Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. People have turned to it for centuries for its soothing aroma and gentle character. In this article, we'll look at what researchers have studied about chamomile tea, along with its history, origins, and a few things to keep in mind before you drink it.
What Is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is an herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, a member of the daisy family native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It has a mild, sweet, slightly fruity taste, and it's often enjoyed before bed.
History and Origins of Chamomile Tea
People have valued chamomile for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used it in cosmetics and embalming, while the Greeks and Romans turned to it for a range of everyday complaints. That long tradition continues today, with chamomile tea enjoyed worldwide for its calming, relaxing qualities.
What the Research Says About Chamomile Tea
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current healthcare routine.
Blood sugar
Some research has explored a possible link between chamomile and blood sugar. A study in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases looked at long-term chamomile tea consumption alongside markers like hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Separate research in Planta Medica examined its relationship to blood glucose and insulin, and a review in Frontiers in Endocrinology discussed chamomile's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings are early, and more research in people is needed.
Menstrual comfort
Chamomile has been studied for its possible relationship to menstrual discomfort, an area researchers connect to its antioxidant and antispasmodic compounds. A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research explored chamomile tea and menstrual discomfort in adolescent girls, and other research in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2011) and the Journal of Reproductive Medicine (2015) looked at related questions. As always, this is an area to discuss with your own healthcare provider.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
Chamomile naturally contains compounds like apigenin and chamazulene, which researchers have studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and the Journal of Medicinal Food have examined these compounds, and a review in Molecular Medicine Reports discussed possible areas for further study. Much of this work is preliminary or based on animal models.
Seasonal wellness
Some studies have explored chamomile in the context of seasonal discomfort. Research in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looked at a chamomile-based nasal spray, and a Journal of Family Practice trial studied an herbal tea blend that included chamomile. These are early findings rather than established uses.
Weight and metabolism
Evidence here is early and comes mostly from animal studies. Research in the Journal of Medicinal Food (2016) and the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2017) examined chamomile extract and body weight in mice and rats. Much more research in humans would be needed before drawing any conclusions, so it's best to think of chamomile tea as a small, enjoyable part of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a weight solution on its own.
Early laboratory research
Chamomile's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have prompted some early laboratory research. Studies in Anticancer Research, Food and Chemical Toxicology, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Molecules have examined chamomile extracts in cell and lab settings. These are very early, non-human findings, and they should not be taken as evidence of any benefit in people. Much more research is needed.
Rest and relaxation
Chamomile is probably best known as a tea to enjoy in the evening, and researchers have studied its relationship to sleep and relaxation. A placebo-controlled study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology looked at chamomile extract and sleep quality, other work in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined chamomile tea in older adults, and a 2018 Phytomedicine review summarized the research to date. Many people simply find a warm cup before bed to be a soothing way to wind down.
Topical research on skin
When used topically, chamomile has been studied for mild skin care. Research has looked at chamomile cream in relation to skin barrier function, chamomile extract and the bacteria associated with acne, and chamomile cream and wound healing in animal studies. These uses are topical and separate from drinking the tea.
Digestive comfort
Chamomile tea has a long history as a comforting after-meal drink, and researchers have studied its relationship to digestive comfort. Some work connects this to its effect on the muscles of the digestive tract, and its naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds have also been studied. Clinical trials published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Phytomedicine have examined chamomile extract and digestive symptoms. Many people find a warm cup simply pleasant after eating.
Bone health research
A few early studies have explored chamomile and bone density. Animal research and lab studies have looked at chamomile's possible effect on bone cells, as reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. These findings are preliminary and have not been confirmed in humans.
Calm and stress
Chamomile is widely enjoyed for its calming character, and researchers have studied its relationship to stress and mood. A 2016 review of 17 trials in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology examined chamomile and feelings of anxiousness, an eight-week study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine looked at chamomile tea and mood, and a 2019 trial in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine studied it in women with premenstrual symptoms. For many people, the simple act of slowing down with a warm cup is calming in itself.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Chamomile tea is generally considered safe for most people, but it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or other plants in the daisy family. It may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives, and it should be avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers. If you have any health concerns or take medication, talk with your healthcare provider before adding chamomile tea to your routine.
Conclusion
Chamomile tea has been enjoyed for centuries, and researchers continue to study many of its naturally occurring compounds. Above all, it's a gentle, caffeine-free herbal tea that's a lovely way to slow down at the end of the day. To enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, steep the dried flowers in hot water and let the aroma do the rest. As with any herbal tea taken for wellness purposes, it's a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider first.