Chamomile tea is a natural remedy for many health problems. The nutrients it contains can help manage diabetes, menstrual pain, and insomnia, among other things.
Chamomile is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are two common varieties of chamomile that people often use for tea: German (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile). It produces small daisy-like flowers that people can dry and steep in water to make tea.
Chamomile contains chemicals called flavonoids. For most people, chamomile tea is generally safe and well tolerated. However, it may not be advisable for pregnant women or those with allergies to avoid chamomile tea.
Health benefits of chamomile tea:
1. Menstrual symptoms
A 2019 study shows that chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, sedative, and anti-anxiety properties help relieve anxiety and discomfort caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
2. Diabetes
Some studies have found that chamomile tea lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that chamomile may improve glycemic and lipid profiles as well as oxidative stress levels in people with diabetes and may reduce the risk of complications related to the condition.
However, the results do not show that chamomile is a viable replacement for diabetes medications.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk of bone fractures and stooped posture.
A 2022 study shows that chamomile helps prevent osteoporosis in rats. The antioxidant effects of flavonoids in chamomile could help prevent osteoporosis by reducing oxidative stress.
4. Inflammation
Inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to fight infection. Chamomile tea has compounds that can reduce inflammation. Long-term inflammation is linked to various health problems, including hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and depression.
5. Cancer
Some studies suggest that chamomile tea can target cancer cells or even prevent these cells from growing. Laboratory test results show that chamomile prevents the growth of glioma, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia.
6. Sleep and relaxation
Chamomile tea can help people relax and fall asleep. A 2019 review shows that after 2-4 weeks of chamomile treatment, people with generalized anxiety disorder saw an improvement in symptoms. Chamomile treatment can also improve sleep quality.
7. Cold
Some research suggests that chamomile supports the immune system. Additionally, drinking warm beverages such as chamomile tea can help relieve some of the common cold symptoms, such as a sore throat.
8. Mild skin conditions
Some research indicates that topical products containing chamomile help treat acne, repair sensitive skin, reduce skin dehydration. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antimicrobial properties. While chamomile tea can reduce inflammation, cosmetic options include lotions and soaps, writes medicalnewstoday.com.
Who should avoid chamomile tea?
For people with a history of severe allergies: Chamomile may not be safe. It can cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis.
People who have previously had an allergic reaction, even a mild one, to chamomile products should avoid chamomile, as allergic reactions can worsen over time.
Chamomile may interact with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
While chamomile may help relieve some symptoms during pregnancy, such as gastrointestinal irritation, evidence notes that regular use may increase the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage.
In infants and very young children, chamomile tea, similar to honey and other natural products, may contain botulism spores. Most healthy adults can fight off a botulism infection, but infants may not be able to.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms develop suddenly and include:
hives
swelling of the face or mouth
wheezing
rapid and shallow breathing
a fast heart rate
smooth skin
anxiety or confusion
dizziness
vomiting
blue or white lips
fainting or loss of consciousness
2023-11-10 15:15:01
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