Chamomile Tea & Blood Pressure

According to the University of Texas at El Paso, chamomile is an edible, flowering plant that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to relax the body and calm the nervous system. Chamomile is regarded as a safe, with no serious side effects. However, medicinal amounts should be used in consultation with your health care provider. Check with your doctor before using chamomile tea as an herbal supplement to lower your blood pressure.

Properties

Tufts University suggests that the antioxidants in herbal tea can decrease your risk for heart disease. Oregon State University states that when you drink herbal tea that contains chamomile, you are ingesting flavonoids that can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. In a July 2009 study published in the journal "Clinical and Experimental Hypertension," researchers concluded that chamomile extract possesses a hypotensive effect on hypertensive rats; however, human trials are needed to determine the efficacy of these results.

Benefits

Chamomile tea is helpful in reducing stress caused by anxiety disorders, depression or fatigue. According to Oregon State University, this reduction in stress may help to lower blood pressure and help you have a decreased risk of heart disease by relaxing the blood vessels. Make chamomile tea by steeping 1 oz. of dried chamomile flowers into 100 mL of hot water. Drink the tea as many times as you need to throughout the day.

Considerations

Unless the chamomile tea is labeled as certified organic, it can still contain residual pesticides or herbicides that are sprayed over the chamomile flowers as they were being cultivated. Certified organic chamomile tea is grown without the use of chemical sprays, and will be safe to drink regularly. If you enjoy gardening, you can grow your own chamomile flowers that you can dry to create your own homegrown chamomile tea.

Warnings

If you experience a rash or difficulty breathing after drinking chamomile tea, seek medical attention immediately. You could be having an allergic reaction to the dried chamomile flowers. Chamomile may cause an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, whose members include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. Ask your doctor for an allergy test, which can determine for certain if you are allergic to chamomile.