Herbal teas have often been suggested for their health benefits and as a substitute for coffee. Chamomile tea is on this list and is caffeine free compared to coffee and green tea options. Chamomile is a herb that comes from flowers that look very similar to daisies. These flowers are dried and then to make the tea, are infused into hot water. It contains properties that have health benefits and natural remedies we can explore when needed.
The most popular use of chamomile tea is to drink it as a sleep aid. It contains an antioxidant called apigenin, that binds to sleep receptors we have. This activates feelings of sleepiness, so it has been promoted to help prevent insomnia. Sleep quality is said to be improved with less interruption and staying asleep. Some people drink it when they have the common cold to help get to sleep after not feeling so well. There is also evidence that chamomile can help with depression and anxiety symptoms. Chamomile can be used as an aromatherapy as well.
Another reason chamomile tea is good to drink is that can help control blood sugar levels. It acts as an anti-inflammatory so when blood sugar levels spike, over time there can be damage to the pancreas. Drinking this tea can help reduce inflammation to the pancreas. Having a healthy pancreas is critical because it’s responsible for removing sugar from our blood. It is also said to help prevent blood sugar spikes after a period of fasting then eating. Chamomile when applied topically is also said to help with skin inflammation. Antioxidants are in chamomile and these fight off cancer cells. Flavones, which are a type of antioxidant, are in chamomile. They help improve heart health. Flavones can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Chamomile is also suggested as an aid for digestion. It helps with gastrointestinal disorders and can prevent stomach ulcers. This is because it reduces acidity in the stomach.
Drinking chamomile tea is safe and helpful to our bodies. It wouldn’t be what we would drink to the start the day, rather, it’s a nice, warm, comforting, beverage to end the day. Some people enjoy adding a little bit of milk to it. A tea that is good for our sleep, good for our heart, good for our pancreas, good for our skin, and good for our digestion, certainly can’t be a bad thing to add to our bedtime routine.
A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile – PMC (nih.gov)
Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future – PMC (nih.gov)
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.
