(NaturalHealth365)  Chamomile tea has long been recognized as a “tried-and-true” natural method for treating insomnia and promoting restful sleep.  Unlike pharmaceutical medications such as Xanax and Valium, this soothing beverage is non-addictive and virtually free of unwanted side effects – among the many benefits valued by natural medicine experts.

But when it comes to its therapeutic powers, chamomile tea is no “one-trick pony.”  New research identifies chamomile’s impressive lineup of potent bioactive phytochemicals and showcases its ability to help resolve a wide range of illnesses, including depression.

For example, a 2023 pilot randomized clinical trial explored the effects of combining chamomile with saffron to help people with depression.  The study revealed significant improvements in depression scores and metabolic markers like cholesterol levels, suggesting that this herbal duo could provide powerful support for mood and overall health.

Let’s take a closer look at the many more chamomile tea benefits you can enjoy!

Heartburn relief is just one of chamomile tea’s many impressive benefits

Along with its mild sedative qualities, German chamomile – botanically known as Matricaria recutita – is a gentle anti-spasmodic agent that can relax the muscles of the intestines, making it especially useful for dispelling gas and easing stomach cramps.

Holistic healthcare providers currently recommend chamomile for gastrointestinal health issues such as heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, motion sickness, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting.

In one clinical study, a mixture of chamomile flowers and other herbs reduced stomach acid output and decreased inflammatory leukotrienes – demonstrating chamomile’s ability to protect against the development of gastric ulcers.

Researchers noted that the chamomile mixture lowered gastric acidity as effectively as a commercial antacid!

Other studies have shown that chamomile extracts inhibit H. pylori, the bacteria that contribute to stomach ulcers.  Chamomile tea can also help safely reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea and colic in infants and children.

In one clinical trial, a mix of chamomile tea and other herbs – given after every bout of colic – eliminated the colic in 57 percent of the infants, with no adverse effects.

Chamomile tea fights depression and anxiety

Chamomile tea is impressing researchers with its ability to reduce anxiety, lift depression, and elevate mood safely.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety were given 220 mg a day of a chamomile extract for eight weeks.  The team found that most of the group (57 percent) experienced a significant reduction of symptoms using well-established universal measurements, such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory System and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating.

One very encouraging finding from the study – published in the well-respected journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine – was that chamomile’s therapeutic effects increased over time – although the amount did not.  Keep in mind, with some pharmaceutical drugs, tolerance develops – necessitating ever-increasing amounts to bring about the initial result.  But chamomile seems to display the opposite effect.

Scientists believe that a flavonoid called apigenin – which binds to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain – may be responsible for chamomile’s anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects.

Polyphenols in chamomile may help to combat cancer

Chamomile’s volatile oil contains a host of strongly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including 28 different terpenoids and 36 different flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin.

Not only does chamomile reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can trigger many chronic degenerative diseases – including cancer – but its apigenin can inhibit cancerous tumor growth.

In a study published in the Federation of American Society of Experimental Biology journal, researchers credited apigenin with “remarkable” anti-proliferative effects against various malignant cell lines.

The team reported that apigenin caused significant inhibition of the volume of prostate cancer tumors, reducing their size by up to 53 percent.  The flavonoid also caused apoptosis – or programmed cell death – in implanted tumor cells.

Although more studies can be helpful, chamomile tea extracts have already shown encouraging results in helping people with prostate, skin, thyroid, and stomach cancers.

Chamomile is anti-diabetic, antibacterial, plus much more

According to a review published in Molecular Medicine Reports, chamomile extracts may help control – or even prevent – diabetes.

The authors cited a study in which chamomile extracts acted against diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing liver glycogen storage.  The chamomile extracts also had a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells – which they achieved by diminishing oxidative stress accompanying high blood sugar.

Chamomile tea also has antibacterial effects that effectively combat bacterial infections of the mouth, teeth, and gums.  Its powerful anti-inflammatory effects can reduce pain from toothaches and canker sores.

Gargle briefly with cooled chamomile tea to access chamomile’s soothing and cleansing properties.

Chamomile can also treat skin problems such as wounds, minor burns, eczema, and diaper rash.  One double-blind clinical trial facilitated wound healing, and several studies suggest that it may even be superior to corticosteroids.

Additionally, some natural health experts suggest combining chamomile essential oil with coconut oil and gently swabbing sunburned skin to relieve swelling and pain.

Plus, there’s more!

Placing a warm, used chamomile teabag over the eyes can reduce redness, puffiness, and eyestrain.  At the same time, headaches can be relieved by placing several drops of chamomile essential oil above the upper lip to inhale it.  Just keep in mind, do not ingest chamomile oil.

In addition to all of that, research supports chamomile’s ability to help prevent bone loss in osteoporosis, boost the immune system, and bolster resistance to colds and infections – all in all, quite a list of accomplishments.

Chamomile comes in many forms: Inexpensive, safe, and widely available

Powdered chamomile is available in capsules, with natural health experts advising a formulation standardized to 1.2 percent apigenin.  Chamomile extracts are also sold as a tincture, and in lotions and oils for external use.

But the most soothing way to access chamomile’s benefits is in a cup of tea.

To make chamomile tea, pour one cup of boiling water over two to three heaping teaspoons of dried organic chamomile leaves.  Allow the mixture to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then drink it when cool.

As with any new herb or supplement, consult your holistic doctor before trying chamomile.  Of course, if you are allergic to any members of the aster family, don’t use chamomile.

Chamomile is not only a time-honored, trusty remedy for minor irritations and complaints – it also shows exciting potential as a weapon against the most serious chronic ailments of our time.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
LWW.com
TheConversation.com