The delicate white flowers of chamomile is a firm favorite in the tea infusion world. Often served as a soothing nightcap or for those moments when you want to sink into bliss, the smooth floral taste of this tea makes it one of the most popular options in the herbal world. Chamomile is nature’s medicine. It has a long history of being a special healing flower. For centuries, chamomile has been plucked, pounded, and steeped into lotions, oils, tinctures, tisanes, and teas to help treat all kinds of ailments.
What Is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea goes all the way back to the land of the pyramids in Ancient Egypt. This delightful daisy-like flower with its white petals and golden center was used to treat those struck down with a fever or sore throat or even the common cold. The Romans used it – both for medicine and for the magic of adding flavor to food and drink. Chamomile takes its name from the Greek translation of ‘ground apple’. Perhaps in testament to its sweet and earthy scent. In the middle ages, monks too turned to Chamomile for a whole host of reasons – not only did it make for a fine natural remedy but it also helped to sweeten the bitter taste of their home-brewed beer too.
There are two types of common chamomile – Roman chamomile and German chamomile. The Roman Chamomile (AKA Anthemis Nobilis) is sweet and shot with notes of fruit, whereas the German (Matricaria Chamomilla) is wilder and pungent.
This pretty plant blooms all over Europe and the far-flung world but is commonly harvested in Eastern Europe and Egypt. The flowers and buds are picked as soon as the petals open. The flowers are then dried to keep them usable for longer. The white petals slip away leaving the pale yellow or golden heads which are then packaged and used in tea. Chamomile is also part of the Asteraceae family – meaning that the bright and bustling sunflowers, buttery marigolds, and healing Echinacea are cousins of this dreamy daisy.
Being a caffeine-free tea and a brew known for its soothing calming effect on the soul means that chamomile is often used as a bedtime brew. Yet, it can be sipped any time of day and mixed with other herbs as it brings a light and delicious flavor. The taste of chamomile isn’t overbearing and it can be airy and bright with just the hint of fruit and earth.
Even to this very day, chamomile is used for culinary cool, to sweeten the air, and as a healing remedy and essential oil both for the skin and when drinking as an infusion or in tea. We take a closer look at all the healing benefits that come with chamomile.
10 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Along with being a beautiful-tasting brew, chamomile tea also comes with a ton of health benefits too. There’s a reason why chamomile has been used so extensively in everything from skincare lotions to stress-busting recipes. This delicious little daisy gets to work on you from tip to toe.
From better heart health to a calm and cool digestive system, the end of stress and anxiety, and complete body, mind, and soul healing – there is so much to say about the bountiful benefits of chamomile. Let’s take a deeper dive into all the ways in which chamomile can cleanse you.
Soothe Skin Problems
Look at the ingredients on a whole host of creams and lotions to cool and soothe the skin and you may see chamomile listed. Studies have shown that chamomile has a positive effect when helping heal acne and other skin conditions too. Chamomile brings natural calm and can help your skin combat everything from acne to irritation, eye puffiness and so much more. It works on acne as it has high anti-inflammatory properties making it a dab hand at helping to prevent breakouts and can also help soothe skin irritations like eczema. For those with acne scars and irritated skin, do as the ancient Romans and Egyptians and use chamomile to calm and moisturize and encourage swift wound healing.
Chamomile tea is also a natural lightener for the skin meaning it can help those sleepy dark circles under your eyes fade away. We love that chamomile can also help keep your skin moisturized and well-protected from harsh UV rays. Chamomile tea is chock full of antioxidants too which get to work on free radicals which cause cell damage and speed up the signs of aging.
Aids Weight Loss
Pour yourself a cup of chamomile tea and let this delicate little flower get to work on fighting unwanted obesity. While weight loss is a larger issue for sorting with your medical professional if it's veering into unhealthy or risky territory, drinking chamomile tea can help to speed up your metabolism. It works by stimulating your gastric system and getting those juices flowing faster. These juices work by breaking down food and lead to faster digestion.
Improves Hair Health
Luscious shiny locks are waiting at the bottom of your cup of chamomile tea. Those rich anti-inflammatory compounds bring a calming touch to dry and itchy scalps. All those who struggle with dandruff will find that chamomile tea can be an excellent natural solution. Not only can chamomile tea boost your hair health and bring a shine when applied topically, but it can also work as a natural lightener. The lightening properties found in chamomile can drench your hair in sunshine. Bring brightness and shine to your hair by pouring cold chamomile tea onto your hair after showering and rinsing with water.
Manage Digestive Problems
Soothe your stomach and encourage healthy digestive flow with a cup or so of chamomile tea. The delicious blend of anti-inflammatory properties, reduction in bloating and stomach acid, and the fact that chamomile is a natural healer is sure to wash all those stomach issues away. Studies have shown that chamomile may help to protect against diarrhea and can also help to prevent stomach ulcers as it works by reducing stomach acid (which can contribute to the development of ulcers). If you want to get the best out of chamomile tea when it comes to your digestive system, you should sip a cup half an hour before you sit down to eat a meal.
Relieves Anxiety
One glance at the gorgeous little white and yellow flower is enough to pick you up but turn it into tea and chamomile goes even further when it comes to alleviating anxiety and helping to settle frayed nerves. Chamomile acts as a natural sedative that can quickly help put the mind and body at ease and help you to let go of spiraling thoughts and bodily tension. For these reasons, chamomile is a common aromatherapy choice for those who are suffering from an anxiety disorder and looking for herbal remedies to get them back on track.
A study back in 2012 returned amazing results. Over an eight-week period, participants with anxiety were given chamomile extract every single day. At the end of the study period, there was a whopping 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms from those who took part.
Chamomile tea can help raise serotonin levels in your body along with melatonin levels too. These two hormones work in harmony to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. The added benefits of less stress also mean that you are less likely to suffer from migraines and headaches too. As your body is more relaxed it will also help prevent muscle tension and is well known for reducing the pain associated with menstrual cramps and muscle spasms.
Promotes Better Sleep
Along with kicking out jangly nerves and putting you at perfect ease, sipping chamomile tea on the reg can also ensure you enjoy higher sleep quality. This is of course a natural side effect of lessening the grip of stress and anxiety, but it also contains a special antioxidant that can contribute to feelings of sleepiness. Apigenin is the antioxidant that binds to special receptors in your brain and reduces insomnia and other related problems.
Other studies have also shown that those who took chamomile extract twice a day for 28 days reported falling asleep faster and getting more quality shut-eye than those who didn’t take it. Those odds easily convince us to tuck up tight with a steaming cup of chamomile each night.
Improves Heart Health
Flushed with flavones (antioxidants found in chamomile tea), sipping a few cups of floral fresh chamomile tea a day can even help to improve your heart health. Not only do flavones reduce blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol (both of which will dramatically improve the health of your heart), but they also work by relaxing blood vessels and arteries. Chamomile tea is also an effective stress buster meaning that it can encourage better sleep and less tension in your life. All this is good news for your heart.
Immune System Booster
A strong immune system is essential if you want to fend off cold, flu, and virus season and this is where chamomile tea can be the perfect addition to your cupboard. This tea’s immune-boosting properties have been studied and as chamomile is said to raise your levels of Hippurate (a chemical that naturally boosts your immune system), you can be safe and snug in the knowledge that curling up with a cup of tea is helping to keep you strong and healthy.
The added value of a ton of antioxidants is also going to help as is the lowered stress levels. Studies have also shown that when we are stressed our body is an easier target for illness and viruses.
Promotes Bone Density
Keep your bones strong and happy with chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been studied for its anti-estrogen levels and a 2004 study uncovered the potential for this tea to promote healthy bone density. High levels of estrogen can be a contributing fact in osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women. As osteoporosis can lead to poor posture and brittle bones, sipping tea is an easy fuss-free solution that could help bone density.
Helps to Lower Blood Sugar
For all diabetics out there, chamomile tea has been studied and found to be a great supplement alongside traditional medical treatments for keeping your blood sugar under control. A study completed in 2008 returned results showing that consuming chamomile tea could have helped prevent blood sugar levels from rising.
A small study from Tabriz University observed a group of people with type 2 diabetes. Half the group were given chamomile tea every day during meals. The rest of the group had water instead. At the end of the eight-week period, those who consumed chamomile tea had significantly lower blood sugar levels than those who drank water.
Rising blood sugar can lead to long-term complications of diabetes so this is definitely welcome news for all those who love the taste of chamomile and want to keep their levels under control.
Possible Side Effects of Chamomile Tea
A pretty herbal flower that makes a light and airy tea and is loaded with health benefits – there is so much to celebrate about the ancient remedy that is chamomile. For most people, consuming chamomile tea is safe and sound and will deliver no adverse side effects. Those who don’t want to choose caffeinated tea can also enjoy a cup of chamomile without the worry.
There are a few people who need to check in with their medical professional before turning to chamomile tea and there are those who should not drink chamomile tea. Take a look at whether you make the list of those who may want to skip chamomile or check in with their doctor first:
- Those with a history of allergies to pollens (remember chamomile is a flower so chances are it could be contaminated with pollen from other plants too).
- Those who have previously had allergic reactions to chamomile products.
- Young children (like all-natural products, chamomile could have been open to botulism spores which adults can fight but children may struggle with).
- Certain medications may also be at odds with chamomile so always check in with your doctor to avoid complications before consuming chamomile tea.
- For those who have surgery lined up, you may also want to check in before consuming chamomile tea as it can work as a blood thinner.
- Pregnant people may also want to seek advice before drinking this tea.
How to Prepare Chamomile Tea
Dried flowers, boiling water, and the pure love of an easy tea ritual are all you need when it comes to making chamomile tea. Brewing up just one or two cups a day is all you need to reap those health benefits. Chamomile tea is equally delicious whether you have it hot and steamy as an evening ritual or shaken with ice for a light and refreshing summer drink. Here’s how to brew up the best chamomile tea.
- If you are using fresh flowers you will need an infuser or a reusable tea bag. Dried chamomile flowers should equal 1 teaspoon of heaped buds per eight ounces of water. Fresh flowers should be about 3 teaspoons for the same amount of water.
- Heat your water - but try not to boil it. Chamomile is a delicate brew and reacts best to hot water rather than boiling water.
- Add your chamomile flowers and steep for 3-5 minutes depending on your taste. Steeping for a full 3-5 minutes is the best way to get all those lush health benefits.
- Strain the flowers or remove the tea bag/infuser and add sweetener (if you like). We recommend local honey as a compliment.
- Sit back and relax with your tea or stash it in the refrigerator and let it chill for a couple of hours then serve over ice for a sweet summer drink.
- To add extra zest to your tea (iced or hot), try pairing it with lemongrass or orange. If you want to bring a touch of refreshment, drop in a few fresh mint leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chamomile Tea
After skimming the surface of all the amazing ways in which chamomile tea can help balance out your health and well-being, we are here to directly address all your chamomile tea queries so you can decide if it’s the right tea for you. Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about chamomile tea.
Is it OK to drink chamomile tea every day?
Yes! In fact, drinking a cup or two of chamomile tea every single day is the best way to make the most of its healing powers. When you work this tea into your routine, you are stacking up on incremental health benefits and all those antioxidants and other supplemental goodies can get to work on your body and build your immunity bit by bit.
When should I drink chamomile tea?
As a beautiful caffeine-free tea option, you can enjoy chamomile any time of day. We love curling up at night with chamomile tea as part of a bedtime routine. Because chamomile is great at fending off stress and encouraging sleep it’s a perfect remedy for part of your self-care sleep pattern.
How long does it take for chamomile tea to work?
If you are taking chamomile tea as a remedy for rest and sleep you may want to start sipping around 45 minutes before you plan to climb into bed. It normally takes the body around this amount of time to metabolize the tea and for the chemicals to be released into your body leading you down the pathway to a perfect slumber.
Does chamomile tea help to cure cancer?
Chamomile tea has been studied to see if it has any effect on cancer. While a long way from certainty, the studies did show that the antioxidant contained in chamomile tea known as apigenin can fight cancer cells when in a test tube setting. The cancer cells it seems to impact are uterus, prostate, breast, skin, and digestive system based. Another study showed that those who consumed chamomile tea several times a week were less at risk of developing thyroid cancer. Of course, plenty more research is needed before making absolute claims but the info collected so far is looking good.
Is chamomile tea good for pregnancy?
Some studies have shown that chamomile tea can stimulate contractions so pregnant people may want to avoid sipping this tea, especially in the first trimester. Outside of that, they should also be sure to check in with their medical professional as some of the anti-inflammatory properties may pose a slight risk during pregnancy.
Is it safe for kids to drink?
You should avoid giving chamomile tea to children. Just like honey and other naturally sourced products, chamomile may have been infected with botulism spores that are found in the environment. While adults can fend off the side effects of botulism, children may have more difficulty.
Wrap Up
There’s a reason some recipes and remedies stay with us for thousands of years and chamomile tea is one of them. From the riddle of the sphinx to medieval witch magic, the chamomile flower has been everything from a culinary flavor to a sweet scent and also a herbal medicine for wonder and wellness. Even today, high-quality chamomile tea brings its powerful touch to the body and the mind. This tea is awesome at reducing anxiety, soothing nerves, boosting the immune system, and keeping your heart and other organs in the best health possible. With little to no side effects, zero caffeine, and a delicate dreamy flavor, just getting into the habit of having a cup or two a day is enough to put your health and well-being on the right track.
**Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. Those who have any health-related queries should be sure to reach out to a medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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