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Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, controlling the production of stomach acids and helping to combat nausea, poor digestion and gas, and prevent conditions such as gastritis and gastric ulcers.
In addition, chamomile tea also contains apigenin, a bioactive compound that has relaxing properties and is indicated to help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Chamomile tea can be prepared using the dried flowers of the plant or using sachets, being sold at fairs, supermarkets and natural products stores, and can be prepared only with this plant or combining other plants, such as fennel and mint, for example.
The main he alth benefits of chamomile tea are:
1. Improve sleep
Chamomile tea has calming and relaxing properties, because it has a flavonoid called apigenin, a bioactive compound that acts on the central nervous system promoting a tranquilizing and sedative effect, improving sleep. Discover other natural teas that also improve sleep.
2. Relieve stomach problems
Chamomile has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve stomach problems such as nausea, heartburn and poor digestion.
Also, thanks to its antimicrobial properties, chamomile tea can help prevent the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is a bacterium related to gastritis and the appearance of stomach ulcers.
3. Preventing some types of cancer
Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can help prevent the emergence of some types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, thyroid and ovary, for example.
Some studies [1, 2, 3] indicate that chamomile prevents the emergence of some types of cancer because it contains apigenin, a bioactive compound that causes cell death carcinogenic.
4. Prevent heart disease
Chamomile tea is rich in luteolin, quercetin and esculetin, antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of fat cells, helping to balance the levels of total cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol, LDL, in the blood, preventing, thus, the emergence of diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Furthermore, the flavonoids present in chamomile tea also promote the elasticity and he alth of the arteries, improving blood circulation and helping to prevent high blood pressure.
5. Help treat anxiety and stress
Chamomile tea can help in the treatment of anxiety, stress and hyperactivity, because it contains apigenin, a flavonoid that calms the central nervous system and decreases the levels of cortisol in the body, a hormone that is related to stress. Discover other teas that help in the treatment of anxiety and stress.
6. Control diabetes
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect pancreas cells against free radicals, helping to control blood insulin levels, making it a great choice to help control diabetes.
However, it is important to emphasize that chamomile tea is only a supplement and should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor.
7. Relieve menstrual cramps
Chamomile tea has analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that decrease muscle contraction, helping to relieve menstrual cramps.
In addition, chamomile also has bioactive compounds that promote the relaxation of the central nervous system, relieving the symptoms of premenstrual tension, such as irritability, anxiety and insomnia.
8. Helping in the treatment of candidiasis
Chamomile tea contains flavonoids and alpha-bisabolol, bioactive compounds with antifungal properties, which help in the treatment of candidiasis, relieving the symptoms of itching, irritation and pain. See how to use chamomile to fight candidiasis.
9. Promote skin he alth
Chamomile tea is great for the skin because it helps soothe and fight the growth of bacteria, helping to treat conditions such as allergies, dermatitis, sunburn, wounds and eczema. Learn how to use chamomile tea on the skin.
How to make chamomile tea
To make chamomile tea, just add 150 ml of boiling water and 0.5 to 4 g of dehydrated chamomile flowers to a cup. Cover, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink up to 4 cups of tea a day.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Possible side effects with consumption of chamomile tea are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive sleep.
Chamomile tea is not suitable for people with allergies to chamomile and plants from the daisy family, such as ragweed, daisy and chrysanthemums. This tea is also not suitable for babies under 6 months, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
Also, people using anticoagulants, sedatives, pain relievers or other medications should speak to a doctor before drinking chamomile tea, as this plant can alter the effects of some medications.
Recipes with chamomile tea
Chamomile teas can be prepared using only dried chamomile flowers or other herbs, according to taste and intended benefits.
1. Tea for indigestion and gas
Chamomile tea with fennel and marshmallow root has an action that reduces inflammation and calms the stomach, also helping to reduce gas and acidity in the stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds;
- 1 teaspoon chopped marshmallow root;
- 500 ml of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Add the herb mixture to boiling water and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes and strain before drinking. This tea should be consumed 2 to 3 times a day or whenever necessary.
2. Chamomile tea for tired and puffy eyes
Chamomile tea with crushed fennel seeds and elderflower, when applied to the eyes, helps to refresh and reduce puffiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds;
- 1 tablespoon of dried elderberry;
- 500 mL of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Add to the water, the herb mixture and cover. Let stand for about 10 minutes, strain and place in the fridge until cool or chilled. Soak a flannel in tea and apply over closed eyes, letting it rest for 10 minutes whenever necessary.
3. Soothe Sore Throat Tea
Chamomile tea can also be used to help soothe sore and irritated throats due to its inflammation-reducing properties.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Add the chamomile to the boiling water and let it rest until it cools. Strain and gargle as often as needed. In addition, it can also be used in mouthwash to facilitate the healing of gingivitis and stomatitis.
4. Tea for seasickness
Dried chamomile flower tea with raspberry, or peppermint, helps relieve nausea and motion sickness.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers;
- 1 teaspoon dried peppermint or raspberry leaves;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Add the herbal mixture to a cup of tea with boiling water. Cover, let stand for about 10 minutes and strain before drinking. This tea can be consumed up to 3 times a day.
5. Tea for colds and flu
Chamomile tea helps relieve sinus, flu and cold symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients:
- 6 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers;
- 2 liters of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Add the chamomile flowers to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Place the tea in a basin and inhale the tea steam deeply for about 10 minutes, placing your face over the basin and covering your head with a large towel.
