Chamomile Is also called Camomile. In India, it is popularly called babune ka phal in hindi.
It is the common name for a flower that resembles a daisy. Chamomile is popular because people believe consuming it in food or beverages is beneficial to health.
It is prepared by drying the flowers. Chamomile in tea is the most popular form of consumption across the world.
The Chamomile flowers are native to North America, Europe few parts of Asia and Australia. It blooms at the beginning of summer.
Chamomile tea is a popular beverage that people believe offers a wide range of health benefits.
In fact, it has been consumed for many years as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
An added benefit to this beverage is that it is caffeine-free. Chamomile flowers are dried and then infused into hot water to make chamomile tea.
Some of the health benefits of chamomile tea are as follows:
1. Improved sleep
Chamomile possesses some properties that may be beneficial to improve the quality of sleep.
Chamomile contains apigenin. It is an antioxidant that helps certain receptors in the brain to promote sleepiness.
Few studies reports that people who drank chamomile tea for a particular period of time reported improved sleep quality and had fewer symptoms of depression or other sleeping problems.
However, these findings are insufficient, and further studies are to be made to determine the exact effect of chamomile on sleep.
2. Improved blood sugar level
Drinking chamomile tea may lower blood sugar levels in the body. This is a popular belief due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties which prevent damage to the cells.
Insulin sensitivity and pancreas health are directly relational. The health of the pancreas is very important as it produces insulin.
Insulin is responsible for removing sugar from the blood.
3. Promote digestive health
Good digestion is essential for overall well-being.
Chamomile can be useful to promote digestive health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
However, further studies are to be made to conclusively prove the claims. However, people claim that drinking chamomile tea is soothing to the gut.
4. It may protect against cancer
The antioxidant compounds present in chamomile tea help fight against free radical cell damage.
The antioxidants have been linked to lessen the cancer trigger.
Even though the results are positive, more study on humans is required to make conclusive evidence and glorify the role of chamomile tea in cancer prevention.
5. Improve overall health
Chamomile is abundant in antioxidants and flavonoids. These substances are directly linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body.
As a result of which, consuming chamomile tea would lower the risk of various heart diseases and improve heart health.
6. Boosting immunity
Various studies show that chamomile tea will help fight against bacteria and also enhance the body’s natural defense mechanism.
It is important to consider the fact that all these researches were limited, and more research on humans is required to draw conclusions.
7. Reduces muscle spasm
Chamomile tea has pain-relieving and antispasmodic properties, which can help decrease muscle spasms.
8. Treating cold
A person can consume chamomile tea. It is consumed for a long time in the belief that chamomile has the properties and the heat of the day would relieve nasal congestion
9. Reducing stress
Globally people consume chamomile tea as they believe that it has the potential to reduce stress.
10. Skin health
Sipping on a hot cup of chamomile tea will work great for the skin. It acts as a natural skin bleach because of the powerful antioxidants present in it.
Chamomile tea lightens the complexion and gives the skin and natural glow.
Are there any side effects associated when chamomile is consumed?
Usually, chamomile is safe, but there are few people who can develop the chances of getting
- Severe allergies
- Skin reactions
- Irritation around the eyes
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Nausea and vomiting.
Some people may exhibit other symptoms which are not mentioned here. If you feel uncomfortable or display unusual symptoms while consuming chamomile, it is better to consult a medical professional for advice.
There have been a few reports of chamomile allergies that occur to individuals who are allergic to plants.
Another point to mention is that pregnant women, infants, or people with few labour conditions are not advised to consume chamomile tea.
However, such allergies and reactions are not life-threatening but still can cause irritation and toxicity to the body.
To sum up
Chamomile tea is a popular and healthy beverage.
It is rich in antioxidants and has potential health benefits, including lowering the risks of cancer and other heart diseases.
The most important thing we need to understand is that the studies and evidence are based on animals, and more human studies are to be performed.
Yet there are promising health benefits in chamomile tea. Unless a person is allergic to chamomile or other flowers, they are free to consume a hot cup of tea any time.
