Chamomile tea (also spelled camomile) has a long history of health benefits.
For centuries, it has been used in traditional and folk medicine to treat a wide variety of physical and emotional health concerns.
Thanks to modern scientific research, we now understand the reasons behind the many chamomile tea benefits.
If you have been wondering what chamomile is good for, these many benefits might convince you to brew a cup.
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
1. How this tea benefits anxiety and depression
With all the stress and pressure people face daily, you may find yourself feeling anxious or nervous, maybe even depressed.
Numerous studies show that chamomile tea may be a useful treatment for anxiety disorders and depression.
These studies include:
- a study published in the August 2009 issue of “Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology” in which participants had their anxiety diminish by up to 50% when they took chamomile extracts daily, and
- a study on depression published in the September 2012 issue of “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine” showed participants experienced significant improvements when taking chamomile extract.
Chamomile tea may benefit depression and anxiety because it acts as a mild relaxant, allowing it to calm nerves and soothe tension.
2. How to use it to help you sleep at night
We all have nights where we toss and turn. It can effect your mood, your relationship, even your job.
Chamomile tea has a long history of being used as a sleep aid. It acts as a mild sedative, helping the muscles to fully relax, and thus allowing you to fall asleep.
You may want to start with one cup of tea an hour before bedtime, decreasing the amount of time before bed until you see benefits.
3. How it benefits your skin
With the stresses of life, hormones, and daily exposure to bacteria and viruses, you may find your skin inflamed or irritated.
Chamomile has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that make it beneficial for a variety of skin ailments, including acne, eczema, diaper rash, and chickenpox.
The benefits of chamomile may include soothing skin, healing wounds, reducing itching, preventing bacterial infection, and speeding up healing.
You can make a paste of brewed chamomile tea with baking soda or cornstarch. Apply it to your skin and allow it to dry. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wash it off.
Chamomile tea side effects
One of the major benefits of chamomile tea is that it’s relatively free of side effects.
If you are allergic to ragweed, you may not be able to use chamomile. Chamomile has a similar pollen that may cause allergic reactions.
You should also be careful if you are on blood thinners as chamomile may interfere with them.
Always talk to your doctor to make sure chamomile tea is good for you and won’t cause any negative side effects.
Chamomile tea during pregnancy
It is generally recommended that chamomile tea be avoided during pregnancy. It may act as a uterine stimulant, resulting in miscarriage.
It should also be avoided during breastfeeding.
Consult your physician before giving it to infants or small children.
Where to buy chamomile tea
It can be purchased online from Amazon.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to make tea, Herb Pharm offers a great extract here.
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