Chamomile is a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. People around the world use it to treat indigestion, eczema, diarrhea, and colic [1].
You can also use it to soothe inflammation, menstrual cramps, and gastric ulcer, among others [2].
Chamomile tea is rich in so many health benefits. It also has a soothing aroma along with an enticing flavor.
Its surprising health benefits have made it one of the most consumed beverages in the world.
It contains flavonoids and terpenoids. These can be responsible for the medicinal properties of this therapeutic herb[2].
Key Nutrient Facts
Chamomile tea has no fat and a minimal amount of calories. It also has no sugar or cholesterol. Below is the nutritional information based on a 100-gram serving of chamomile tea. The percentage values are for a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Calorie 1
- Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 1 g
- Dietary fiber 0 g
- Carbs 2 g
- Potassium 9 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Protein 0 g
Even without a lot of vitamins and minerals, chamomile tea has many benefits for the health. You can find out more about it when you read on.
So finally let’s take a look at the fantastic health benefits that chamomile tea can provide to you.
1. Chamomile Tea Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is something that you can’t consider as something that can never happen to you.
Keep in mind that this is the number one killer disease worldwide.
The World Heart Foundation says more than 17 million people die of this ailment each year.
Protect your heart by making the necessary lifestyle changes.
Heart disease refers to conditions that affect the blood vessels and heart rhythm. You can prevent this disease with a healthy diet that promotes heart health [3].
It also helps to make use of remedies suitable for heart like chamomile tea.
Scientists have long been investigating the cardiac effects of this beverage.
One study shows that chamomile has a hemodynamic action. It can stimulate proper blood flow and reduce the likelihood of heart problems [4].
Key Takeaways:
Heart disease kills more than 17 million people each year. Chamomile tea is a natural remedy for you. It strengthens the heart with its hemodynamic action, promoting proper flow of blood.
2. It Has Potent Anti-Cancer Properties
Another common cause of death anywhere in the world is cancer. It’s a disease that comes in more than 200 different types.
It is, in fact, the second most common cause of death in the United States [5, 6].
This condition occurs when the cells inside the body grow out of control, and spread to other parts of the body. They invade even the healthy tissues, explains Wikipedia.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce the risk of cancer.
Chamomile tea has powerful anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties [7, 8, 9].
In 2013, researchers conducted a study. They tested its antitumor & cytotoxic effects against both healthy and malignant cell lines. the Phytotherapy Research Journal published the research [7].
Researchers conclude that chamomile can kill cancerous cells. And it can do that without harming the healthy ones [9].
The compounds that contribute to chamomile’s cancer-fighting properties are Apigenin glucosides [9].
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea is a natural way to combat cancer. It can destroy the cancerous cells while keeping the healthy cells intact.
3. Chamomile Tea Protects Against Diabetes
Keeping blood sugar levels in check is more important than most people realize.
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. As Mayo Clinic reports, it can lead to severe complications. You may suffer from kidney damage, heart disease, and hearing impairment, among others.
Luckily, you can manage diabetes with the help of natural remedies such as chamomile tea.
Researchers confirmed that chamomile could normalize blood sugar levels [10, 11].
Chamomile can prevent hyperglycemia. It can also reduce the risk of diabetic complications [11].
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea keeps your diabetes in check by normalizing the blood sugar levels. It is one of the essential health benefits of chamomile tea.
4. It Can Help Control Inflammation
Medical News Today explains that inflammation is a form of “self-protection.” The body implements it when there is a foreign contaminant trying to invade the system.
Inflammation is a sign that the immune system is working against infectious pathogens. Because the white blood cells, nutrients, and other factors stimulate the immune system.
In other words, inflammation is a healthy process required for healing.
But, chronic inflammation is a different story.
This one can be harmful and can lead to so many ailments such as hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and gum disease. You may also develop heart disease, or even cancer due to chronic inflammation.
One way to control inflammation is with chamomile tea.
The Life Sciences Journal published a study in 2009. It reported that chamomile inhibits the enzyme that triggers inflammation [12].
It works in the same way as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [12].
The only difference is, this one causes fewer side effects and is healthy to use for long-term.
Key Takeaways:
Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself from harmful invaders. But it can also cause harm in the long run. You should drink chamomile tea to defend yourself from inflammatory disease. Because this tea works like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects.
5. Chamomile Tea Can Provide Relief for Gastric Ulcer
Have you ever experienced what it’s like to have an ulcer?
If yes, then you know how painful this condition can be.
Gastric ulcer, also called peptic ulcer disease, is the open sores or lesions in the stomach [13].
You can get immediate relief from frequent intake of chamomile tea.
Chamomile tea has anti-ulcer effects, reducing the lesions in the lining of the stomach [14, 15, 16].
Iranian researchers published a study in 2009. They used 15 female bulb-c mice in determining the efficacy rate of chamomile tea as an anti-ulcer [15].
The first group of mice received 400 mg/kg sucralfate. The second group took 400 mg/kg of chamomile extract, and the third group drank one ml distilled water [15].
After 14 days, researchers examined the internal organs of the mice. They found that chamomile was successful in preventing gastric ulceration in mice [15].
It was also safe to use up to 5000 mg/kg [15].
Key Takeaways:
You can relieve a painful condition like the gastric ulcer with chamomile tea.
6. It Can Tone Down Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most annoying and embarrassing health issues. Anyone who’s had an episode of this disease will agree.
Loose, watery and uncontrollable stools are the primary symptom of this problem [17].
A cup or two of chamomile tea can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. Because it has anti-inflammatory, anti-motility, and antioxidant properties [18, 19, 20].
French and Tunisian scientists conducted a study. They proved its efficacy in soothing diarrhea in mice [18].
Chamomile in combination with either pectin or star anise can be even more effective [19, 20].
Key Takeaways:
Get immediate relief from diarrhea by drinking chamomile tea. It is a natural anti-motility agent. It not only eases pain and discomfort, but it also reduces the number of bowel movements.
7. Chamomile Tea Can Ease Rosacea
According to Mayo Clinic, rosacea is a “common skin condition.” It causes the appearance of red, inflamed bumps on the face.
Experts say that there is no cure for this condition.
But, you can control and manage it with natural remedies like chamomile tea.
There was a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. It lists chamomile among the effective treatments for rosacea [21].
Chamomile can tone down rosacea flare-ups, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties [21].
Rosacea sufferers must inform their dermatologists first before using any herbal remedy. It’s only to make sure they don’t suffer from adverse reactions [21].
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties. These components help lessen the redness and swelling caused by rosacea. But you must consult a dermatologist first before using any herbal remedy.
8. It Has Powerful Antioxidants
Sometimes there are more free radicals than the body can handle. This can lead to oxidative stress and cause many serious ailments [22].
To avoid this from occurring, it’s essential to get enough antioxidants.
Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidant. It’s one of the best beverages that you should drink more often.
Its antioxidant properties inhibit the harmful activities of free radicals [23, 24, 25].
Including chamomile tea in your daily diet can help ward off many types of health problems.
Key Takeaway:
Chamomile tea is famous for its antioxidants. It fights oxidative stress caused by free radical in the body.
9. Chamomile Tea Can Relieve Dyspepsia
WebMD defines dyspepsia as a condition caused by reflux of stomach juices. The situation can bring abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
To soothe your stomach and treat the symptoms of dyspepsia, try drinking a cup of chamomile tea.
People often used chamomile for treating gastrointestinal problems including dyspepsia. They used it in combination with fennel, anise, and peppermint [1].
That’s because chamomile has anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and sedative effects [1, 26].
Since this remedy gives quick results, it’s what you’d want to use if you want immediate relief from pain.
Key Takeaways:
Relieve pain and discomfort caused by dyspepsia by sipping on a cup of warm chamomile tea. It works excellent with its anti-inflammatory, sedative and spasmolytic properties.
10. It Induces Good Quality Sleep
It’s crucial to get enough rest as it is during sleep that the body recharges and recuperates.
Without enough sleep, the body can grow weak and become more susceptible to disease.
That’s why people suffering from insomnia should do something about the problem.
Two studies state that chamomile can help induce good quality sleep [27, 28].
In the one performed by American scientists, 34 patients with insomnia participated. They received either 270 mg of chamomile or a placebo twice a day for 28 days [27].
Chamomile helped people sleep better. It also improved the participants’ daytime functioning [27].
Researchers explain that chamomile is a mild natural sedative. But they also recommended further investigation of the matter [28].
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile can help people who have insomnia to get good quality sleep at night. It’s useful as a mild natural sedative. Besides, it helps in improving people’s daytime functioning.
11. Chamomile Tea Can Reduce Severity of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea refers to “painful menstruation” that causes abdominal cramps, reports Wikipedia.
Natural remedies such as chamomile tea can help ease the pain and discomfort it brings.
A study revealed that it could ease the pain, anxiety, and distress caused by dysmenorrhea [29].
Chamomile tea is even more effective in relieving pre-menstrual syndrome than mefenamic acid. It’s a popular painkiller used for dysmenorrhea [30].
Thus, you can use chamomile tea without worrying about unpleasant side effects.
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea relieves pain. It also reduces the anxiety, distress and other psychological symptoms caused by dysmenorrhea. The tea is even more effective than mefenamic acid in toning down menstrual pain.
12. It Can Help Resolve Colic
Taking care of a colicky baby can be a huge challenge.
But there are specific natural remedies to stop your baby’s uncontrollable crying.
A clinical trial involved 68 healthy infants with colic. It found that 57% of those who received chamomile tea no longer had episodes of inconsolable crying [1].
No one has reported any side effect [1].
It means that parents can use this remedy. They don’t have to worry about the health and well-being of their babies.
Key Takeaways:
Help soothe a colicky baby with chamomile tea as it’s both effective and safe for babies.
13. Chamomile Tea Can Treat Migraines
According to Mayo clinic, a migraine is a severe pain or pulsing sensation. It generally appears on one side of your head. [31]
A migraine is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. You may also have an extreme sensitivity to light and even sound. [31]
Those who go through the pain know how troublesome and disabling it is.
But here’s the good news for you, chamomile tea is quite beneficial in treating migraines. [32]
Prepare a cup of hot chamomile tea for you and get relief from a headache.
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea treats your migraine and the symptoms associated with it. It also aids in a severe headache.
14. It Can Help In Soothing IBS
IBS refers to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. [33]
IBS is a critical condition that sometimes interferes with your digestive system.
This interference results in cramping and bloating of the stomach. IBS may also cause heart burns and formation of gas.
Chamomile tea can reduce these symptoms by treating your irritable bowel syndrome. [34]
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea soothes irritable bowel syndrome. The tea also reduces stomach aches and heartburns accompanied by IBS.
15. Chamomile Tea for Relieving Menstrual Cramps
Yes, drinking a cup of tea can help you get rid of menstrual cramps. Even the thought of it is relaxing, right?
Chamomile tea is quite helpful in relieving menstrual cramps.
Menstrual cramps are spasms in the muscles of your uterus. Chamomile tea increases the glycine levels. The components are quite effective on the menstrual spasms.
It helps to relax the muscles of the uterus and decrease the cramps. It’s also relaxing for the body and mind and helps you to stay calm and stable while being in the period.
All you need to do is to make a perfect cup of chamomile tea, sit at your coziest space and drink the tea and relax.
Key Takeaways:
Chamomile tea relaxes the muscle spasms in the uterus. Thus, it relieves menstrual cramps.
Tips and Precautions
- If you are allergic to plants, avoid drinking this tea at the most.
- Stop drinking the tea and avoid further if it leads to any allergic reactions or irritation.
- While buying the tea from stores read the labels.
- Store your tea in an airtight jar.
- Keep your jar of chamomile tea at a place that is both dry and at room temperature.
- Don’t keep at a place where direct sunlight is available.
Some FAQ About the Use of Chamomile Tea
- Can anyone drink chamomile tea?
- Chamomile tea is consumable to almost people of all age. No harmful effects have yet discovered. But it is better for the pregnant or breastfeeding mother to avoid drinking too much tea.
- Does it contain any side effects?
- Chamomile tea is safe. But too much consumption of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause nausea. As we all know, too much of anything is bad for health. So keep that in mind.
- Is there a best time to drink this tea?
- No particular time is best for drinking this tea. But you should not drink this tea at least a week before surgery or dental treatment.
- What are the other adverse reactions that I can have to chamomile tea?
- Chamomile tea belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants. So if you are allergic to that specific type, then you can be allergic to chamomile as well. These type of plants include ragweed, echinacea, sunflower, aster, and chrysanthemum.
- Can I give chamomile tea to my baby?
- Yes. Only if your baby is more than six months old, then you can. Also, give them the chamomile tea in small amounts. It will help with any digestion problems.
- How does chamomile tea taste?
- Those who have drunk chamomile tea compare its taste with that of apple. They also say that chamomile tea has a floral sweetness to it. Thus, it does not need any added sugars because it has natural sweetener. But, if you feel like adding anything extra to it, then you can.
- Will drink chamomile tea stain my teeth?
- Yes, unfortunately. You should know that drinking herbal tea stains teeth often. So, chamomile tea may stain your teeth. You can try adding the tiny amount of milk to the tea to counter the effects.
- What is the best variety of chamomile tea?
- The best varieties include organic Roman or German varieties.
End Note
Chamomile is rich in many fantastic health benefits that you should know more about.
The tea gets priority for its excellent medicinal properties. Those components add to its health benefits.
It can ward off serious ailments like cancer and heart disease. It also helps resolve issues that you may not know how to handle like colic.
To receive the inherited health benefits of chamomile, start drinking chamomile tea now!
If you have any queries about the health benefits of chamomile tea, feel free to ask us.
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