Chamomile Tea - A Powerhouse of Benefits
Posted by Dani Noto on
My Mom always had chamomile tea in her pantry, and when I was younger, I never saw the value in drinking it. I was a black tea type of gal. So the light, delicate taste of chamomile wasn’t on my list of favorites. However, as I got older, I came to appreciate the unlimited benefits of drinking chamomile tea.
Chamomile is a flowering plant with white petals and a bright yellow center. It resembles a daisy, which makes sense since it’s from the Asteraceae plant family, a.k.a, the daisy family. There are several different types of chamomile. The most popular varieties are Roman (also called English) and German chamomile. Although much less common, there are also Egyptian and Moroccan chamomiles.
Did you know that chamomile has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries! Chamomile is loaded with 120 unique compounds, including countless antioxidants and flavonoids, making it a powerhouse for health.
Far beyond its most common benefit of relaxation and sleep, chamomile tea helps boost your immune system and reduces stress and anxiety. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, regulates blood sugar, keeps skin looking flawless, and promotes a healthy heart and digestion. It’s a natural home remedy for many things: allergies, inflammation, muscle spasms, cramps, insomnia, ulcers, even chickenpox… the list goes on and on.
At the end of a busy day, I often enjoy relaxing with a good book and a warm cup of Original Chamomile or Sweet Dreams, a chamomile tea with an apple and cinnamon flavor. For a slightly different flavor profile, I add mint, lemon, or lavender (not all at the same time).
Both of these chamomile teas are also delicious iced. You can brew them hot, let them cool, and then pour over ice, or, instead, you can brew them cold in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Sometimes I add fresh apple slices to a cup of cold chamomile tea, and it’s delicious.
Chamomile tea is a reasonably safe tea for the majority of the population to enjoy. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind: If you are allergic to flowers in the daisy family - chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds, and ragweed - you may want to be careful consuming chamomile tea. You should also consult your doctor if you are taking any medications or are pregnant before drinking chamomile.