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By Christine Ruggeri, CHHC
June 10, 2019
Considered to be one of the most ancient and versatile medicinal herbs known to mankind, dried chamomile flowers have numerous, widespread health implications thanks to their high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants like terpenoids and flavonoids.
Chamomile’s vital antioxidants are found in the plant’s potent oils and are the main contributors to its natural healing properties.
As an effective alternative medicine with almost no known negative side effects, chamomile has been used for nearly 5,000 years in standardized tea, herbal extract and cosmetic forms to promote tranquility, vitality, a youthful appearance and longevity.
What Is Chamomile?
Chamomile plants are a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. There are two common types of chamomile used medicinally today: German chamomile (chamomillarecutita) and Roman chamomile (chamaemelumnobile).
The chamomile plant is native to Western Europe and Northern Africa, but these days it’s grown all around the world in different temperate regions.
Records show that chamomile benefits have been recognized for centuries, with the herb being used both medicinally and cosmetically. Germans have used chamomile to resolve digestive issues since at least the first century, and records show that Egyptians worshipped the plant and dedicated festivals to its healing properties. Egyptian noblewomen were known to crush chamomile flowers and apply them to their skin to preserve their youthful glow and naturally slowsigns of aging.
Romans used chamomile as a medicinal herb to fight disease and promote longevity. Its healing qualities spread throughout Europe and eventually the British brought chamomile plants to North America. Doctors throughout Europe and in the early settlements of America included chamomile in their medicinal bags becauseit was able to reduce pain, inflammation, allergies and digestive issues. People also used it as a natural deodorant, shampoo and perfume.
Today, chamomile tea and herbal extracts are sold worldwide for human consumption.One cup of chamomile tea has two calories, two milligrams of sodium and no cholesterol.Chamomile is commonly used for improving many different health conditions, including:
- anxiety and depression
- seasonal allergies
- inflammatory conditions
- muscle spasms
- PMS symptoms and other menstrual disorders
- insomnia
- skin disorders
- ulcers
- wounds
- gastrointestinal disorders
- arthritis symptoms and rheumatic pain
- hemorrhoids
How can one herb do so much? Chamomile benefits our health by soothing the body, relieving mild pain, fighting skin irritations and helping to ease anxiety. Research also shows that drinking chamomile tea can help to improve sleep quality and fatigue, and even alleviate depression.
The list of ways that chamomile extract can be used is surprisingly long. Drinking chamomile tea is the most popular way to use this powerful herb. You can also diffuse chamomile essential oil at home, use the oil to soothe skin conditions. Chamomile extracts are also available and used to relieve digestive issues and promote liver detoxification.
Related: Linden Tea Benefits for the Body and Mind
Chamomile Benefits
1. High Source of Antioxidants
The main antioxidant components extracted from chamomile flowers are the terpenoid group of antioxidants, including chamazulene and acetylene derivatives. Because these delicate compounds are unstable, they’re thought to be best preserved in an alcoholic tincture or “essential oil” form.Other major constituents of the flowers include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids, including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin as well as various glucosides.
These compounds help to reduce inflammation by fighting free radical damage and preventing cell mutation. Chamomile benefits start with antioxidants that are associated with better immune function, lower rates of mood disorders, reduced pain and swelling, and healthier skin, hair, nails, teeth and eyes.
2. Fights Anxiety and Depression
Chamomile, whether in tea, tincture or essential oil form, is one the best medicinal herbs for fighting stress and promoting relaxation, according to research from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review. Inhaling chamomile vapors using chamomile oilis often recommended as a natural remedy for depressionand general anxiety, which is one reason why chamomile oil is a popular ingredient in many candles, aromatherapy products and bath-soaking treatments.
In extract form, chamomile is frequently used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety because its vapors travel directly to the olfactory part of the brain, turning off tension and reducing the body’s stress response. This is why practitioners use chamomile to effectively relieve symptoms of chronic anxiety and stress, including hysteria, nightmares, insomnia and various digestive problems.
Smells are carried directly tothe brain, and they serve as an emotional trigger. The limbic system evaluates the sensory stimuli, registering pleasure, pain, danger or safety; this then directs our emotional response, such as feelings of fear, anger and attraction. Our basic emotions andhormonal balanceare in response to the most basic smell. Scents area direct pathway to memory and emotion. Fragrances, like chamomile, relieve pain and generally affect personality and behavior. Research provesthat using oil fragrances isone of the fastest ways to achieve psychological results.
3. Improves Digestion
Believed to be a powerful digestive relaxant, chamomile can be used to treat various gastrointestinal disturbances, including gas, acid reflux symptoms, indigestion, diarrhea,anorexia, motion sickness, nauseaand vomiting. Chamomile extract can help shorten the course of diarrhea and colic in children as well as relieve symptoms associated with the conditions like pain and anxiety. Chamomile oil also contains anodyne compounds thatare anti-spasmodic, reducing cramping, constipationand other stomach pains.
Many of these benefits are due to chamomile’s natural relaxing effects. Because the brain and the gut communicate directly back and forth via the vagus nerve, a more relaxed mind can also help heal leaky gut, which can mean reduced symptoms of chronic conditions like leaky gut, IBS and other gut-related issues. Chamomile benefits include mellowing effects also make it a good choice for pregnant women in order to relax the digestive tract and act as a natural remedy for nausea.
4. Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Reducing Abilities
Chamomile is sometimes called an “herbal aspirin” since it’s been a popular home remedy for lowering pain for centuries. Chamomile flowers are used alone or in combination with other anti-inflammatory foods to reduce pain, congestion, swelling and redness. They’re effective at reducing facial swelling, skin irritations, toothaches, pain from infections and underlying issues of inflammation. This is the reason chamomile extract is commonly added to beauty products like facial or body lotions, toothpastes, and bath soaps.
A 2018 crossover study published in Neurological Science found that a chamomile gel was able to reduce migraine pain.Chamomile can also naturally lower pain associated with arthritis, injuries, back pain,fevers and pregnancy. In fact, its pain-reducing qualities are even used to soothe the body and mind after giving birth. For example, in some parts of the world like Mexico, chamomile tea is given to women after labor to relax their abdominal muscles and help them rest.
5. May Help Fight Cancer
Recently, several studies dug intothe anti-cancer activity of chamomile. Evidence shows positive effects of chamomile stopping cancerous tumor growth and acting as anatural cancer treatment. Inhibition of cancerous cells is believed to be due to chamomile’s antioxidants called apigenin, which are bioactive constituents that appear to help fight skin, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers.
In a recent study published by the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, chamomile extracts were shown to cause minimal growth inhibitory effects on normal healthy cells, but showed significant reductions in human cancer cells, especially androgen-refractory cells that often lead to prostate cancer.
6. Relieves Congestion
Because chamomile benefits include both fighting infections and reducing mucus congestion, it’s added to many nasal sprays. Chamomile tea is also a good choice when you’re sick and want tobeat a cold, the flu or sinus infection.
Studies indicate that inhaling steam with chamomile extract ishelpful in common cold symptoms. Some people even gargle chamomile tea or extract to fight inflammation of the mucous membranes and within the mouth and throat.
7. Promotes Skin Health
Suffering from breakouts or dry, irritated, aged, red skin? Try using chamomile oil mixed into lotion. Chamomile promotes smooth, healthy skin and relieves irritations thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Chamomile’s flavonoids and essential oils penetrate below the skin surface into the deeper skin layers of the skin, preserving its youthful appearance, completion and immune defenses. As a traditional medicine, it’s been used for centuries to treat wounds, ulcers,eczema, gout, skin irritations, bruises, burns and canker sores.
Today, we know chamomile benefits and uses go even further — it’s also useful for getting rid of signs of aging like dark spots and fine lines, reducing dandruff naturally, treating chickenpox quickly, and fading scars. Additionally, it makes a great natural diaper rash treatment and can even be used around the eyes to fight infections and sties.
8. Keeps Gum and Teeth Healthy
In addition to healing skin and the respiratory tract, chamomile benefits include the ability to fight various bacterial infections of the oral cavity, teeth and gums. Chamomile benefitshelp reduce pain associated with cancer sores, wounds and toothaches, plus they fight harmful bacteria that can live within the mouth.
A pilot study published in the Journal of Oral Science found that a mouthwash containing 1 percent chamomile extract effectively reduced biofilm accumulation and bleeding in patients with gingivitis. This was likely due to the herb’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
9. May Improve Heart Health
Recently, chamomile has been associated with providing cardiovascular protection. Because of its high level of flavonoids, chamomile consumed in foods is linked with a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease in elderly men.
One study published in The Lancet assessed the flavonoid intake of 805 men aged 65–84 years and found that higher flavonoid intake from foods and herbs was significantly inversely associated with mortality from coronary heart disease.
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How to Buy and Use
Today, chamomile is widely available and used in various forms, usually as a tea, essential oil, dry powder or tincture. Which type you want to buy depends on how you plan to use it.
Dry powder and extract forms of chamomile flowers are usually most recommended by traditional practitioners since these provide the most potent forms of chamomile’s antioxidants. If you come across chamomile powder, look for a product made with pure chamomile flower leaves (where the oils are held), but not fillers like the plant’s stems or roots. Extracts are also used to make chamomile capsules, which are often used to treat anxiety and sleep issues. The standard dosage for these types of conditions, which have been used in studies, is 220–1,100 milligrams per day, for about 8 weeks.
In most parts of the world, chamomile tea is the most popular way to enjoy the plant’s calming effects. You can find chamomile tea in nearly any grocery store, but look for organic, pure tea leaves to get the most benefits.
How many cups of chamomile tea can you drink in a day? Because chamomile’s oils aren’t very water-soluble, tea won’t have as strong of an effect as chamomile essential oil uses, powders or tinctures, but it can still help you to kick back and soothe your stomach after a long day. This means that you can drink one to four cups of chamomile tea per day.
If you want to use chamomile on your skin, in the bath or combined with other products you already have, look for chamomile extracts that contain about 50 percent alcohol and a standardized extract of 1.2 percent of apigenin (which is one of the most effective bioactive agents).
Chamomile essential oil can also be bought in health food stores and online. It’s an excellent remedy for solving skin issues and reducing pain, plus you can burn chamomile as an aromatherapy treatment to ease tension, relax and fall asleep easily.
Related: Butterfly Pea Flower Benefits + How to Use It
Recipes
Aside from drinking chamomile tea, here some simple ways to use chamomile essential oil around your home:
- Aromatherapy to reduce anxiety: Diffuse chamomile and lavender essential oils around your home to reduce feelings of stress and tension. They can also help you fall asleep easily.
- Heal irritated skin: Heal blistered skin by mixing two drops of tea tree oil and chamomile, and then apply to the blistered area up to five times per day. You can also make a jar of your own skin-healing oil with myHomemade Anti-Aging Serum; add 20 drops of chamomile oil to this recipe thatdelivers vital nutrients and hydration.
- Soothe a sunburn: Combine lavender or chamomile oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the skin with a cotton ball to reduce swelling and pain.
- Spiritual enlightenment: Diffuse chamomile with frankincense essential oil while praying, meditating or reading to increase spiritual awareness and relax your mind.
- Bathtub scrub: Mix a half cup of baking soda, half cup of vinegar and five drops of chamomile and bergamot oil together. Rub into your muscles and soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes to calm your mind and help soothe muscle aches. You can also get more ideas from my 10Detox Bath Recipes; add chamomile oil to any of these bath scrubs for a boost of health benefits.
- Nighttime face lotion: Apply two to four drops of chamomile, lavender and peppermint essential oil to your temples for a cooling effect, immediate relaxation and help staying asleep. Try making your own lotion using soothing essential oils; myHomemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion willtone, lift, heal and protect the skin — just add five drops of chamomile for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.
- Improve depression: To boost mood and relieve depression, add chamomile oil and rose essential oil to your baths, or inhale the mix and diffuse it throughout your home to improve your mood.
- Calm an upset child: Help soothe and calm children by adding lavender or chamomile oil to their stuffed animals or blankets.
- Relieve PMS: Mix two drops of chamomile, sage, basil and rosemary oils, and then apply to a warm, moist hand towel and apply to abdomen.
- Relieve motion sickness: Inhale chamomile, peppermint, lavender and ginger oilto reduce motion sickness.
- Achy muscle rub: Mix chamomile oil with eucalyptus, wintergreen and cypress oils, as well as an unscented lotion or coconut oil, and then rub it into sore or aching muscles.
In addition to these easy chamomile uses, you can try this DIY homemade body wash:
Most conventional body washes contain toxic chemicals. Instead, try this Homemade Body Wash recipe. It cleanses your skin and kills bacteria while providing nourishment and vitamins to keep it hydrated and healthy.
Total time: 2 minutes
Serves: 30
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2/3 cup liquid castile soap
- 30 drops lavender oil, chamomile or geranium essential oils
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E
- 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
- BPA-free plastic lotion dispenser or glass bottle with dispenser
Directions:
- Mix ingredients until smooth and store in 8-ounce plastic bottle.
Risks and Side Effects
Chamomile is recognized as “likely safe” when it’s taken in amounts found in food and “possibly safe” when it’s taken by mouth or applied to the skin for short periods of time.
If you’re going to use chamomile essential oil, remember that it’s meant to use topically on the skin, but not to ingest. Do a patch test first on a small part of your skin to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions to the plant’s oils before using in other applications.
Chamomile oil shouldn’t be used by anyone with existing seasonal allergy symptoms, such as allergies to ragweed or its relatives, since this can bring on allergic reactions. If you suffer from hay fever, frequent hives or dermatitis, it’s also a good idea to stay away from chamomile products or at least to talk to your doctor before using it on your own. What are the side effects of chamomile if you are allergic? You may experience sneezing, drowsiness, itching and respiratory issues.
People with a hormone-sensitive condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or cancers of the breast, uterus and ovaries should avoid using chamomile because it may act like estrogen in the body.
One other thing to note is that chamomile products are thought to be mild uterine stimulants, so if you’re pregnant, speak with a professional before ingesting chamomile extracts (mild chamomile tea shouldn’t cause any problems).
Final Thoughts
- Chamomile was used in ancient medicine 5,000 years ago. Since then, people across the world have valued this herb because of its therapeutic and medicinal properties.
- Chamomile makes you feel calm and at ease. It has mild sedative effects, helps to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and promote restful sleep. It also has antimicrobial properties and helps to fight infections.
- Chamomile is available in many forms, including as tea, extract, capsule, powder and essential oil.
- Can you drink chamomile tea everyday? It’s safe to drink chamomile tea daily, but women who are pregnant or have a hormone-sensitive condition should avoid chamomile unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
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FAQs
What are the side effects of chamomile? ›
Side effects are uncommon and may include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Rare cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) have occurred in people who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products.
What are the medicinal benefits of chamomile? ›Some research suggests that chamomile could help with other conditions, like diarrhea in children, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and insomnia. When used on the skin, chamomile might help with skin irritation and wound healing. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema.
Is chamomile toxic to liver? ›Hepatotoxicity. Despite widescale use, chamomile has not been convincingly linked to instances of clinically apparent liver injury. Likelihood score: E (unlikely cause of clinically apparent liver injury).
What are the benefits and side effects of chamomile tea? ›The most well known is that chamomile tea before bed can help you sleep better. Chamomile tea for anxiety and stress has also had positive side effects. As if it couldn't get any better, chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which leads to an entire other set of benefits.
Which disease does chamomile cure? ›TRADITIONAL USE OF CHAMOMILE
As a traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin irritations, bruises, burns, canker sores, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids, mastitis and other ailments (29, 30).
Roman chamomile is considered generally safe. Chamomile may make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it. Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage. If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
What does chamomile do to the brain? ›Chamomile is widely recognized as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. It is thought that chamomile may increase brain neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline) and thereby have positive effects on mood and anxiety.
Is chamomile good for your liver and kidneys? ›Chamomile Tea
It contains sesquiterpene lactone content which helps the liver clear its detoxification pathways. And, finally the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb further allows the body to effectively deal with the smooth functioning of the detoxification process.
Effect of chamomile tea on kidneys
Chamomile, on the other hand, may have more than a neutral effect on the kidneys. In a study, Animals with nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity that inhibits function) took chamomile, which improved kidney function. Chamomile also helps to prevent kidney damage caused by high-fat diets.
The following teas are considered safe for people with kidney disease: Mint (peppermint or spearmint) Ginger. Chamomile (Be aware that chamomile tea can make some people sleepy; it can be a good choice to drink late at night.)
Who shouldnt drink chamomile? ›
You shouldn't drink chamomile tea if you're taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin). The herb contains natural blood-thinning compounds that may exacerbate the effects of these medications. If you're pregnant or breast-feeding, you shouldn't use chamomile without your doctor's approval.
Can chamomile cause high blood pressure? ›Chamomile tea is a great tea for high blood pressure. Chamomile is a natural relaxant and can help to calm the mind and body. The tea can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
What happens if you drink chamomile everyday? ›Chamomile is safe to drink daily unless you're pregnant, have floral allergies, or are on medications such as cyclosporine (Restasis), in which case there may be adverse reactions.
What happens to your body when you drink chamomile tea everyday? ›Furthermore, chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants that may play a role in lowering your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Chamomile has properties that may aid sleep and digestion, as well. This article will discuss 5 potential health benefits of drinking chamomile tea.
Does chamomile thin blood? ›Chamomile Tea Potential Side Effects
Chamomile contains natural blood-thinning compounds that may present a risk for internal bleeding when combined with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, according to a July 2012 article published by Medical Principles and Practice.
Helps with digestion
A cup of chamomile tea after a rich meal can help to aid in digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Chamomile has been shown to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, ward off bloating and gas, and contribute to overall gastrointestinal health.
Chamomile-based sesquiterpenic compounds have been reported to be involved in a plethora of biological activities [48]. Chamomile has many health promoting effects including anti-allergic and anticancer activities [49].
Is chamomile good for gut bacteria? ›Most of us have heard of chamomile tea as a miracle cure for those suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders. The good news is this relaxing tea also helps to treat gut issues. That's because it contains prebiotics, which work well for the gut bacteria and help to tackle constipation.
Is it better to drink chamomile tea in the morning or at night? ›Although it can be consumed any time of the day, it is recommended to drink chamomile tea at night. Many people report its sleep-inducing benefits when drinking around 30 to 45 minutes before bed. This should give your body ample time to metabolize the tea and allow the sedative effects to start working.
Does chamomile affect memory? ›A control group drank hot water for comparison. They found that peppermint enhanced and aroused both mood and cognition, helping to improve long term memory, working memory and alertness, while chamomile had a calming and sedative effect which significantly slowed memory and attention speed.
Does chamomile calm your nerves? ›
Among alternative therapies for anxiety, chamomile has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for its calming effect. It is well tolerated and demonstrates pharmacological activity in animal models of anxiety.
Does chamomile increase serotonin? ›It also increases the secretion of serotonin and melatonin hormones in the body that alleviates symptoms of chronic anxiety and stress and treats disorders like hysteria, nightmares, and insomnia.
What are the 4 warning signs of a damaged liver? ›yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) swelling in the legs, ankles and feet caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema) swelling in your abdomen caused by a build-up of fluid known as ascites. a high temperature and shivering attacks.
Is chamomile tea good for cholesterol? ›The antioxidants known as flavones have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Regular Chamomile consumption can also help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Does chamomile tea cause kidney stones? ›Reduces stomach cramps. Calms the nervous system. Reduces the risk of kidney stones and gall bladder.
Is chamomile tea rich in potassium? ›Chamomile contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals, notably flavonoids which function as antioxidants. It also contains small amounts of minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, calcium, carotene and folate, among other nutrients.
What tea is best to cleanse the kidneys? ›Dandelion tea, red clover, goldenrod, juniper, marshmallow root, burdock root, and nettles. These herbs may act as diuretics, which helps flush out the kidneys and remove excess waste. Turmeric. This herb is thought to reduce urea, prevent inflammation in the kidneys, and help expel waste.
Is chamomile a diuretic? ›(Just keep in mind that, like any tea, chamomile is a mild diuretic so you may have to use the bathroom more often.)
Can camomile tea help diabetes? ›A study in 64 people with diabetes found that participants who drank 5 ounces (150 mL) of chamomile tea made with 3 grams of chamomile 3 times per day after meals for 8 weeks experienced significant reductions in HbA1c and insulin levels, compared with a control group ( 27 ).
Does chamomile increase estrogen? ›Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: German chamomile might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use German chamomile.
Does chamomile affect hormones? ›
Flavonoids, one of the most important compounds in chamomile, increase progesterone levels through their direct effect on the pituitary gland, so this plant can be effective in modulating premenstrual mood symptoms [24], also, the soothing and anti-anxiety effects of chamomile are due to the presence of compounds such ...
Is it good to drink chamomile every night? ›Drinking 1-2 cups of chamomile tea every day is completely safe. In fact, studies have shown that it is OK to drink up to 5 cups of chamomile tea a day.
Does chamomile calm your heart? ›In addition to relaxing blood vessels, chamomile can also have a calming effect on your body. As your body relaxes, your heart rate will slow and your blood pressure will decrease. This effect is temporary, but still provides a benefit to your blood pressure.
Can chamomile cause inflammation? ›Chamomile is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In the present study, we demonstrated that chamomile inhibits NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages, and showed that these effects are mediated through the inhibition of NF-κ B/Rel transcription factor.
Does chamomile raise blood sugar? ›It has shown to be an anti-inflammatory, astringent and antioxidant especially in floral part since ancient times. Recent studies reported that chamomile has potential to lower blood sugar levels in hyperglycemia.
How long does it take to feel the effects of chamomile? ›Chamomile tea is a safe and effective way to promote relaxation and sleep. It takes 30-45 minutes for the effects of chamomile tea to be felt, so drink it about 30 minutes before you want to go to bed. Chamomile tea is generally safe for most people with few side effects.
How many cups of chamomile should I drink a day? ›Chamomile tea is generally safe and well-tolerated. Like many herbal teas, it works best when you drink it regularly – it is fine and even encouraged to drink two-three cups a day.
Can chamomile tea cause blood clots? ›The researchers found that chamomile tea has an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent, and has the ability to help with blood clotting due to its anti-clumping agent.
Does chamomile deplete iron? ›5 They found that iron levels were not related to black, green, and herbal tea consumption, nor to type or strength of tea, infusion time, or time of tea drinking.
Does chamomile open blood vessels? ›Chemical compounds and antioxidants in chamomile tea works to open up blood vessels and reduce inflammation that can constrict and lead to pounding headaches and intense pain. The reduction in inflammation can also help to alleviate aches and pains such as muscle spasms and menstrual cramps (4).
What does chamomile do to the heart? ›
May Improve Heart Health. Chamomile tea is abundant in flavones, a class of antioxidants. Flavones have been studied for their potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important markers of your heart disease risk ( 17 , 18 ).
Is chamomile tea good for kidneys? ›Chamomile extract improves kidney damage associated with PCOS through antioxidant, testosterone-lowering, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Serum concentrations of urea and BUN may increase with Met therapy.
Does chamomile raise blood pressure? ›Chamomile tea is a great tea for high blood pressure. Chamomile is a natural relaxant and can help to calm the mind and body. The tea can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. Chamomile tea is easy to make and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
Is chamomile an anti-inflammatory? ›Chamomile is known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In the present study, we demonstrated that chamomile inhibits NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages, and showed that these effects are mediated through the inhibition of NF-κ B/Rel transcription factor.
What tea cleans your arteries? ›A compound found in green tea could help break up plaques that are linked to dangerous blockages, researchers suggest.
Is chamomile good for your lungs? ›Chamomile is a lung-protective herb that has been a part of certain clinical trials where it was witnessed to protect the lungs against the toxic effect of bleomycin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help a lot in treating the infections of the mucus membranes and respiratory tract.
Is chamomile a blood thinner? ›Brief Summary: Chamomile may possess anticoagulant effects based on the presence of coumarin-like compounds within the flower.
Can too much chamomile tea be harmful? ›Since chamomile tea contains caffeine, it is generally recommended to limit your intake to no more than four cups per day. Drinking more than this can cause side effects such as headaches, irritability and insomnia. Too much chamomile tea can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives.
What happens if you drink chamomile tea before bed? ›Good for sleep
Chamomile tea has a mild sedative effect that is great for inducing sleep. After you fall asleep, chamomile can help to improve sleep quality so that you wake up rested and refreshed. Chamomile has also been shown to help sleep quality problems associated with depression and other mental health issues.