A Bit About Chamomile Tea

Mesdames et Messieurs, indulge me today if you will, as I talk about one of my favourite herbs, of which I drink the tea of – Chamomile. This is a so-called “sacred” herb that has been in use since the ancient times because of its many curative and healing powers. This article features the many benefits of the herb which is also best known as the best herbal muscle relaxer.

Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime has been followed for centuries on account of its ability to calm the nervous system and soothe gastrointestinal disorders. It’ mild flavour makes chamomile tea a favourite beverage with many. From the time of the early Egyptians and Greeks until today, Chamomile is still considered as a sacred herb because of its many curative and healing properties.

First – a bit of history: The word chamomile is derived from the Greek word “chamos” meaning ground and “melos” which means apple, which refers to the plant’s low growing habit and the fact that the fresh blooms are somewhat apple-scented. Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory, to name only a few of its therapeutic uses.

There are several varieties of the chamomile herbs. Chamomile varieties with medicinal properties include the German and Roman Chamomile. Both varieties are known to have the same medicinal properties but the German Chamomile has a less bitter taste quality while the Roman Chamomile is known for its sweet and unique scent especially when warmed up by the sun.

Chamomile is very popular in Europe and has been widely used as for thousands of years as treatment for a number of ailments, such as sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, digestion problems, intestinal conditions, skin infections or inflammation (including eczema), wound healing, infantile colic, teething pains, and diaper rash.

The sedative properties of chamomile are used in sleep disorders and as a muscle relaxant in the treatment of such illnesses as menstrual pain, neuralgia, tooth ache and tension headaches. Taking Chamomile Tea before going to bed has long been used to induce sleep in children as well as in adults and promotes a very deep, relaxed, and restful sleep.

Aside from aiding in the treatment of insomnia, the flower essence of Chamomile is known to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and depression among others. Does it have any scientific basis though? Well, it turns out that there are some. One of the most well-known and well-studied areas are its effects on muscles.

To provide the background, muscles in the body contract and relax in response to chemical signals delivered through the bloodstream. Muscles that are having difficulty relaxing have a chemical in them that is signalling the muscle to contract. The plant’s healing properties come from its daisy-like flowers, which contain volatile oils including bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin, as well as flavonoids and other therapeutic substances.

However, although chamomile has a reputation as a gentle medicinal plant and has been widely use especially in Europe, there is not enough reliable research in humans and there are many reports of allergic reactions in people after eating or coming into contact with chamomile preparations.  It is best to still seek medical to avoid possible drug interaction which may lead to life-threatening situations. This had been documented, but fortunately are the exception rather than the rule.

So, ladies and gentlemen, do indulge in chamomile when possible. Even if you don’t believe in its medicinal or healing properties, you can still drink it because it tastes nice. Well, in my opinion it does anyway!

Tea goes with these:

Also published on Medium.