6 Commonly Asked Questions on Chamomile Tea Answered

Chamomile is a herb that people have used for centuries to cure stomach ache, bacterial infections, insomnia and similar diseases. These dried herbs contain terpenoids and flavonoids which have high medicinal value. Recently, it has gained considerable prominence as camomile or chamomile tea which is simply made by boiling the dried leaves with water. Since its benefits are innumerable, users often come up with plenty of questions they are unaware of.

Here are 6 such commonly asked questions about it, answered by experts.

1. What are the variations in chamomile leaves?

There are two common varieties of chamomile herb- German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman or English Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). While German Chamomile is mostly sold in the form of tea, you can apply Roman or English Chamomile directly to your skin or hair. It is, in fact, extensively used on cosmetics such as make up, hair and body oil.

2. Is Camomile tea really effective in wading off insomnia?

Yes, this is true and proven. Chamomile tea is helpful for those suffering from sleeping troubles or insomnia. Chamomile contains the flavonoid, apigenin that binds itself to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Thus, it has mild sedative properties that help to soothe your nerves after a stressful day and bring about full cycles of peaceful, undisturbed sleep.

By inducing proper sleep, chamomile also acts as a natural aid for curing anxiety and depression. It has been reported in the treatment of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).

3. Does Camomile tea really have no caffeine content?

Once again, yes! Camomile tea has 0% caffeine content as it’s not a product of the usual tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, which naturally contains Theanine and caffeine. Instead, it is a kind of herbal tea, made from the dried flowers of Chamomile plants.

4. How effective is Camomile tea for menstruation cramps?

Chamomile is a rich source of glycine that helps in reducing muscle spasms. During menstruation cycles, women experience severe cramps in their lower abdomen and uterus area. Chamomile acts as a natural pain reliever in such cases, by helping the muscles to relax.

5. Chamomile has anti-cancer properties. Is that true?

Yes. Researchers have found presence of anti-cancer chemicals in Chamomile. They consider the antioxidant apigenin to be the most bioactive constituent present in the herb that inhibits growth and spread of cancer cells. Since inflammation is a key to the growth of malignant tumours, Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also act as a vital shield to cancerous cell growths.

6. Can you give camomile tea to children?

Absolutely. A warm brew of chamomile is beneficial for a number of health benefits, even in children. It helps in boosting their immunity system, curing sore throat, cough and congestion. Also, chamomile is a mild sedative; hence, it is absolutely safe for children of all ages.

The above answers should resolve all doubts you had regarding chamomile tea. However, one thing you must keep in mind – when buying camomile tea, it is important to ensure its genuineness. Many times, anonymous dried wild flowers are sold in the name of chamomile. So, make it a point to buy only from authenticate online sellers.

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