What is Chamomile Tea Good For, Anyway?
What Is Chamomile?
Chamomile is a dainty yellow and flower in the daisy family. It's edible, widely grown around the world, and often dried to use in tea. People have long been enjoying chamomile tea both for health benefits and for its taste.
Why Is Chamomile Tea Good For You?
Chamomile tea has traditionally has been used as a medicinal for soothing nerves, aiding sleep, and relaxing the gut. Why? Chamomile has polyphenols linked with antioxidant, ant-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties (similar to green tea). Studies suggest that chamomile offers several health benefits including: immune system support, promoting brain and heart health, regulating blood sugar, and relieving PMS symptoms.
So does chamomile tea have caffeine? Nope, not even a trace amount. Chamomile is an herbal tea and naturally caffeine-free.
What Does Chamomile Tea Taste Like?
Chamomile has a distinct flavor profile: earthy, floral and fruity, with notes of apple and honey. It's not going to be have a classic floral profile of lavender or rose; instead it offers nuanced flavor notes and a natural sweetness. Because of this flavor complexity, chamomile has wide potential for different flavor combinations in tea blends.
Different chamomiles have different flavor profiles. A few popular varieties include german chamomile, roman chamomile, and egyptian chamomile.The variety of chamomile, as well as its growing conditions, age, and processing method will all influence its flavor.
When to Drink Chamomile
Chamomile is great especially before bed. It is naturally caffeine-free so it won't keep you up at night; in fact it might do the opposite. Many people turn to soothing chamomile as a sleep aid, or for winding down in the evening. Enjoy a cup of chamomile after dinner, with a good book, or a nice hot bath. If you like sweetness, honey is especially great for opening up the subtler flavors of chamomile.
For a good bedtime tea, you might consider our Four Sisters Herbal Tea, which has chamomile blended with lavender, another flower with soothing properties.
If you want to drink chamomile in the morning, there's a few things to consider. Because of chamomile's relaxing properties, some people get sleepy from chamomile, but others find chamomile actually beneficial in the morning. The way chamomile works is it contains a compound called apigenin, which is anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective (keeps those brain cells healthy) and good for memory and cognition. This apigenin in chamomile binds with GABA receptors in the brain and is thought to to mildly sedate the nervous system like an anti-anxiety drug, reducing anxiety, fear and stress. So if you experience brain fog, fatigue, or anxiety in the morning, you might try a cup of chamomile and see if that helps you feel calmer.
A good chamomile tea to try in the morning is Twilight Cheer, which balances chamomile with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
When should I NOT drink chamomile? Don't try drinking chamomile before activities involving high mental alertness, like driving. Don't drink with certain medications - chamomile may interact negatively with blood thinners. And it's not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, some people may be allergic to chamomile, especially if you have a ragweed allergy (they're related).
Please note that reactions vary to chamomile; positive and negative effects vary based on dosage; we are not doctors and this is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any dietary changes or decisions, especially if you have a health condition or take medication. And lastly, moderation is always a good idea, even if you are consuming food or beverages with touted health benefits.
Help! How Do I Learn to Like Chamomile??
Some people instantly fall in love with fruity, earthy, floral chamomile. Others don't understand what's so special about this yellow flower. If you find that you don't take naturally to chamomile but want to enjoy it's potential health benefits, here's a few things to consider.
Quality and freshness matters. If you're struggling with enjoying chamomile, try a different supplier. A good chamomile for imbibing should be picked while still fresh on the plant; consistently and thoroughly processed, and well-stored. Poor storage conditions like heat and humidity will rapidly age tea, destroying the flavors and health benefits.
If you find the flavor overpowering or off-putting, ease into chamomile. Try a chamomile blend instead of pure chamomile tea. Chamomile does have a characteristically strong and noticeable flavor. Even in blends, it can dominate unless it's carefully balanced by other botanicals.
Is Chamomile Tea Safe to Drink?
Chamomile is generally recognized as safe to drink, but you should abstain if you are pregnant, on medication, or have health conditions.
Please note: the content provided herein is not health advice. Information accessed on this website are opinions and not statements of fact. Plants are potent and can have medicinal effects and impacts not stated herein. Consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are taking medication.
Looking for a daily drink that suits your needs? Read why some sources of caffeine give you the jitters while others don't.
