What Are The Benefits of Chamomile?
What Are The Benefits of Chamomile?
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind and has been used as an herbal medication since 500 BC to treat a wide variety of conditions. Chamomile is native to Europe and Western Asia, however, can also now be found in other areas of the world as well. The chamomile smell closely resembles that of an apple which may be the reason (or at least part of it) for its name—chamomile is Greek for "Earth apple." In this article, we are going to go over and answer the question, "what are the benefits of chamomile" and is "chamomile safe?" Chamomile will be a prominent ingredient in Easy Sleep™, the Fitore Nutrition all-natural sleep aid which will be released in July.
Health Benefits of Chamomile
There are many health benefits to consuming chamomile in either tea or capsule form. Chamomile possesses properties that can help ease insomnia and feelings of anxiety, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and eliminate feelings of nausea and PMS symptoms.
Chamomile Can Help Reduce Feelings of Anxiety
A 2016 study that included 179 participants found that taking 1500 milligrams of chamomile-extract for up to 8 weeks significantly reduced moderate-to-severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder—one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting up to an estimated 6.8 million adult Americans each year or 3.1% of the population. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database which rates the effectiveness of natural remedies based on scientific evidence deems chamomile as possibly effective for anxiety.
Chamomile Can Help With Easy Sleep™
Chamomile is oftentimes regarded as an all-natural mild sleep-inducer for the positive effects it can have on sleep quality and duration. For example, a 2017 study that included 77 older individuals in nursing homes found that those who were given 400 mg of chamomile extract twice a day for four weeks experienced a dramatic improvement in both sleep quality and duration compared to those who did not.
Furthermore, in another study that included 80 postpartum women found that those who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported better sleep quality and fewer symptoms of depression compared to those who did not. The conclusion of the study was, "Chamomile tea may be recommended to postpartum women as a supplementing approach to alleviate depression and sleep quality problems."
Reduce Menstrual Cramp Pain
Primary dysmenorrhea is a common disorder that occurs in 60-93% of women in menstrual age and is characterized by pain in the lower abdominal which can radiate to the thighs, despite no dysfunction in the genital system. A 2010 study found that consuming chamomile tea for a month can effectively reduce menstrual cramp pain. It is important to note that the women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Certain studies suggest that chamomile, more specifically chamomile tea may target cancer cells and even prevent them from developing in the first place. Antioxidants found in chamomile such as apigenin, have been associated with a lower incidence of certain types of cancer and have been shown to fight cancer cells especially those of the breast, digestive tract, prostate, skin, and uterus.
Chamomile Can Benefit Heart Health
Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruit and vegetables. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. Flavones have been studied for their potential to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are important contributors to heart disease.
- A study aimed at assessing the effects of chamomile tea on 64 diabetic patients aged 30-60 found that those who drank chamomile tea had improvements in their total cholesterol triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, compared to those who only drank water.
Overall, chamomile is an excellent source of flavonoids that may play an important role in improving and maintaining heart health.
Other Health Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile has many potential benefits that can aid in supporting your overall well-being. Below is a list of other potential chamomile benefits.
- Digestive health: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile may aid in digestion and improve digestive health.
- Immune system health: Chamomile is said to soothe a sore throat and is often promoted for preventing and treating the common cold.
- Slowing osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density which can lead to an increased risk of broken bones and stooped posture. There are multiple scientific claims that chamomile (tea) may play a vital role in preventing bone loss that can eventually lead to osteoporosis.
- Blood sugar control: Multiple studies suggests that drinking chamomile tea may help lower blood sugar levels. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
About Chamomile Summary
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind and has been used as an herbal medication since 500 BC to treat a wide variety of conditions.
The chamomile smell closely resembles that of an apple which may be the reason (or at least part of it) for its name—chamomile is Greek for "Earth apple."
Chamomile possesses properties that can help ease insomnia and feelings of anxiety, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and eliminate feelings of nausea and PMS symptoms.
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