The benefits of chamomile tea have long been known: It is an ancient remedy with health benefits that range from helping with insomnia to easing menstrual pain. A cup of chamomile tea at the end of a hectic day is guaranteed to soothe the nerves and prove relaxing.
Helps you sleep better
A mug of warm chamomile tea is like a cosy hug; it doesn’t knock you out but instead gently lulls you to sleep. The tea has been used traditionally for its sleep-inducing properties and is a well-known sedative. Chamomile tea is soothing and calming. It has been used to treat insomnia as well. It might help us sleep better due to the presence of a flavonoid called apigenin that binds to the receptors in our brain and has a relaxing effect on our body, putting us to sound sleep. Since it also doesn’t contain caffeine, which is notorious for jolting us with energy, chamomile tea is the ideal precursor to bedtime.
Full of antioxidants
The flavonoids in chamomile tea are also rich in antioxidants and anti-microbial properties that are beneficial for our health, besides their ability to put us to sleep. Chamomile tea also has significant traces of magnesium, folate, calcium, vitamin A and potassium. All these various antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make the herbal drink extremely nutritious. They have been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and even cancer, though definitive studies in this aspect are yet to be carried out.
Alleviates stomach aches and period cramps
In a pinch, chamomile tea can be used as an effective remedy for digestion issues and pesky stomach aches. It contains compounds that trigger enzymes in the pancreas that are responsible for better digestion of our food. It is antispasmodic and helps reduce spasms in the body, including in the stomach area. This means chamomile tea is also great for dealing with painful period cramps without having to resort to consuming painkillers. It is also known to reduce the production of hormone-like substances that can be blamed for increased inflammation and pain.
Beneficial for diabetics
Though it is best to consult your doctor before adding anything new to your diet, chamomile tea is believed to prove beneficial in lowering sugar and cholesterol levels. While further studies are required to understand the complete long-term effect of chamomile tea in managing Type 2 diabetes, chamomile tea has properties that enable it to suppress blood sugar levels and increase liver glycogen storage.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Chamomile tea has been used as traditional medicine since ancient times as a stress reliever and to calm those struggling with anxiety. More research is needed to understand the effect of chamomile tea in relieving stress, but reports show that it is helpful for those suffering from mild to moderate cases of generalised anxiety disorder. The naturally-occurring sedatives in the tea might be responsible for easing the nerves.
Connected to better skin
Chamomile tea’s ability to help us sleep better and reduce stress positively impacts our skin. But the tea is more potent when applied topically, leading to glowing skin. Since chamomile tea is replete with nutrients and has antimicrobial properties that inhibit inflammation and soothe the skin, it is extremely effective in healing wounds and scars. Chamomile extract has been traditionally used to treat sunburns, skin irritations, acne, and even skin conditions like eczema. It is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that might protect the skin from damage and accelerate cell and tissue regeneration.
WAYS TO HAVE IT
The most common way chamomile tea is enjoyed all over the world is by brewing the tea with warm water and having it with honey or lemon. If lattes and cappuccinos are your favourites, give chamomile tea an interesting spin by making a chamomile cinnamon latte. Warm cinnamon complements the apple notes of chamomile and results in a delicious drink that might even replace your daily coffee! If you are looking for something on the other side of the spectrum, take the cold route with a refreshing chamomile ginger iced tea that is an ideal drink for a hot day.
