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In his writings, the famous physician, Hippocrates, referred to the chamomile plant and its traditional use for treating headaches and fevers. But he wasn’t the first to extol the benefits of this close cousin to the daisy. The earliest recorded use of chamomile dates back to 1550 B.C.E. when it was featured in Ebers Papyrus, a revered medical papyri of ancient Egypt.
Since those ancient times, this bright little perennial plant has been a staple among Ayurvedic practitioners. From skincare to digestive health, chamomile is revered as a wonder herb with considerable uses, especially for balancing the pitta dosha.
The pitta dosha represents the body’s heat energy which expresses itself in metabolism. Chamomile is a calming herb that offsets the pitta dosha’s fire energy, cooling the body and mind. Keep reading to learn more about chamomile and the seven surprising benefits of chamomile tea.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile, also called camomile, is a daisy-like perennial plant belonging to the aster family with characteristic white petals radiating from a bright yellow center. Often used for herbal teas, the dried flowers contain flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to their many medicinal properties.
Chamomile is native to eastern and southern Europe and parts of Asia. As its popularity grew, it was cultivated in many lands around the world and is now found in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and North Africa.
What does Chamomile tea taste like?
The name ‘chamomile’ is derived from two Greek words, kamai–melon, which means ‘earth-apple.’ In Spanish, the word for chamomile is ‘manzanilla’ or ‘little apple.’ True to its name, chamomile has a simple fruity, apple-like taste accompanying its sweet, full-bodied fragrance. It has a light, airy aroma that is calming and soothing, making it the perfect infusion to enjoy as the day winds down.
Does Chamomile tea have caffeine?
Known for its relaxing and soothing properties, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine free. You won’t need to worry about afternoon jitters or sleepless nights when you drink chamomile tea. It imbues a quiet, lulling, muscle-relaxing effect, making it a natural way to prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep.
Can you drink Chamomile tea every day?
Absolutely! Chamomile tea is generally well-tolerated by most people to drink daily — even multiple times a day! Most people can safely enjoy three to four cups per day; however, if you have allergies to plants within the daisy family, you’ll want to use caution.
Whether or not you savor the sweet, honeyed taste of chamomile tea once a day or many times, you’re providing your body with an ancient herbal infusion that is good for both the body and the soul. Keep reading to discover the seven surprising benefits of chamomile tea you won’t want to miss out on.
7 Benefits of Chamomile Tea
1. Chamomile tea promotes relaxation
Chamomile tea contains a bioflavonoid called apigenin that promotes relaxation by reducing stress levels. Savoring a hot cup of chamomile tea in the evening can help soothe tension and calm an agitated mind.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, chamomile tea is known for its calming and soothing effects on a tense kapha mind. The mild fruity aromatic characteristics relax and rejuvenate the nervous system, allowing tensed muscles to decompress and an overactive mind to quiet.
2. Chamomile aids healthy sleep quality
Since ancient times, Ayurvedic practitioners have known the benefits of drinking a strong cup of chamomile tea to support healthy sleep cycles. Not only can the warm infusion help you fall asleep faster, but it can also deepen the restfulness and the quality of your sleep.
Chamomile boasts over 120 bioactive compounds, including apigenin, luteolin, and bisabolol, which all have antioxidant properties. Savoring a warm beverage before bed helps promote relaxation and may reduce blood pressure in preparation for a well-rested night.
3. Chamomile supports a healthy inflammatory response
Most people don’t know that the chamomile flower contains a small amount of essential oil with the ability to support a healthy inflammatory response. Not only that, but this essential oil also includes a variety of flavonoids and phytochemicals that function as antioxidants.
In fact, chamomile has been used traditionally for centuries to soothe mild issues like skin irritations and sores. Ancient Egyptians and Romans crushed chamomile flowers to make creams and salves to treat skin issues.
Today, chamomile is still used in botanical lotions and creams. It is often combined with lavender for a tranquil, soothing salve. Can you imagine a better way to calm the skin and support your body’s natural inflammatory response?
4. Chamomile supports a healthy immune system
When it comes to maintaining immune health, most people gravitate toward eating healthy, nutritious meals and taking supplements. But did you know that chamomile tea may benefit your immune system?
Chamomile tea contains flavonoids and other compounds that may help defend your body from internal invaders. And while further research is needed, there is some indication that inhaling steam from chamomile extract has helped sinus health and normal, healthy breathing.
6. Chamomile provides benefits for healthy skin
In the skincare world, the chamomile flower is a mighty little plant for delivering tremendous benefits for healthy skin. One of the most beneficial compounds in the chamomile flower is a flavonoid called quercetin which is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-aging capabilities. Quercetin promotes and aids cell regeneration by removing the free radicals responsible for cellular damage in the skin. The result is beautiful, youthful-looking skin.
Along with the benefits of drinking chamomile tea, this herbaceous flower has many benefits for topical use. For instance, chamomile tea bags are provide DIY pampering for tired eyes. Simply steep two chamomile tea bags in hot water and let them cool to room temperature. Next, gently squeeze out the excess water and place one tea bag over each eyelid for up to fifteen minutes.
5. Chamomile aids digestion
Along with its calming qualities, chamomile tea is also a powerful digestive. It has been shown to work as a carminative, reducing uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating.
Its bitter yet aromatic flavors blend flawlessly while the bioflavonoids gently flow through the intestines to stimulate digestion and expel trapped gas. Chamomile is often combined with other digestive stimulants, like ginger, to fire up a sluggish digestive tract.
If you’ve struggled with digestive issues, drinking chamomile tea after a particularly rich meal can help support digestion and improve your overall gastrointestinal health.
7. Chamomile facilitates metabolic health
Herbs, herbal tonics, and infusions have been known to be helpful for healthy metabolism. While chamomile may not be as popular as Turmeric, Ashwagandha, or Ginger, it holds its own when it comes to providing metabolic support.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that chamomile may regulate the absorption of carbohydrates. In one study, chamomile extract seemed to support endogenous insulin sensitivity of insulin-resistant mice.
Research also showed that chamomile tea supported already healthy blood sugar levels. What does this mean for you? Drinking chamomile tea with your meal may support already healthy metabolism and provide more sustained energy.
Soothe Your Body and Mind With Organic Chamomile Tea
As you can see, chamomile tea is more than just a comforting way to end the day. This versatile tea offers a variety of health benefits that can improve both your physical and spiritual well-being.
A simple mug of sweet and soothing chamomile tea is a boon to your wellness, from promoting relaxation and supporting sleep to aiding digestion and supporting your immune system. With an assortment of infusions to try, it’s easy to find a brew that will help you experience one or more of the seven surprising benefits of chamomile tea.
At ORGANIC INDIA USA, we have a variety of organic chamomile infusions to enhance your evening tea ritual. Choose from our simple Tulsi Honey Chamomile blend to calm the mind, Tulsi Sleep infusion for restful sleep, or Tulsi Sweet Rose with its light, balanced floral flavor. Why not add this herbal hug to your daily routine?