Chamomile Tea: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More! 

Introduction

Chamomile tea has been loved for its potential health benefits for many years. It comes from daisy-like flowers. The tea has a lovely smell that tea lovers all over the world enjoy. Its taste is just as delightful. Apart from being tasty, it’s also packed with nutrients.  

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind chamomile tea and the different varieties available, each with its own unique qualities. We’ll also explore its nutritional profile and the potential health benefits it may offer; from promoting better sleep and supporting digestion to contributing to heart health. You’ll learn how to brew the perfect cup and understand the precautions to keep in mind. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of why chamomile tea has remained so popular and how it can gently support your overall well-being. 

History and Types of Chamomile Tea

The history of chamomile tea dates back to notable civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Being a favoured natural remedy, its use became embedded in many cultural customs and traditions.  

Cultural Significance

Chamomile holds high regard in many cultures in history. In ancient Egypt, it was used in paying tribute to the gods and in managing various health issues. The Romans and Greeks loved chamomile tea for its calming effects. It was their go-to natural remedy for many health concerns.  

German Chamomile

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one widely known type of chamomile. It’s often chosen by tea lovers because of its honey-sweet flavour and pleasing aroma. It’s native to Europe and Asia but can be found in different regions.  

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile have some common traits, but they differ slightly in taste and smell. Although it is not that common, Roman chamomile has many potential health benefits too. Much like the German version, it serves as an effective natural remedy.   

Nutritional Composition of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a rich source of important nutrients that lend to its various potential health benefits. These vital elements include vitamins, minerals, potent antioxidants, and essential oils.  

• Vitamins and Minerals: Chamomile tea is packed with key vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and trace amounts of vitamin B-complex and Vitamin A¹. All these nutrients play key roles in our health, like maintaining strong bones, muscle function, clear vision, and a strong immune system.  
• Antioxidants: This tea is high in antioxidants which offer many potential health benefits. One of these antioxidants is a flavonoid called apigenin². This is said to reduce swelling, fight cancer, and have a soothing effect. 
• Essential Oils and Compounds: Chamomile contains beneficial plant compounds and essential oils. They are responsible for its trademark aroma and beneficial properties. Compounds such as bisabolol and chamazulene are also found in this tea². They work together with other components to promote its potential health benefits.  

Recently, I read in a study that chamomile tea can help in healing after wisdom tooth extraction due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drinking the tea or using it as a gentle rinse may soothe pain and reduce swelling, promoting quicker recovery. Just ensure to cool the tea before using it to avoid irritating the extraction site^13,14. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, BAMS, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

A blend of essential oils, potent antioxidants, and nutrients makes chamomile tea an alternative remedy for various health concerns. These include improved sleep, better digestion, strong heart health, and reducing the risk of cancer.  

1. Improving Sleep Quality

Many studies suggest that chamomile tea improves sleep^3,4. Specifically, it may help reduce the number of times people wake up at night and improve functioning in the daytime. This effect is particularly helpful for individuals suffering from insomnia or other sleep troubles. Chamomile tea is proposed to enhance sleep quality, due to the antioxidant apigenin. It is said to help soothe and to reduce insomnia⁴. But always remember not to overdo the consumption. 

2. Reducing Anxiety and Stress  

Besides improving sleep, this tea is proposed to help reduce anxiety and stress. It has been found that regular intake of chamomile tea may help deal with depression, leading to a better mood and decreased feelings of sadness⁵.

However, further research is required to compare the effects of tea with other management options available for sleep disorders, stress, and anxiety.  

3. Promoting Digestive Health

Chamomile tea is said to be good for the gut. Its key features, like its ability to reduce inflammation, may help improve gut health by avoiding the growth of harmful gut bacteria and mitigate digestive issues like indigestion, diarrhoea, and flatulence⁶. It is also shown to be helpful in reducing the chances of stomach ulcer by balancing gastric acid secretion⁷, although studies are needed to further explore this benefit.  

4. Protection against Cancer

Chamomile tea might help avoid the risk of certain cancers. It’s rich in antioxidants particularly apigenin which may help fight some types of cancer cells⁸.

• In laboratory tests, the antioxidant apigenin in chamomile tea has been found to stop the growth of cancer cells. This highlights its potential as a natural cancer-risk-reducing agent. However, more research is needed to corroborate these findings.   

5. Blood Sugar Control

Additionally, chamomile tea may aid in controlling blood sugar levels. This can make it a valuable addition to the diet plans of those with diabetes or who are at risk.  

• Studies suggest that this tea helps regulate insulin and balance blood sugar levels⁹. It does this by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. However, if you are a diabetic patient on medication, discuss with your doctor before incorporating this tea into your daily routine.   

6. Heart Health

This tea, thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, is thought to support heart health. Some studies have shown that it may help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol^2,9.  However, more research is required.   

7. Additional Potential Benefits

It is proposed that chamomile tea may also relieve period symptoms and improve bone and skin health.  

• Menstrual Symptom Relief: For years, chamomile tea has been used to soothe menstrual issues like cramps and bloating. Due to its anti-inflammatory potential, it may also help calm down an overactive gut during this time¹⁰.
• Improve Bone Health: Long-lasting inflammation can lead to problems like arthritis and autoimmune diseases. The anti-inflammatory abilities of chamomile tea may help with these issues. Moreover, an initial study found that chamomile extracts can help reduce the risk of bone demineralisation that causes osteoporosis, and help increase bone strength¹¹.
• Enhance Skin Health: When used topically, chamomile tea extracts may help improve the health of your skin. It may soothe inflamed skin and may even help against inflammatory skin issues like eczema². 

These are some suggested health benefits of chamomile tea based on initial studies. Further large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these benefits. So, it’s best to always discuss with your doctor before incorporating the tea into your daily routine. 

Chamomile tea may help reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A study showed that drinking chamomile tea twice daily significantly lowered inflammation markers and reduced the number of tender joints. This suggests that chamomile tea might be a beneficial addition to traditional RA treatments, offering a natural way to ease symptoms¹². 

Dr Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Brew and Consume Chamomile Tea?

It’s important to know how to prepare and enjoy it the right way. You can follow these simple guidelines to get the most out of your chamomile tea.  

• Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags: When it comes to taste and quality, loose-leaf chamomile tea is deemed superior to teabags. However, for those looking for easy preparation, teabags are still very good.  
• Ideal Brewing Time and Temperature: The secret lies in the brewing time and temperature. Steep the chamomile in water heated to around 200°F (93°C) for 5–10 minutes. Remember that overstepping might make the tea too bitter.  
• Combining Chamomile Tea with Other Herbs: Try adding other herbs such as lemon balm, lavender, or peppermint to your chamomile tea. You’ll get to enjoy a unique flavour and additional potential health benefits.  
• Recommended Daily Intake: This depends on your unique needs and tastes. While 1-3 cups per day is generally safe and beneficial for most people, a doctor or nutritionist can suggest the right amount based on your needs and overall health condition. 

Side Effects, Precautions, and Interactions

While chamomile tea is generally safe, some people may experience side effects and need to be extra careful.  

1. Allergies and Anaphylaxis  

If you are you allergic to plants from the daisy family such as ragweed or chrysanthemums. Chamomile tea can trigger allergies. Stop using it immediately if you notice any adverse reactions and seek medical help.  

2. Pregnancy and Nursing  

Pregnant women should be cautious with chamomile tea as there is limited data about its safety in pregnancy. Similarly, nursing mothers should avoid it and seek advice from a healthcare professional before consuming this tea.  

3. Drug Interactions  

Some drugs might interact negatively with chamomile tea. These include blood thinners, sedative medications, and diabetes medications. Always discuss with your healthcare professional before starting chamomile tea, especially if you have any medical conditions/are on any medications.  

So, if you belong any of the following categories, it’s best to avoid chamomile tea due to the potential side effect:   

• Individuals allergic to plants from the daisy family.  
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless advised otherwise).   
• People on certain medicines, like blood thinners or sedatives.

Conclusion

Chamomile tea has been loved for years and remains popular. It’s rich in health-promoting nutrients, antioxidants, and essential oils. By enjoying this soothing herbal tea, you’re not only sipping on a tasty drink but also nourishing your body and promoting general health. However, remember moderation in consumption is key and it’s ideal to take a heads up from your doctor before including it in your routine diet to be safe, just like any other natural remedy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. USDA. Food Central Data (Internet) (cited on 20^th Feb 2026). Availabe from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/174156/nutrients. 

2. Gupta. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6). doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/

3. Chang S, Chen C. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016;72(2):306-315. doi:10.1111/jan.12836. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26483209/

4. Zick SM, Wright BD, Sen A, Arnedt JT. Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:78. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-78. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21939549/

5. Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012;18(5):44-49. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22894890/

6. Sebai H, Jabri MA, Souli A, et al. Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(2):327-332. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.015. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24463157/ 

7. Gohar AA, Zaki AA. Assessment of some Herbal Drugs for Prophylaxis of Peptic Ulcer. Iran J Pharm Res IJPR. 2014;13(3):1081-1086. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25276211/

8. Shukla S, Gupta S. Apigenin: a promising molecule for cancer prevention. Pharm Res. 2010;27(6):962-978. doi:10.1007/s11095-010-0089-7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20306120/

9. Rafraf M, Zemestani M, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Effectiveness of chamomile tea on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Endocrinol Invest. 2015;38(2):163-170. doi:10.1007/s40618-014-0170-x. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25194428/

10. Khalesi ZB, Beiranvand SP, Bokaie M. Efficacy of Chamomile in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J Pharmacopuncture. 2019;22(4):204-209. doi:10.3831/KPI.2019.22.028. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31970017/ 

11. Raja A, Singh GP, Fadil SA, Elhady SS, Youssef FS, Ashour ML. Prophylactic Anti-Osteoporotic Effect of Matricaria chamomilla L. Flower Using Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis in Rat Model and Molecular Modelling Approaches. Antioxidants. 2022;11(7):1316. doi:10.3390/antiox11071316. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883807/

12. Pirouzpanah S, Mahboob S, Sanayei M, Hajaliloo M, Safaeiyan A. The effect of chamomile tea consumption on inflammation among rheumatoid arthritis patients: randomized clinical trial. Prog Nutr. 2017 Oct 23;19(1-S):27–33. doi:10.23751/pn.v19i1-S.5171. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/63825150/The_effect_of_chamomile_tea_consumption_on_inflammation_among_rheumatoid_arthritis_patients_randomized_clinical_trial

13. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Green tea and cardiovascular health. In: Tea and tea products: chemistry and health-promoting properties. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2015. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/

14. Abo Rokbah M, Al-Khanati N, Al-rshoudi A, Al-Zaben F, Al-Abdallat Y. Effects of German chamomile on symptoms and healing after mandibular third molar surgeries: a triple-blind split-mouth randomized controlled trial. Int J Surg Open. 2023;56:100639. doi:10.1016/j.ijso.2023.100639. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijsopen/fulltext/2023/56000/effects_of_german_chamomile_on_symptoms_and.6.aspx

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