Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs used by Americans for relaxation, insomnia and stress relief, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There are two types of chamomile, Roman and German, which have the same essential properties. The flowers of these plants are dried and used in homemade and commercially-produced teas. You can make your own tea by steeping 2 to 3 tbsp. of the dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Many health and herbal supplement stores sell dried chamomile flowers in bulk.
Insomnia
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chamomile, in both tea and capsule form, can provide relief from insomnia. Through its sedative and relaxing properties, chamomile can help you to fall asleep more easily and get more restful, sound sleep. Drink a cup of strongly brewed chamomile tea 30 minutes before bedtime to obtain its sleep-promoting benefits.
Anxiety
According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, chamomile was proven to have a beneficial effect on study participants who suffered from generalize anxiety disorder, although the study used chamomile extract and not specifically chamomile tea. Chamomile has been used for thousands of years in herbal and traditional medicines for its calming, soothing effects. Its gentle sedative and relaxing properties make it a safe and effective herb for treating mild cases of anxiety.
Digestive Issues
Chamomile has mild antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in tea form, chamomile may be an effective treatment for specific gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, gas and diarrhea. Chamomile tea can help to ease indigestion, especially when consumed after heavy or greasy meals. It can help to relax muscles in your intestines, particularly if you are suffering from muscle contractions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Nausea
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Roman chamomile is used in traditional and herbal medicines to alleviate symptoms of nausea. Chamomile tea may help to decrease nausea and vomiting, such as that experienced due to motion sickness or the early months of pregnancy.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: German Chamomile
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology"; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Extract Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Amsterdam, Jay D. M.D., et. al.; August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Roman Chamomile
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