Herbal teas such as green tea and cardamom tea have earned kudos for their wonders. But the benefits of chamomile tea are still unknown to many. Here is why you should brew this herbal tea.
#1 Sleep better
If you have been having sleepless nights sip a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before going to bed. The tea has sedative effects that can relieve insomnia and promote a good night’s sleep[1].
#2 Feeling anxious? The tea can help
Steep a cup of the tea and inhale its wonderful fragrance when you are feeling anxious. Make it a part of your routine for long-lasting benefits. The tea contains the chemicals apigenin and luteolin that promote relaxation[2].
#3 Fight cold
Another good reason to add chamomile tea to your cabinet is that it can boost your immune system. It has good antibacterial properties that can prevent and even treat cold and other bacterial infections.
#4 Soothe an upset stomach
The tea has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can soothe intestinal cramps[3]. Simply brew yourself a cup of the tea to ease digestive pain and discomfort.
#5 Ease menstrual cramps
Sipping chamomile tea can be a natural and safe way to ease menstrual pain [4]. It increases the levels of amino acid glycine in your body, higher levels of which can reduce muscle spasms.
#6 Get relief from migraine headaches
The tea can successfully help you if you are suffering from migraine headache. It relaxes your muscles and ensures better sleep that is a common cause of the headache [5]. Most importantly, it also eases the pain.
How to brew chamomile tea?
- Boil a cup of water in a pan.
- Add 2-3 teaspoons chamomile tea to it.
- Allow it to infuse for 3 minutes and strain the tea into a cup.
- You can also add lemon or honey if you desire.
You can easily find chamomile tea in megastores and drugstores.
Yes, chamomile tea is brimming with benefits but before you start sipping it regularly, make sure you visit your doctor.
You may also like to read:
- Say cheers to get health with these 8 herbal teas
- 5 herbal teas that can slim you down
- Top 6 reasons to sip a cup of warm tea in the morning
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References:
[1] Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
[2] Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB. Chamomile(Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Sep-Oct;18(5):44-9. PubMed PMID: 22894890; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3600408.
[3] Singh, O., Khanam, Z., Misra, N., & Srivastava, M. K. (2011). Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(9), 82–95. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79103
[4] Zafari Zangeneh, F., Minaee, B., Amirzargar, A., Ahangarpour, A., & Mousavizadeh, K. (2010). Effects of Chamomile Extract on Biochemical and Clinical Parameters in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 11(3), 169–174.
[5] McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30. Review. PubMed PMID: 16628544.