What is Chamomile Tea?
For hundreds of years, chamomile has been used to calm anxiety, settle stomachs, and treat other illnesses. It contains chemicals called flavonoids, a type of nutrient present in many plants and the reason behind chamomile’s medicinal effects.
There is no concrete scientific proof that the plant can cure diseases, but it is a good and safe supplement to try when other remedies do not seem to work. Studies have shown the benefits of chamomile when treating sleep issues and digestion.
Chamomile tea is an herbal tea, or tisane, and has no natural caffeine.
What Does Chamomile Tea Taste Like?
The soft, floral taste and scent of chamomile tea will draw you near while it calms you in the process. Many compare the taste of the tea to a crisp apple. Considering that the name of the plant comes from the Greek word "chamai melon," meaning "ground apple," it makes sense.
The tea itself doesn’t need to be sweetened due to its light taste and floral notes, but some people enjoy adding honey and transforming the flavor. Another suggestion includes adding a slice of fresh red apple to the infusion to give it extra flavor and texture.
How to Brew Chamomile Tea
Brewing chamomile tea is a delicate process; you don’t want to over-steep the flowers because it can cause their underlying bitterness to overtake the tea. It is best under-steeped. Simply take the dried tea leaves and infuse them in hot water for about five to seven minutes.
The Benefits of Chamomile Tea
There are many benefits to chamomile tea, including some you might have never even thought of. Here are but a few:
It helps sleep quality.
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness.
Our sleepy-time pick: Cozy Tranquil Dream herbal tea with chamomile and rosehips.
It can help your digestive health.
There is some evidence that suggests that the tea can help you digest better. There have been a few studies that found chamomile extract protected mice against diarrhea, and in some rats it was found that chamomile was helpful in preventing stomach ulcers.
While more research is needed to confirm these claims, many people have said that its anti-inflammatory effects helped soothe their stomachs. It is also treated to help with nausea and gas.
Our gut-soothing pick: Cuddletime herbal tea with chamomile and mint.
It can relieve anxiety.
Chamomile tea is known to have calming effects on the body and to help reduce some general anxiety. While it should not be a replacement for anti-anxiety medicines without consulting your doctor, it can help bring down your anxiety levels during a panic attack or in situations of stress.
Our calming pick: Calm Chamomile Bloom herbal tea with chamomile and rose petals.
It improves skin health.
With all its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can also help your skin! There are many different kinds of homemade chamomile tea face masks that can be made to help give your skin that little boost it needs.
Our vibrant skin pick: Tranquil Peach herbal tea with chamomile and pineapple.
Overall, chamomile tea is good if you want something light, floral, and soothing. Once you get started on the tea, you can’t stop.
