therapeutic benefits of chamomile tea, and it is noted that most people resort to consuming supplements. However, it is crucial to understand that chamomile should not replace traditional medical treatments in various diseases.
Based on information provided by the US National Nutrient Database, chamomile tea contains various levels of vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin A, folic acid, iron, and zinc. A 237 ml serving provides two calories of energy and 0.47 grams of carbohydrates.
Benefits of chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has a number of benefits, including:
Sleep aid
Studies show that chamomile has properties similar to benzodiazepine medications that relieve anxiety symptoms and aid sleep, and studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy have shown that chamomile tea can be used as a sleep aid, especially for those suffering from disturbed sleep and apnea.
Improving digestion
Chamomile tea is useful in treating stomach and digestive disorders ranging from simple bloating to irritable bowel syndrome because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help get rid of bloating and facilitate the excretion process and relieve stomach pain and cramps caused by stomach ulcers, and chamomile tea helps with diuresis and eliminates body waste. gets rid of and cleanses to lose weight and improve the overall health of the digestive system.
Relieve menstrual pain
Chamomile tea helps relieve contractions and menstrual pain, as women participating in a study praised that consuming it for a month helped relieve menstrual pain and reduce anxiety and stress levels associated with it.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Most women tend to lose bone density and develop osteoporosis in menopause due to the change in estrogen levels, one study has shown that chamomile tea has anti-estrogen properties to increase bone density, but more studies are urgently needed to prove this property.
Relieve inflammation
Chamomile tea contains chemicals that reduce inflammation and the reaction of the immune system, as long-term inflammation is associated with a variety of health problems such as hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, immune diseases and depression.
Increasing the functioning of the immune system
Phenolic compounds found in chamomile tea increase the functioning of the immune system to fight infections such as flu, cold, sinusitis and relieve nasal congestion.
Relief of allergy symptoms
Since it has antihistamine properties, chamomile tea relieves allergic reactions and symptoms by improving the immune system.
Protection of oral health
It has antimicrobial properties that help fight oral infections, protect gums and teeth, prevent tooth decay, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain in it.
Skin health and treatment of some skin conditions
Chamomile has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to consuming it as a hot drink, chamomile is used as a topical treatment in ointments to treat skin infections and irritations such as eczema and reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles and skin imperfections, and also the effect of chamomile is equal to the effect of hydrocortisone creams. Although it does not, it helps in healing wounds when applying its extract to the wound.
Maintaining hair health
Studies published by the International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences have shown the effectiveness of chamomile with anti-inflammatory properties in relieving scalp irritation and strengthening hair strands. And get rid of dandruff and give hair a healthy and silky look.
Reduce anxiety and stress levels
Consuming one to two cups of chamomile tea a day helps relieve stress symptoms, especially after a stressful day at work, as it increases levels of serotonin hormones. Melatonin also helps relieve headaches and migraines and alleviates postpartum depression during the puerperium.
Promote heart health
Chamomile tea is rich in flavones, which are antioxidants studied to lower high blood pressure and lower cholesterol. These two values are an indicator of heart health and have been shown in one study to have lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Study participants were more likely to have diabetes when consuming chamomile tea with meals than when consuming just water.
Chamomile and Cancer Tea
Chamomile tea contains antioxidants that have been associated with reducing the risk of some types of cancer, especially because it contains an antioxidant called apigenin that fights cancer cells. In people with breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, skin cancer, prostate cancer and uterine cancer. One study also showed that when study participants consumed chamomile tea 2-6 times per week, there was a lower risk of thyroid cancer compared to those who did not consume it despite needing it. Take an in-depth look at more human studies to confirm chamomile tea’s role in cancer prevention.
Chamomile tea and diabetes
Although most of the Hungarian studies conducted to prove the role of chamomile tea in controlling blood sugar levels are animal studies, drinking it actually helps lower blood sugar levels, and this is because chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that protect pancreatic cells from damage, as the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. due to its properties. has shown the effectiveness of consuming chamomile tea, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Chamomile tea with meals daily for 8 weeks compared to those drinking water alone and animal studies have shown its effectiveness in significantly reducing fasting sugar levels and preventing sudden high blood sugar levels.
Contraindications to the use of chamomile tea
There are a number of cautions regarding excessive consumption of chamomile tea, as precautions should be taken, including:
Since chamomile tea can cause allergy symptoms such as dizziness, eye irritation, nausea and vomiting, it should be avoided in the presence of allergy to pollen or chamomile derivatives and in case of previous infection with it, even if simple, the severity of allergy symptoms may increase.
Since chamomile tea may contain botulinum spores like honey and other natural ingredients, avoid serving it to infants and young children because babies lack the body’s defense mechanisms to fight infections caused by these bacteria.
It is important to consult a doctor when taking certain medications with chamomile consumption to know about drug interactions and to be careful not to take it as a substitute for treating a medical condition.