Khaberni - Chamomile tea is prepared from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which grows worldwide and is known for its distinctive apple-like scent. Chamomile tea is very popular and offers a variety of health benefits, according to experts and research alike.
According to Forbes magazine, chamomile tea is made as a drink by steeping chamomile plant flowers in hot water. Although there are many types of chamomile, the flowers of German chamomile and Roman chamomile plants are the most commonly used in tea.
Studies indicate that chamomile has a long history of use as a medicinal tea, possibly dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Roman, and Greek times. Modern studies explore the potential health impacts of the plant, along with the beneficial compounds it contains, such as flavonoids - plant chemicals acting as antioxidants, terpenoids - organic chemicals, and coumarin, a type of aromatic chemical also found in cinnamon, all of which have medicinal properties.
Findings from studies using chamomile extract or other forms of chamomile reported that it provides the following benefits to the human body:
1. Improving sleep quality
According to Professor Monisha Bhanote, an integrative medicine doctor in Jacksonville, Florida, chamomile tea aids in relaxation before sleep and results in better sleep quality. Chamomile contains a variety of compounds, such as apigenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in plants that acts as an antioxidant, providing calming effects, supporting relaxation, and reducing anxiety to help individuals fall asleep easier.
2. Reducing digestive issues
According to Holly Bellebuono, herbalist and author of "The Herbalist’s Guide," consuming chamomile tea improves digestive ailments, including diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive disorders. Chamomile or chamomile tea helps alleviate indigestion symptoms, aids gentle digestion, and reduces bloating.
3. Managing blood sugar levels
Professor Bhanote states that chamomile tea can help regulate blood sugar levels because it contains compounds such as apigenin and quercetin, explaining that these compounds have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in preliminary research. She adds, "Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also indirectly contribute to better regulation of blood sugar levels by addressing insulin resistance and oxidative stress (cell damage caused by harmful compounds known as free radicals)."
A study conducted in 2016 and published in the journal Nutrition found that drinking chamomile tea three times a day for eight weeks decreased insulin levels, improved insulin resistance, and reduced average blood sugar A1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
4. Boosting heart health
Professor Bhanote says, "The biologically active compounds in chamomile tea offer potential benefits for heart health," explaining that chamomile can help reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.
A study conducted in 2015 on 64 individuals with type 2 diabetes, which examined the effects of drinking chamomile tea three times daily over eight weeks, reported improvements in A1c and insulin levels among participants, along with a significant reduction in total cholesterol, harmful cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Other studies have also noted chamomile benefits in improving blood pressure measurements.
Chamomile tea side effects
Chamomile tea, generally recognized as safe by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can cause some uncommon side effects like nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Experts recommend avoiding or refraining from chamomile tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The herbal tea may also interact with certain medications, such as warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Chamomile tea may also interact with diabetic medications.
Chamomile contains a high level of FODMAPs; thus, individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) might experience more severe symptoms when consuming it. It is advisable to consult a treating physician first when intending to use chamomile tea for medical purposes, especially if one has an underlying health condition or is taking other medications.
