Drinking chamomile tea provides a variety of health benefits. Although research on the effects of chamomile prepared as a tea is limited, studies conducted using chamomile extract or other forms of chamomile suggest that the herbal tea has health benefits, including: It has been suggested that this is possible.
May support better sleep
Some people drink chamomile tea before bed to relax and get better sleep. Chamomile contains a variety of compounds such as apigenin (a type of flavonoid naturally found in plants that acts as an antioxidant), and these compounds have a calming effect and support relaxation. It reduces anxiety and helps you fall asleep, says Monisha Bhanot, MD. Integrative medicine physician based in Jacksonville, Florida.
A small study in 2017 found that Complementary therapies in medicine It was found in a sample of 60 older adults that participants who took 200 milligrams of encapsulated chamomile extract twice a day experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality after 28 days. Meanwhile, a large review of 12 studies found that Phytotherapy research The researchers conclude that chamomile may be a safe and effective option for improving both sleep quality and anxiety symptoms, but the researchers say further research is needed to confirm these benefits. It points out that.
May reduce digestive problems
Consuming chamomile tea may improve digestive problems such as diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and other gastrointestinal disorders. According to herbalist and author Holly Belbuono, the tea’s mild bitterness may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion as well as gently stimulate digestion. Prescription guide for herbalists.
Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that chamomile drops helped reduce bloating in patients after cholecystectomy surgery. Researchers note that this response may be due to chamomile’s ability to reduce inflammation and relax smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Further studies are required to confirm these properties.
May relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Drinking warm herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, may reduce PMS symptoms, says Belbuono. Chamomile can help reduce anxiety and bloating, and soothe an upset stomach. “While drinking warm chamomile tea” [may also] Relieves inflammation, pain and spasms in the pelvis.This is especially helpful [for] Menstrual pain. ”
A 2021 review of seven studies found that chamomile can help reduce menstrual pain and reduce bleeding associated with PMS. Another study of 118 participants found that those who took 250 mg of chamomile capsules every eight hours had less severe psychotic symptoms associated with PMS compared to those who took a placebo. got it.
May improve blood sugar control
Dr. Bhanot said chamomile tea may help regulate blood sugar levels because it contains compounds such as apigenin and quercetin, which have been shown in preliminary studies to lower blood sugar levels. He pointed out that there was. “Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are [also] “It indirectly contributes to improved blood sugar regulation by addressing insulin resistance and oxidative stress (cell damage caused by harmful compounds called free radicals),” she explains.
2016 survey in nutrition Drinking chamomile tea three times a day for eight weeks can lower insulin levels, improve insulin resistance, and lower hemoglobin A1C levels (the average blood sugar level over time) in people with type 2 diabetes. found. Additionally, a review of 15 studies found that chamomile may protect against oxidative stress and diabetes-related complications, including kidney and liver problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetic nephropathy. Did.
May promote heart health
“Chamomile tea’s bioactive compounds offer potential benefits for heart health,” Dr. Banault said, adding that chamomile may help reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. I’m explaining. Research suggests these effects may be due to the presence of flavonoids in tea, which may support heart health.
A 2015 study that looked at the effects of drinking chamomile tea three times a day for eight weeks in 64 people with type 2 diabetes found that participants’ hemoglobin A1c and insulin levels improved, and total and LDL decreased. A significant decrease was reported. Cholesterol levels and triglycerides. On the other hand, a 2017 study found that plant medicine When evaluating the benefits of chamomile for generalized anxiety disorder, researchers observed that consuming 1,500 milligrams of chamomile extract daily significantly reduced arterial blood pressure and body weight in participants after 12 weeks.
