Chamomile Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Chamomile tea
Credit: Nutrition Data/ Chamomile Tea

Chamomile herbs are pretty, little daisy-like flowers which have been traditionally used as therapeutic herbs for centuries. They belong to the Asteraceae family of the plant kingdom. The word chamomile was formed from two Greek words—“khamai” which means on the ground and “melon” which means apple. These flowers grow low on the ground and have an apple-like smell. They have mythological significance in some countries like Egypt and Germany.

What is chamomile tea? It’s simply chamomile flowers steeped in hot water, and typically used as a home remedy to soothe stomach inflammation or to help with sleep disorders. Chamomile tea benefits health in numerous ways and has topical applications as well. The extract of chamomile flowers can be applied on the skin as face wash, or on bruises and wounds. It can also be used as a mouthwash or hair rinse.

Studies have shown that there are two types of chamomile flowers that contribute to good health. They are German chamomile (Matricaria recutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Of the two, the German chamomile is more widely known and used. German chamomile is even recommended as a skin ointment to ease skin inflammation and kill bacterial infection. It is also used in tea or as a dietary supplement.

Chamomile Tea Nutrition Facts

Chamomile flowers, mostly German chamomile, are dried well before using them as supplements. Chamomile tea is made with the infusion of these flowers and is known to be healthy and caffeine-free.

According to researchers, a cup of chamomile tea contains only two calories and half a gram carbohydrates. According to the SELF Nutrition Data web site, 237 grams of chamomile tea contains a very low amount of sodium, cholesterol, and cholesterol.

Here are some nutrition facts about this tea.

Chamomile nutricion

Credit: Nutrition Data/ Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea does not have any sugars, dietary fiber, or protein. It contains small amounts of vitamin A, beta-carotene, folate, and choline. It contains nominal amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, sodium, and manganese. Despite its low nutrient content, chamomile has gained importance over the years as it has many medicinal properties.


9 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

If green tea is not your cup of tea, then you should try chamomile tea for its flavor and scent. It has a sweet, flowery taste and is loaded with excellent health benefits. Here are a few benefits of drinking this tea.

1. Helps with Digestion

Digestion problem

Chamomile tea is useful in treating digestive problems. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties, and has long been revered for its amazing effect on stomach disorders. It provides relief from irritable bowel syndromes like hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, and diarrhea, as well as motion sickness.

2. Cures Sleep Disorders

For a good night’s rest, drink chamomile tea for sleep time as it produces relaxing effects. It helps reduce agitation and anxiety. So, a cup of this tea before bed will help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar

Chamomile tea can help in blood sugar regulation. People with type-2 diabetes can benefit from chamomile tea.

Supposedly the herb controls the glucose level in the blood. Regular drinking of this tea will maintain a steady balance in the blood sugar levels by preventing sudden spikes and drops.

4. Boosts Immune System

Regular consumption of chamomile tea benefits the immune system and increases hippurate levels. Hippurate helps stimulate the immune system as it fights harmful bacteria in the body. This tea also helps with common colds or other viral infections.

5. Reduces Eczema

Due to its inflammatory properties, chamomile can be used to heal skin rashes from poison ivy, eczema conditions, and other skin inflammations. Apply chamomile topically on the infected areas.

6. Cures Headaches

Head ache

Wrap up a long day with a warm cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is known to induce soothing and relaxing effects. It can be used as a stress remedy and to ease off headaches as well.

7. Heals Mouth Sores

Those suffering from mouth sores can use chamomile-infused water as a mouth rinse. Chamomile has emollient properties that will provide relief in such conditions.

8. Improves Skin and Hair

Chamomile extract can be applied topically on wounds as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be used to clean the face and hair by applying it on the skin and scalp.

9. Reduces Spasms

Drinking this healthy tea reduces muscle spasms, stomach pains, and menstrual cramps. This is because of the presence of glycine (amino acid) which calms the nerves.


How to Make Chamomile Tea

Now, that we’ve discussed chamomile tea benefits, here are a few recipes that you can try.

Chamomile tea with mint

1. Mint Chamomile Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

3-4 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers
1 small, fresh sprig of mint
8 ounces boiling water

Directions

Take an infuser teapot and put fresh chamomile flowers and mint sprig in the infuser. Add about 8 ounces of water and place the teapot on medium heat.

Bring the water to a boil. Let the chamomile and mint steep for five minutes. Pour the contents through a fine strainer and enjoy it warm.

2. Chamomile-Honey Hot Toddy Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ounce (2 tablespoons) whiskey, bourbon, brandy, or dark rum
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup boiling hot water (or up to ½ cup, if you don’t like it strong)
1 chamomile tea bag
Lemon wheel, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix the liquor, lemon juice, and honey in a small cup. Add the concoction to a cup of hot water and stir until the honey dissolves well.

Next, put the chamomile tea bag in the cup and let it steep for a couple of minutes. Remove the tea bag (optional). Serve hot with lemon on the side.


Chamomile Tea for Babies

Chamomile tea is packed with the many health benefits, but can chamomile tea benefit babies? The answer is yes. Feed some chamomile tea or water to babies as they will only benefit from the goodness of the chamomile flower. Here’s how this tea will help your baby.

1. Alleviates Teething Pain

If your baby is teething and is constantly cranky because of the pain, give them a cloth soaked in chamomile tea and let them gnaw on it. The soothing properties of chamomile will help ease the pain.

2. Helps Them Sleep Well

Most of the time, babies are in a grouchy mood because of improper sleep. Since, chamomile helps induce sleep, let your baby sip some of this tea before bedtime. This will help them get a good night’s sleep.

3. Relieves Stomach Pains and Indigestion

Babies often suffer from stomach disorders like diarrhea, constipation, gas, and so on. In such cases, give your baby some chamomile tea. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile will help provide relief from such colic conditions. Further, it will improve the baby’s immune system too.


Side Effects of Chamomile Tea 

Chamomile is a herb with minimal side effects.

1. Allergic Reactions:

One of the side effect of chamomile tea could be allergic reactions. People who are sensitive to members of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, such as chrysanthemum or dahlia, are likely to get allergic reactions after drinking chamomile tea.

2. Interaction with Medications:

It’s advisable not to take this tea with blood thinning medications as chamomile is a natural blood thinner. Sometimes the compound of chamomile might not go well with certain medications.

3. Other Side Effects of Chamomile Tea:

Avoid drinking this tea if side effects like nausea occur. Furthermore, do not drink chamomile before activities like driving that demand steady attention. Avoid drinking chamomile tea if your are pregnant or planning to.

That being said, chamomile is a wonderful herb that is beneficial in most cases. Even in the absence of medical conditions, be sure to drink a cup of steaming chamomile tea daily before bed.


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Sources:

“Chamomile Tea: New Evidence Supports Health Benefits,” ScienceDaily web site; January 4, 2005; https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/01/050104112140.htm

Deckard, A., “13 Benefits of Chamomile Tea,” Healthy Focus web site, February 2, 2016; https://healthyfocus.org/13-benefits-of-chamomile-tea/, last accessed February 1, 2017