.png){kind=small}
Learn about Chamomile | How to Get Better Sleep
Chamomile contains chemicals called flavonoids, these flavonoids are a type of nutrient present in many plants and they play a significant role in chamomile's medicinal effects. Researchers are not sure yet what other chemicals are present in chamomile specifically and account for its benefits.
Benefits of chamomile tea
The potential benefits of chamomile tea for which there is the most evidence include
Reducing menstrual pain.
Several studies have linked chamomile tea to reduce severity of menstrual cramps a 2010 study for example found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could reduce the pain of menstrual cramps women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.
Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar.
Again some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes research does not show that chamomile is a viable substitute for diabetes medications but it may be a helpful supplement to existing treatments similarly a 2008 study of rats found that consistent consumption of chamomile tea might prevent blood sugar from increasing this effect reduces the long-term risk of diabetes complications suggesting that chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes.
Slowing or preventing Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density this loss increases the risk of broken bones and stooped posture while anyone can develop osteoporosis. It is most common among post-menopausal women this tendency may be due to the effects of estrogen. A 2004 study found that chamomile tea might have anti-estrogenic effects, it also helped promote bone density.
Reducing inflammation.
Inflammation as an immune system reaction to fight infection. Chamomile tea contains chemical compounds that may reduce inflammation however long-term inflammation is linked to a wide range of health problems including hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis autoimmune disorders and even depression.
Cancer treatment and prevention.
Some studies suggest that chamomile tea may target cancer cells or even prevent those cells from developing in the first place. However research so far is inconclusive and scientists say more work is needed to prove chamomile's anti-cancer claims also most research has looked at clinical models in animals not humans. A 2012 study compared the cancer fighting powers of marigold and chamomile teas both were able to target cancer tumors selectively but the effects of marigold tea were more potent.
Helping with sleep and relaxation.
Chamomile tea is widely thought to help people relax and fall asleep few clinical trials have tested this however in one review of the current evidence 10 of 12 cardiovascular patients are quoted as having fallen asleep shortly after consuming chamomile tea. A handful of other studies looking at clinical models also suggest that chamomile tea may help people relax in a study using rats, chamomile extract helped sleep-disturbed rodents fall asleep. Many researchers believe that chamomile tea may function like a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can reduce anxiety and induce sleep.
Treating cold symptoms.
Anecdotal evidence and some studies suggest that inhaling steam with chamomile extract can relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold.
Treatment for mild skin conditions.
A small 1987 study found that applying chamomile extract directly to a wound assisted healing likewise a few studies have found that chamomile ointments may help with eczema and mild inflammatory skin.