This goes without saying that tea is a popular beverage across the globe. Depending upon how the tea leaves are processed, one gets to enjoy the widest variety of flavours and aromas. But whatever the type and variety, the health benefits of tea are pronounced. Chamomile tea is an ancient remedy to cure several health conditions. But how? Let’s explore all the facts about this tea!
About Chamomile Tea
Unlike green and black teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant, chamomile tea comes from the daisy-like flowers of the chamomile herb that belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. The flowers of the herb are dried before they are used as tea. Ancient medicine used chamomile for its unmatched healing properties. Furthermore, chamomile tea is naturally rich in plant-based compounds – undoubtedly a powerful health drink.
Chamomile Tea Nutrition
Chamomile tea is a healthy beverage. Unlike other teas, it is a caffeine-free drink which is rich in some powerful antioxidants. Every 250 ml serving of brewed chamomile tea contains:
- Calories – 2.37
- Protein – 0 gm
- Total Fat – 0 gm
- Carbohydrate – 0.47
- Fibre – 0 gm
But what makes chamomile tea healthy is its rich micronutrient and antioxidant content. Chamomile tea contains:
- Calcium – 4.74 mg
- Iron – 0.19 mg
- Magnesium – 2.37 mg
- Potassium – 21.33 mg
- Zinc – 0.09 mg
- Copper – 0.04 mg
- Manganese – 0.1 mg
- Vitamin A – 47.4 mcg
- Carotene, beta – 28.44 mcg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – 0.01 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – 0.03 mg
- Folate – 2.37 mcg
- Fatty acids – 0.01 gm
Chamomile Tea Benefits
There are several benefits of drinking chamomile tea. Listed below are the science-backed health benefits of chamomile tea:
1. Improves Sleep Quality
Unlike other teas, chamomile tea does not contain caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulator that activates the central nervous system, inducing alertness. To top it up, chamomile tea contains apigenin, an antioxidant that connects to sleep receptors in the brain. This reduces the risk of insomnia and promotes healthy sleep.
2. Improves Digestive Health
Good digestive health holds the key to overall well-being. Chamomile tea contains powerful plant compounds that promote digestion. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of chamomile tea reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. Naturally soothing for the stomach, it is a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal conditions like acidity, nausea, etc.
3. May Help Protect Against Cancers
Chamomile tea contains high amounts of antioxidants, the compounds that fight free radicals in the body and help reduce oxidative stress. Increased count of free radicals and high oxidative stress are linked to a heightened risk of developing cancer. Research shows that chamomile tea benefits are most pronounced in reducing the risk of breast cancer, digestive tract cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, uterus cancer, and thyroid cancer.
4. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea restrict the damage caused to the cells of the pancreas, a condition that leads to chronically elevated blood sugar levels. As the pancreas is important for the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar, drinking chamomile tea regularly promotes the health of the pancreas, in turn regulating blood sugar levels.
5. Helps Improve Heart Health
Chamomile tea contains high amounts of flavones, a class of antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, the two markers of heart disease. Drinking chamomile tea reduces the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol while increasing the level of ‘good’ cholesterol. This eliminates the plaque build-up in the arteries, reducing pressure on the heart and resulting in improved heart health.
6. Boosts Natural Immunity
Chamomile tea’s antioxidant compounds cut down inflammation in the body tissues. Its antimicrobial properties fight harmful bacteria. These properties of chamomile tea strengthen the body’s natural defence formula and safeguard the body from environmental infections.
7. Treats Cold Symptoms
The benefits of drinking chamomile tea include effective treatment against cold symptoms. Sipping on a cup of hot chamomile tea also promotes steam inhalation which reduces nasal congestion. The warm fluids also help provide relief from a runny nose and sore throat.
8. Reduces Menstrual Pain
Chamomile tea has potent pain-relieving and antispasmodic properties. This helps reduce muscle spasms. Chamomile tea benefits menstrual pain as it relaxes the uterus during a menstrual cycle. Chamomile tea extracts decrease the production of prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance that leads to inflammation and pain.
9. May Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition marked by progressive loss of bone density. This increases the risk of bone fracture. The problem is typically high in women after menopause as oestrogen deficiency sets in. But chamomile tea has anti-estrogenic effects. The compounds in chamomile tea boost the activity of osteoblasts, cells that synthesise and coordinate the mineralization of the bones. This strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
10. Reduces Stress
Chamomile tea does not contain caffeine. Instead, the plant compounds in chamomile tea have natural sedative properties that help relieve anxiety and stress. Drinking chamomile tea relaxes muscle spasms, which has a calming effect on the body and mind.
11. Aids Weight Loss
Chamomile tea weight loss benefits are quite evident. Compounds in chamomile flowers reduce stomach bloating and stimulate weight loss. Chamomile tea contains high amounts of calcium, potassium and flavonoids which make it a perfect detox drink. As the body eliminates toxins and excess water, it results in effective weight loss.
Chamomile Tea Benefits for Skin
Thanks to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties chamomile tea is great for wound healing. Chamomile extracts are also added to lotions, eye creams, soaps, and other cosmetic products as they help moisturise the skin. The herb also possesses medicinal value and is effective in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
The most noted chamomile tea benefits for the skin are:
1. Lightens Skin Colour
The antioxidants in chamomile tea have natural bleaching properties. It helps bleach the skin and lightens the complexion.
2. Safeguards from Sunburns
Sunburns are caused due to exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Chamomile tea through its antioxidants helps soothe the skin and aids in faster recovery.
3. Reduces Acne
The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of chamomile tea can effectively control acne outbreaks. Chamomile benefits the skin as it helps fade acne spots and pimple scars, promising a healthy glow.
4. Anti-Ageing Treatment
The rich concoction of antioxidants in chamomile tea benefits the skin. They fight the free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. This protects the skin from early damage. Chamomile tea accelerates the process of cell and tissue regeneration. This helps tighten skin pores and slows down the process of ageing.
5. Reduces Under Eye Circles
The topical application of chamomile tea works wonders for the skin around the eyes. Its natural skin-bleaching properties lighten dark under-eye circles. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory property reduces puffiness and antioxidants help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Chamomile Tea Side Effects
A strong concentration of chamomile tea can have side effects. These may include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
People who are allergic to chamomile products or other plants in the daisy family can experience a severe allergic reaction.
The topical application of chamomile extract can irritate the eyes and cause allergic eczema. Therefore it must not be used in people who are allergic to chamomile. It is important to start with a low dose of mildest chamomile tea concentration.
Chamomile Tea Risk Group
Chamomile tea is not recommended for the following group of people.
- People prone to allergic reactions
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- People with liver or kidney disease
- People on sedatives and blood thinners
Also, the results of the long-term use of chamomile tea are not known. Therefore, it must not be consumed regularly.
Conclusion
Chamomile tea is a healthy beverage. Its rich taste and pleasant aroma make it a comforting drink. But it is preferred for its health benefits. Chamomile tea contains a unique composition of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that make it a potent health drink. The health benefits of chamomile tea are primarily associated with its high antioxidant content. These protect the body from heart ailment, and cancer and slow down the skin’s natural ageing process. The zero-caffeine formula is soothing for the brain. The chamomile tea benefits for the skin are also well-pronounced. But high intake of chamomile tea can have side effects. Also, chamomile tea can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the chamomile plant.
