Introduction
While chamomile tea enjoys widespread popularity as a refreshing beverage globally, it is essential to note that its use and the supported health benefits associated with it lack evidence from nutritional science. The article talks about the origins of chamomile tea, its preparation methods, the various flavors it offers, potential benefits that have been suggested, the absence of scientific evidence to back these claims, and the potential risks of consumption, particularly for certain individuals.
What Is the Origin of Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, which resemble daisies. This herbal beverage, known for its medicinal properties, has gained worldwide popularity over the past decade, primarily due to its extensive use in traditional medicine. It is also known colloquially as manzanilla tea. Manzanilla is, in fact, the Spanish word for chamomile herb, giving rise to this name.
What Are The Potential Health Benefits Associated With Its Consumption?
The chamomile plant contains flavonoids, compounds known for their potential antioxidant properties, which could offer certain health benefits. Also, chamomile tea shares similarities with linden tea in terms of its healing potential, as noted by some nutrition researchers. This resemblance contributes to the belief that consuming chamomile tea, particularly before bedtime, may promote better sleep and anxiety reduction, as suggested by alternative healthcare practitioners.
Chamomile tea has gained recognition in traditional and alternative medicine for its various potential uses. In 2015, a preliminary research study published in the journal of advanced nursing reported that chamomile tea consumption was associated with improvements such as the alleviation of clinical depression symptoms, reduced stress levels, and enhanced sleep quality among postpartum women.
The major drawback with chamomile tea consumption is that it is not recommended as such because of a lack of current scientific evidence and also because of long-term safety concerns in systemic health. Consequently, while chamomile tea is a widely appreciated herbal beverage, it is not recommended due to these considerations. Here are some of the reported medicinal benefits attributed to this herbal tea:
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Alleviating anxiety issues.
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Easing gastric distress and soothing an upset stomach.
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Enhancing the quality of sleep.
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Mitigating muscular spasms in the body.
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Alleviating bloating or flatulence.
What Are the Varieties of Chamomile?
There are primarily two main varieties of chamomile, each with its unique characteristics and historical uses:
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German Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla or Matricaria Recutita):
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Originating from southern and eastern Europe, German chamomile is one of the most well-known and widely used varieties.
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Historically, it has been associated with a wide range of medicinal uses, including alleviating bloating, flatulence, travel sickness, diarrhea, gastric distress, restlessness, and insomnia.
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German chamomile is also used as an ingredient in cosmetics and soaps.
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Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile):
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Roman chamomile, on the other hand, has been primarily valued for its fragrant properties.
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It has a long history of use in various applications, including adding fragrance to tobacco products.
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Medicinally, Roman chamomile has been employed to relieve heartburn, stimulate appetite, and ease menstrual discomfort.
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The commercially available chamomile tea is typically derived from either the German or Roman chamomile variety. The reported medicinal benefits associated with drinking chamomile tea are often more closely associated with the German chamomile variety.
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Chamomile teas are readily available in various forms, including tea bags and loose-leaf varieties. Preparing chamomile tea at home is as straightforward as brewing other types of tea, making it accessible for anyone seeking its potential health benefits and soothing properties.
What Is the Method for Preparing Chamomile Tea?
Here are a few simple steps for preparing chamomile tea:
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Preparation: Start by placing a chamomile tea bag or approximately one tablespoon of loose tea leaves into the cup. Either put the loose leaves directly into the cup or use a tea infuser.
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Water Temperature: Heat water to a temperature between 90 to 95°C (194 to 205°F). If one does not have a temperature-controlled kettle, simply bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for a minute or two to reach the desired temperature.
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Steeping: Carefully pour about eight ounces of the hot water over the tea bag, tea infuser, or loose tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for approximately four to five minutes to develop the desired flavor.
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Straining: After steeping, remove the tea bag or the tea infuser. If using loose tea leaves, strain them from the cup before consumption.
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Sweetening: To enhance the flavor, add a small amount of honey or milk if find the chamomile tea too bland. Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes should avoid honey and sugar. For others, a pinch of sugar can also be added for sweetness. Chamomile tea is best enjoyed while it is still warm, providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience.
What Are the Recommended Dosage Guidelines, and Potential Drug Interactions Associated With Chamomile Tea Consumption?
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), there is a notable absence of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of chamomile in improving sleep. Additionally, as per information provided by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), concerns regarding long-term safety persist, and there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate the claimed health benefits of chamomile in humans. Individuals with allergies to certain flowery plants, such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, daisies, or ragweed, should exercise caution when consuming chamomile tea, as it may trigger allergic reactions. Individuals taking medications like blood thinners, sedatives, cytochrome P450 substrate drugs, or those who are immunocompromised and on cyclosporine therapies should avoid chamomile tea consumption, as it may potentially interfere with drug absorption or lead to detrimental medication interactions. Even healthy individuals seeking the refreshing or rejuvenating qualities of chamomile tea, begin with a low dosage and gradually adjust their intake based on taste preferences, ensuring there are no adverse health effects associated with consumption.
Conclusion
Chamomile tea, while widely enjoyed as a traditional global beverage, has not yet attained the designation of a health drink due to the absence of robust scientific evidence and lingering long-term safety concerns. Individuals with allergies to flowering plants or certain teas, as well as those on systemic medications, are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid the consumption of chamomile tea
