Our grandmothers often turned to Camomile Tea as a remedy for stress, and a sleep aid. And they were definitely on the right track. But science has recently uncovered some additional reasons to embrace this classic herbal treatment…
It’s almost a stereotype for ‘the good old days’ now, in the 21st Century. But Camomile Tea is still a popular treatment for stress and agitation. And recent research reveals, there are many good reasons the beverage should be a part of your life.
A bright future…
A report archived at the US National Library of Medicine (NLM) is titled: ‘Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future’. And that statement is amply underscored by the report’s findings:
“Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. […] The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
“Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed [in] more than one million cups per day.”
Specific applications
Science has, to date, has confirmed that camomile can be beneficial as…
- An anti-inflammatory
- An anti-cancer agent
- A source of flavonoids that may reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease
- A treatment for symptoms of the common cold
- A treatment for colic and diarrhea
- An alternative to steroids in treatment of eczema
- A treatment for various gastrointestinal disorders – specifically in dispelling gas, soothing the stomach, and relaxing the muscles that move food through the intestines.
- An ointment to relieve the inflammation of hemorrhoids
- A calming agent, traditionally used to quell emotional upset and help bring on sleep
- A treatment for anxiety and seizures, using stronger pharmacological extracts
- An agent to help control blood sugar, used in combination with conventional diabetes drugs and procedures.
- A topical agent to aid wound healing
… And more!
How do you get it?
There are many, many ‘brands’ of Camomile Tea on the market. Perhaps the easiest to get your hands on is the widely available Twinnings offering. But it’s also among the most costly, at just under $30. Although, that’s a wholesale pack that contains 6 boxes of 20 teabags each. Other lesser-known brands – also available alongside Twinnings on Amazon.com – are selling for slightly less. Some are bagged, and many are composed of loose camomile flowers.
And, of course, you can choose from a smaller selection at your local ‘health food’ and supplements outlet.
My take
If you suffer from any of the ailments listed in the NLM report excerpted above, you can’t go wrong taking a cup or two of Camomile Tea a day. There are some folks who have issues that clash with Camomile. But they are few and far between. Nevertheless, check with your doctor before going on a Camomile Tea ‘regimen’…
~ Maggie J.