Before we talk about the health benefits of chamomile tea, let’s talk about what chamomile tea is.
Chamomile is an herb that comes from the Asteraceae family (more commonly known as the daisy family). Chamomile has been used for many years, even in ancient civilizations, for its therapeutic properties.
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The 2 chamomile varieties that we often hear about in the herbal or aromatherapy world are Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile.
One of the most common ways to consume chamomile is to make chamomile tea! How can you use chamomile tea to benefit your health? Let’s take a look at the amazing chamomile tea benefits you can get from just drinking or applying the tea:
12 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
May Encourage a Better Nights Sleep
Chamomile tea has long been used before bedtime to help relax and calm before settling in for the night.
Chamomile is said to contain flavonoids that bind in the brain that can promote sleepiness and may help to reduce insomnia.
I know drinking tea to relax before bed has always helped me (I grew up drinking Sleepy Time Tea!) so adding chamomile to your cup can help even more!
Supports Digestive Health
Chamomile is very gentle and has also showed promise in being used as a digestive relaxant and to help aid in digestion.
If you suffer from frequent upset stomach after eating or from symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, gas or even from irritable bowel syndrome, try adding 2-3 cups of chamomile tea to your day to see if it helps to ease your symptoms.
Supports Emotional Health
Just like roman chamomile essential oil can be used in times of emotional stress, one of the benefits of chamomile tea is that it can help support your emotional health.
Like I mentioned above, drinking herbal tea in general is great for relaxation, but chamomile tea in particular can help promote that feeling of calm.
Set aside some time each morning to drink a cup of chamomile tea before meditation or before bed to help you release the day’s stress.
You can also add a pot of fresh chamomile tea to your bath and soak away your stresses.
Related Reading: 9 Essential Oils for Times of Emotional Stress
Supports a Healthy Immune System
We are all looking for more natural ways to deal with the symptoms of viral infection such as colds or flus. And another chamomile tea benefit is that it supports your immune system- which can help you fight off sickness more effectively.
In one study, drinking chamomile tea was associated with higher levels of hippurate and glycine, both of which have been associated with antibacterial activity.
Supports Healthy Skin
Chamomile has been used for centuries to promote skin health, healing, and help wounds to heal.
Chamomile tea has astringent properties and is a strong soother, so try using it on skin conditions like eczema, diaper rash, bruises, or sunburn.
Chamomile also contains antioxidants that may help your skin look younger longer!
You can also use the essential oil version of chamomile or create an infused oil with the flowers to create skin creams or oils and get these same benefits.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Some studies have shown that chamomile tea might help to lower blood sugar levels.
In this study, participants who drank chamomile tea 3 times per day, with meals showed beneficial effects on glycemic control.
If you have trouble with blood sugar spikes, try adding some tea to your meals and see what happens.
May Help Reduce Acne
The anti inflammatory properties and antioxidants in chamomile tea may also help those who suffer from acne.
If you have blemishes try soaking a cotton pad in chamomile tea and applying them directly to your problem areas. Allow these pads to sit for 5-10 minutes.
The healing properties may also help to heal past acne scars.
May Reduce Presence of Dandruff
We’ve already talked about the benefits chamomile tea can have of your skin, and your scalp is no different.
Try adding chamomile tea to your showering routine, simply by rinsing your hair with a cup of lukewarm tea after cleansing.
You can rinse or allow the tea to dry in your hair.
Easing and Soothing Colicky Babies
Chamomile is so gentle even babies can use it!
It is a popular choice for parents to help calm colicky babies. Many instances of colic can be attributed to the stomach and digestion, and as I mentioned above chamomile can be used as a digestive relaxant.
Talk to your pediatrician to see if chamomile tea can help calm your colicky newborn.
May Help Reduce Muscle Spasms
Chamomile has also been said to have antispasmodic and pain relieving properties.
These properties can help relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps associated with PMS.
May Reduce Inflammation
Chamomile flowers contain rich amounts of azulene, which is a volatile oil that can serve as anti inflammatory agents.
This means it may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis.
As we talked about already, it can also soothe skin inflammation as well, so try it on rashes or sunburns to soothe those conditions.
Supports a Healthy Nervous Systems
This should come as no surprise, since we’ve been talking about the soothing, antispasmodic properties of chamomile all along.
Your body is complex and all the systems work together. For example when you are under stress, you may experience digestive upset.
So the calming and sedative nature of chamomile can benefit your entire nervous system- from the emotional side to the physical side.
How to Make Chamomile Tea
Making a cup of chamomile tea is simple, all you need is:
1 tsp of dried chamomile flowers OR 2 tsp of fresh chamomile flowers
Place the flowers in a mug and pour 1 cup of boiling water over top.
Steep for 10-15 minutes
Strain out the flowers
Add honey if you wish, or drink as it.
You can also add this tea to bath water, use it in a compress, or apply it directly to the skin.
If you don’t have fresh flowers, you can also purchase an organic chamomile tea, like this one.
Who Shouldn’t Drink Chamomile Tea?
If you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family you should not drink or use chamomile tea.
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, or other side effects, discontinue use.
In the end, adding a few cups of chamomile tea to your day can help you in so many ways. And there’s nothing to lose by doing it- so try a cup and see what benefits you feel from drinking chamomile tea!
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
