6 Health Benefits Of Chamomile

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Is chamomile beneficial for you?

Chamomile is a humble herb, but it may have a number of health benefits. It has long been known for its calming effect when consumed as tea, and it’s often used as a component of various skincare products. The type of chamomile used for its health properties is German chamomile; Roman chamomile is used less often. According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there haven’t been enough human studies to prove the effectiveness of chamomile as a remedy. But what we know so far is that chamomile is widely used for many purposes by people around the world, and it has few side effects that are very rare. And there are also many other herbal teas that have unquestionable benefits. Just choose the tea to your liking:


6 ways chamomile can help improve your health


1. Chamomile can help with sleep problems and relieve stress.

There are some studies that suggest a chamomile dietary supplement may help relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime may lower stress and anxiety levels and help you fall asleep faster. But if you have chronic sleep problems, chamomile alone may not be enough. If you suffer from long-term sleep deprivation, talk to your healthcare provider.


2. Chamomile may help improve digestion.

Chamomile proved to be an effective natural antacid and antidiarrheal in animal studies. Chamomile in combination with other herbs seems to help relieve upset stomach. It has long been used as a natural remedy for various digestive problems, including diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting; many people find it helpful.


3. Chamomile may soothe irritated skin.

Some studies suggest that skincare products with chamomile extract can relieve skin irritation and inflammation. When applied topically, it may help improve skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, chicken pox, and diaper rash.


4. Chamomile may help relieve menstrual cramps.

Many women suffer from painful cramps during their periods. There’s some evidence that chamomile tea can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.


5. Chamomile may help fight common colds.

Drinking chamomile tea or inhaling a German chamomile product as steam seems to reduce common cold symptoms, but scientific evidence is insufficient.


6. Chamomile tea may be beneficial for heart health.

Flavones, a type of antioxidants found in chamomile tea, may have a positive effect on blood pressure and help normalize cholesterol levels. More research is needed to measure the effectiveness of chamomile for cardiovascular health. Anyway, you can try adding chamomile tea or supplement to your diet and see how it works for you.


Are there any potential risks of using chamomile?

For most people, it is safe. But if you want to start drinking chamomile tea or using it in any other way, you have to consider this:

- chamomile and chamomile products can cause an allergic reaction, which is more likely in people with allergies to other plants from daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies;

- it’s known that chamomile interacts with warfarin (an anticoagulant) and cyclosporine (a drug used to prevent rejection of organ transplants);

- chamomile may interact with other drugs, including sedative medications (benzodiazepines and CNS depressants) and birth control pills;

- if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, using chamomile is not recommended.