8 Health Benefits of Sipping a Cup of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family.  It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions. Dried chamomile flowers are used to make chamomile tea.

Many people enjoy chamomile tea as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and for its earthy and comforting aroma. It has long been used, as a traditional folk remedy, for a wide range of health issues. 

Nowadays, researchers are increasingly exploring its effectiveness in managing illnesses, including cancer and diabetes.

So far, research into the potency of chamomile tea has shown positive results. However, studies vary with some research proving clear benefits compared to alternative remedies, and others merely pointing to possible ones.

Facts about chamomile tea:

Researchers are interested in the benefits of consuming chamomile tea. The more potent the tea, the more likely it is to offer health benefits.

Chamomile contains chemicals called flavonoids. These flavonoids are a type of nutrient present in many plants, and they play a significant role in chamomile’s medicinal effects.

Researchers are not sure yet what other chemicals are present in chamomile specifically and account for its benefits.

Benefits of chamomile tea

1. Reducing menstrual pain

A 2010 study about Chamomile tea found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.

2. Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar

Again, some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Research does not show that chamomile is a viable substitute for diabetes medications, but it may be a helpful supplement to existing treatments.

Similarly, a 2008 study of rats found that consistent consumption of chamomile tea might prevent blood sugar from increasing. This effect reduces the long-term risk of diabetes complications, suggesting that chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes.

3. Slowing or preventing osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk of broken bones and stooped posture. While anyone can develop osteoporosis, it is most common among post-menopausal women. This tendency may be due to the effects of estrogen.

A 2004 study found that chamomile tea might have anti-estrogenic effects. It also helped promote bone density, but the study’s authors caution that further research is needed to prove this apparent benefit.

4. Reducing inflammation

Inflammation is an immune system reaction to fight infection. Chamomile tea contains chemical compounds that may reduce inflammation.

5. Cancer treatment and prevention

Some studies suggest that chamomile tea may target cancer cells, or even prevent those cells from developing in the first place. However, research so far is inconclusive, and scientists say more work is needed to prove 

A 2012 study compared the cancer-fighting powers of marigold and chamomile teas. Both were able to target cancer tumors selectively, but the effects of marigold tea were more potent.

6. Helping with sleep and relaxation

Chamomile tea is widely thought to help people relax and fall asleep. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep.

In one review of the current evidence, 10 of 12 cardiovascular patients are quoted as having fallen asleep shortly after consuming chamomile tea. A handful of other studies looking at clinical models also suggest that chamomile tea may help people relax.

In a study using rats, chamomile extract helped sleep-disturbed rodents fall asleep. Many researchers believe that chamomile tea may function like a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can reduce anxiety and induce sleep. Some research suggests that chamomile binds to benzodiazepine receptors.

7. Treating cold symptoms

Anecdotal evidence and some studiesTrusted Source suggest that inhaling steam with chamomile extract can relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold. But this benefit is not proven yet.

8. Treatment for mild skin conditions

A small 1987Trusted Source study found that applying chamomile extract directly to a wound assisted healing. 

Likewise, a few studies have found that chamomile ointments may help with eczema and mild inflammatory skin conditions, although they are not as effective as hydrocortisone cream.

Article source: Medical News Today. from the post written by Zawn Villines. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI