Chamomile Tea Health Benefits
I enjoy sipping on chamomile tea before bed
- I find it to be rather soothing. While this extraordinary herb is
best known to soothe your nerves and promote better sleep, it has many
other health benefits too. It has long been used as a natural remedy to
treat a number of conditions including an upset stomach, tension, sleep
deprivation, mouth ulcers and skin aggravations. In addition, clinical
studies led by the University of Toyama in Japan discovered that
drinking chamomile tea may also help keep diabetes under control.
How to prepare chamomile tea
Chamomile, a natural remedy, was a popular choice of tea throughout the
Roman Empire, in ancient Greece and ancient Egypt. It is especially
prized for its flavonoid, chrysin.
To prepare one glass of tea heat up 10 ounces of water. Measure two
tablespoons of dried chamomile blooms (or 4 tablespoons of crisp
chamomile blossoms for every 8 ounces of boiled water). Once the water
has reached boiling point, steep the chamomile blooms in the water for 5
minutes. Then place a strainer on top of a mug and pour.
Here are 10 marvelous health benefits of chamomile tea:
1. Treats cuts and wounds
Chamomile tea has long been used to treat
and soothe cuts and wounds. The Romans, Greek and Egyptians used it to
speed up the healing process. One study discovered that wounded rats
which were given chamomile flavored water healed faster than those who
were not given the elixir. It was found that chamomile worked especially
well for burn wounds, primarily because chamomile has
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
2. Helps keep diabetes under control
A new study suggests that the drink helps
lower blood sugar levels, and can help prevent complications that arise
due to the condition - including blindness, kidney disease and nerve and
circulatory damage.
3. Soothes a cold
Chamomile tea has been found to soothe a
cold, and protect against bacterial-related illness and infection. In
fact, a growing number of studies suggests that chamomile tea contains
compounds that may help fight infections due to colds.
4. Calms muscle spasms
A study conducted in England found that
drinking chamomile tea raises urine's levels of glycine, a compound that
has been found to calm muscle spasms. As a result, researchers have
also discovered that chamomile tea could prove to be an effective home
remedy for menstrual cramps.
5. Soothes a stomach ache
One of chamomile's health benefits lies in
its ability to alleviate symptoms associated with an upset stomach.
Chamomile helps soothe and relax the muscles and lining of the
intestines. It can also help poor digestion, and provides a beneficial
natural remedy for those who suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
6. Promotes better sleep
6. Promotes better sleep
One of its best known remedies, drinking
chamomile tea is said to soothe the nervous system, promoting better
sleep. However, while it has been used since time immemorial as a
solution for insomnia, its effectiveness as a sleep aid has not been
widely researched in humans. Nevertheless, animal studies have shown it
to be a mild and safe sleep aid.
7. Alleviates tension headaches
Chamomile tea is a wonderful cure for
migraines and tension headaches. To reap the benefits, drink a cup of
tea when the symptoms first arise, as it works best before the headache
gets severe.
8. Reduces dark circles
8. Reduces dark circles
Chamomile tea has been found to help
relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. For a simple, yet effective
remedy, dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes remove
and let cool to room temperature. Place the tea bags over your eyes as a
night compress.
9. Treats allergies and rashes
9. Treats allergies and rashes
Chamomile is an excellent remedy for
treating rashes and other skin allergies. To reap the benefits, dip a
cotton ball into chilled chamomile tea and apply to the areas that are
prone to allergies. The tea may also be consumed internally to soothe
the nervous system and help rid the body of any allergic symptoms.
10. Enriches hair colour and radiance
10. Enriches hair colour and radiance
Chamomile tea may also be used regularly to
lighten your hair, over a period of time. You can use it as a final
hair rinse to add a golden sheen to brown hair. And it helps brighten up
blond hair, instantly.