Chamomile tea is a popular type of herbal tea known for its ability to induce sleep. If you’re looking for all the top facts about this tea’s history, benefits, and why people love it most, you’re in the right place.
The History Of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs in history. The dried flowers have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout history and get their name from a Greek word meaning “ground apple.”
The history of this herbal tea itself dates back to ancient Egypt where it was prescribed as a remedy for a common cold. The Romans also enjoyed chamomile. They utilized it as both a beverage and as incense.
The Common Benefits Of Chamomile
You may have seen different types of tea at stores advertised “sleepy time tea.” Did you think, “Really? Tea can help me go to sleep?” Believe it or not, yes. Chamomile’s most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. However, it isn’t just a relaxer. It has many other advantages as well.
- Reduces menstrual cramps: Drinking chamomile tea has been specifically linked to reducing menstrual cramps because it raises the levels of glycerin in urine. Glycerin helps to calm muscle spasms, which in turn reduces cramps.
- Soothes stomach pain: If you suffer from stomach aches, IBS, or overall digestion problems, then chamomile tea could help.
- Helps hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids aren’t fun for anyone. Chamomile ointments and creams have several uses (fever, inflammation, ulcer, wounds, etc.) but one of its greatest is the treatment of hemorrhoids.
- Fights colds: Chamomile has antibacterial properties, which is why it’s long been recommended for those fighting the common cold. It can also boost your immune system.
- Heals wounds: This is one of the ancient remedies. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used chamomile flowers to speed up healing. Scientific studies have corroborated this and shown chamomile extract aiding faster healing.
- Aids diabetes management: Chamomile tea has been studied for its benefits for diabetes management. If you consume it daily, it can prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.
- Shows possible anti-cancer properties: Certain studies show that chamomile can fight different types of cancer cells. While it’s hard to say for certain, why not give it a go?
Why People Love Chamomile Tea
For all of these amazing health benefits, chamomile tea has become a fast favorite. It has gentle notes of apple (hence the origin of its name) as well as a mellow, honey-like sweetness. Overall, it’s clean, delicate, floral, and herbal. You’ll have a delightfully soothing experience every time you bring it to your lips.
How To Make Chamomile Tea
Ready to start enjoying? Use this chamomile tea recipe!
Ingredients:
3-4 tbsp fresh chamomile flowers
1 small, fresh sprig of mint
8 oz boiling water
Directions:
- Choose a pot to make your tea in. An infuser teapot is ideal, but you can use a doubled-over cheesecloth and a piece of string as a makeshift tea back if you don’t have a tea infuser.
- Harvest your herbs. Chamomile flowers are best the same day they’ve been harvested. However, they can last a couple of days in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a lightly dampened paper towel.
- Prepare the chamomile for use by popping the head of the flower off the stem. Select a small sprig of mint about the size of a quarter off the tender top of the plant.
- Fill up your tea kettle with 8 oz of water and begin heating. Place 3-4 tbsp (more will make stronger tea) of chamomile and your sprig of mint into your teapot or makeshift tea bag of choice.
- Pour 8 oz of boiling water over the chamomile flowers and mint.
- Steep for 5 minutes.
- Serve by pouring into a teacup. Use a fine-mesh strainer if needed.
If you don’t have chamomile herbs of your own to make tea, you can shop some of our fresh chamomile loose leaf teas online. We have Chamomile Lavender Mint or Organic Chamomile.
