Chamomile tea is a popular beverage that provides various benefits to the body as well as its natural taste. This tea, obtained by picking and drying chamomile flowers, is consumed as an alternative to green or black tea because it does not contain caffeine. The benefits of chamomile tea are that it contains different types of antioxidants.
Some of these antioxidants may play a role in reducing the risk of developing various diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Chamomile tea also has properties that can help the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and sleep. In this article, 5 potential health benefits of chamomile tea have been compiled for you in the light of scientific data. We wish you a pleasant reading.
The benefits of chamomile tea
Effects of chamomile tea on sleep quality
Chamomile tea is a unique drink that improves sleep quality. This feature of chamomile tea has been known since ancient medicine practices. Daisies contain an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to some special receptors that reduce sleeplessness in the brain and keep sleep coming. Apigenin may also be good for chronic insomnia.
In a study of 80 women who had just given birth, women were divided into two groups and one group regularly drank chamomile tea for two weeks, while the other group did not consume any tea. In the measurements made after two weeks, women in the group drinking chamomile tea reported better sleep quality compared to the group that did not consume this tea.
It also showed less depression and physical symptoms associated with sleep problems. In the measurements made two weeks after the consumption of chamomile tea stopped, no difference was observed between the two groups. This makes us think that chamomile tea has an effect throughout its life and has no prolonged effect.
Another study found that people who consumed 270 mg of chamomile extract twice a day for 28 days were 1/3 less awake at night and slept 15 minutes faster than those who did not consume the extract.
While these findings are promising, more clinical studies are needed to determine the extent of the effects of chamomile tea on sleep. Nevertheless, drinking chamomile tea before going to bed is a method that people who have problems such as falling asleep and waking up should try.
Effects of chamomile tea on the digestive system
The intestines are like the second brain of the body, and therefore a regular digestive system is extremely important for overall health. Chamomile tea has traditionally been used to treat various digestive ailments, including nausea and gas.
Studies that have not been repeated in the clinical setting, but only on animals, suggest that chamomile helps a healthier digestion, reducing certain risks of gastrointestinal disease.
For example; Several studies on mice have found that chamomile extract has the potential to protect against diarrhea. This benefit is thought to be due to the anti-inflammatory properties that chamomile has. In another study in rats, chamomile found it effective in helping prevent stomach ulcers.
Chamomile can reduce the acidity of the stomach and prevent the growth of bacteria that contribute to the development of ulcers. Despite these findings, more clinical research is needed to confirm the role of chamomile in the digestive system.
Potential protection of chamomile tea against certain types of cancer
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant, as mentioned earlier. In laboratory experiments on cell culture, apigenin has been shown to specifically fight digestive system, breast, skin, prostate and uterine cancer cells.
Also, in a study of 537 people, those who drank chamomile tea 2 to 6 times a week were significantly less likely to develop thyroid cancer than those who did not drink chamomile tea.
While these findings are promising, clinical trials need to be conducted with a higher number of people to draw conclusions about the role of chamomile tea in cancer prevention.
The benefits of chamomile tea on blood sugar control
Drinking chamomile tea can help lower blood sugar levels. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties found in chamomile tea can fight against pancreatic cell damage that occurs when blood sugar levels rise chronically. Since the pancreas produces insulin, the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar, it is an organ that is extremely important to keep healthy in diabetes.
In a study of 64 diabetic people, the study participants consumed water or chamomile tea daily for eight weeks. As a result of the study, those who consumed chamomile tea had lower blood sugar levels than those who consumed water.
Animal experiments, other than human studies, also show that chamomile tea significantly reduces fasting blood sugar levels and prevents blood sugar increases after meals. Although most of the evidence for chamomile tea’s role in controlling blood sugar is based on results from animal studies, the results are promising.
Effects of chamomile tea on heart health
Blood pressure (blood pressure) and cholesterol are important markers of heart disease. It was investigated how flavono, a good antioxidant, found in chamomile tea, affects these markers.
In a study involving 64 diabetic patients; LDL cholesterol levels, known as total cholesterol, triglyceride and bad cholesterol, have been found to be significant improvements compared to those who drink water.
Although more research needs to be done to confirm the role of chamomile tea in improving heart health, it is useful to add it to the daily diet until these effects are proven.
Other potential benefits of chamomile tea
The following benefits of chamomile tea are based on traditional methods and are not supported by scientific research:
Strengthening the immune system
Another application recommended in traditional treatments is to drink chamomile tea to prevent and treat colds. However, there is no clinical study that chamomile tea prevents or heals colds more quickly. Some people stated that chamomile tea is good for sore throats.
Alleviating anxiety and depression
There is some evidence that chamomile extract can reduce the severity of anxiety and depression, but it is mostly based on its use or supplement, rather than tea.
Improving skin health
Cosmetic products such as soaps, lotions or eye creams can contain chamomile extract. These types of products have been reported to be moisturizing and to reduce or improve inflammation in the skin.
Prevent bone loss
Some experts claim that chamomile tea may play a role in preventing bone loss, which causes conditions such as osteoporosis, but scientific evidence on this topic is weak.
The lack of evidence about these health claims does not mean they are wrong. These claims can be proven by appropriate clinical research in the future.
Side effects of chamomile tea
Drinking chamomile tea poses no risk for most people, but individuals who are allergic to plants such as ragweed and chrysanthemums from the camomile family may also develop a daisy allergy. Also, cosmetics containing chamomile can cause irritation if they come in direct contact with the eyes. Moreover, this irritation can lead to conjunctivitis.
The safety of drinking chamomile tea in young children, pregnant or lactating women, and people with liver or kidney disease has not been studied. Therefore, if you or a relative has these features, a doctor should be consulted before drinking chamomile tea. To date, there are no reports of drinking chamomile tea causing life-threatening side effects or toxicity.
We wish you healthy days.
