Admit it, when you say you’re buying an herbal tea, you’re usually going for chamomile tea.
Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of chamomile, which may be Roman Chamomile or German chamomile. There are several other species of chamomile but these two are the most common while making chamomile herbal tea.
- Chamomile tea may be used as a mouthwash to reduce oral inflammation.[1]
- Inhaling steam of chamomile tea can help in relieving common cold.
- The flavonoids found in chamomile tea may help men with coronary heart disease.[2]
- Chamomile tea, when taken with added herbs such as vervain, fennel etc., eliminated the symptoms of colic in 57% of the infants.
- Subjects who drank chamomile tea for two weeks were found to have increased anti-bacterial activity in their body.[3]
| Chamomile Tea Recipes |
|---|
| How to make chamomile tea? |
| Chamomile Iced Tea Recipe |
Why is it Effective?
Chamomile is a traditional medicine that has been used for centuries. Its infusions and preparations have been used widely to treat various health problems, from stomach cramps to common cold.
The terpenoids and flavonoids found in the dried flowers of chamomile give it its medicinal prowess. The principal compounds in chamomile are bisabolol and azulene.
Bisabolol is a colorless, oily liquid which is known to have astringent, anti-irritant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. This gives chamomile tea its skin healing powers.
Similarly, azulene also possess anti-inflammatory properties, because of which, chamomile tea can help in reducing skin inflammation.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Have trouble falling asleep? Have a cup of chamomile. Drinking chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep. Chamomile has mild sedative properties which is believed to relieve insomnia.
A cup of chamomile tea may also be just what you need when you’re feeling anxious.
Chamomile tea is especially used to relieve problems of the stomach. You can drink chamomile tea if you are suffering from gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and gas.
How to Make Chamomile Tea?
Brewing yourself a chamomile tea is a no big deal. All you need to do is steep the dried chamomile flowers in hot water for a few minutes and voila! Your chamomile tea is ready to be served.
What You’ll Need
- 2-3 tsps. of dried Roman or German chamomile (You can also buy chamomile tea bags from the grocery store)
- Hot water
- A strainer
- Honey or lemon juice
Directions
- Put the dried flowers into a cup.
- Pour hot water over the flowers.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Using a strainer, separate the prepared tea into another cup.
- Serve with honey or lemon juice.
Using chamomile tea bags? Don’t throw them away! You can use these tea bags to remove swollen or puffy eyes.
Things to Consider
The FDA has classified chamomile as GRAS i.e. generally recognized as safe. However, there are some things you should consider before drinking or using chamomile tea.
- Chamomile is an herb, so it may have side effects when mixed with medications such as anti-coagulants and sedatives.
- Do not drink chamomile tea if you have a ragweed or daisy allergy.
- When taken excessively, it can cause vomiting.
- Pregnant women should avoid chamomile tea as it has been linked to causing miscarriages.
