Herbal Remedy? Now you might ask, “A remedy to what?” The most important answer would be “INSOMNIA.” Not many variety of tea is known to do that. There are some, of course, but be assured, Chamomile is the most effective- your own personal lullaby. Chamomile tea is known to be an excellent inducer of sleep. Not only that, it has a good many number of other health benefits as well that has been documented through history.
CHAMOMILE – THE HERB
Since time immemorial, especially before the advent of clinical medicines, herbs were a sole mode of treatment. The reason that they persist even now, when medical advancements have assumed such tremendous advancement, is because of their minimum side effects. Though they are known to activate with slow progression in the body, their minimised level of toxin is what make them a source of relief that people rely on, sometimes, even before they go to see a doctor. Chamomile is said to be one such herb that have survived the centuries.
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family(Asteraceae or Compositae) and have two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). It is native to Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. The herb when dried possesses terpenoids and flavonoids, two chemicals that give the plant its medicinal attributes. It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs and is used to treat many an ailment with good many numbers of medicinal properties. Chamomile is used in the development of essential bio oils which are used extensively in the cosmetic industry and in aromatherapy.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is consumed most often as a form of herbal tea that is prepared from the dry flowers. As the impetus of herbal tea grows around the world, so has the use of Chamomile. It is, in fact, quite a popular beverage. Brewed only with the flower head of the Chamomile plant, this exotic sunflower-yellow coloured tea has a sweet aromatic flavouring that is savoury and mild to taste. Chamomile is naturally caffeine-free and is an excellent alternative to all the caffeine-induced drinks. As it is with the herb, the tea prepared from Chamomile is laden with a number of health benefits, which is why most people nowadays prefer to have a safe dosage of Chamomile tea. And rightfully so! However, as with all herbs, they can prove to be unhealthy for those who might be susceptible to certain vulnerability. As a measure, one must pertain to low dosage of the tea when they first commence to consume the beverage.
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Here are outline some of the most important health benefits:
- Stress Buster- As I had said at the beginning of the article, it helps to fight insomnia. It triggers erotonin and melatonin, two hormones that fights stress and induces calm. The tea also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce headaches and migraines.
- Aids Digestion: Chamomile tea is an excellent remedy to in-digestion and upset stomach. Certain chemicals of the herb can help treat stomach ulcers. It reduces inflammation and stomach bloating.
- Relieves Menstual Cramps: The soothing effect of it can be used to treat menstrual cramps.
- Immunity Booster: It is wide known to enhance immunity. Inhaling the aroma of the tea, as well as drinking hot chamomile tea may offer relief during a cold.
- Slows Osteoporosis: Chamomilemay prevent the fragility of bones, a condition that prevails commonly in post-menopausal women. This tea might have anti-estrogenic effects that aids in enhancing bone density.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: It can help reduce blood sugar levels. It may aid in treating diabetes, though it is in no way a replacement of mainstream medicine. But it may most certainly act as a supplement.
Besides, it is an herb that can be easily grown in your backyard kitchen garden. Easy to brew, fine to relish, it sure is the next beverage you may want to try. Just toss in a handful of Chamomile flower heads in a pot of boiling water and a good fix of golden yellow brew of Chamomile tea is ready to savour.
(Read about Lemongrass Green Tea and its health benefits)
