Studies suggest chamomile may help improve sleep quality and nighttime rest, while compounds in the centuries-old medicinal herb have also drawn research interest for their effects on skin, inflammation and other areas of health.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a calming herbal drink, and research suggests the caffeine-free beverage may offer measurable benefits for sleep while compounds from the plant are also being studied for effects on skin and other aspects of health.
Made by steeping dried flowers from Matricaria plant species, relatives of the daisy, chamomile has a long history in traditional medicine. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans used the plant for purposes that included treating skin conditions, according to historical reviews cited in a Mercola.com analysis.
The flowers contain several biologically active compounds, including flavonoids and chamazulene, that have become subjects of scientific investigation.
One of the best-known is apigenin, a flavonoid believed to contribute to chamomile’s calming properties by interacting with receptors in the brain involved in relaxation.
Modern research has focused particularly on whether those properties translate into better sleep.
In one study involving 80 new mothers in Taiwan who reported poor sleep quality, participants assigned to drink one cup of chamomile tea each day for two weeks alongside their regular health care experienced significant improvements in several sleep-related complaints.
The women reported reductions in excessive daytime drowsiness, irritability and poor concentration. Researchers also reported significant improvement in symptoms associated with postpartum depression during the study period.
The findings add to broader research examining herbal teas as bedtime beverages and their possible effects on sleep quality and the amount of time needed to fall asleep.
Botanical medicine references have also combined chamomile with lavender in nighttime teas intended to encourage relaxation, often recommending consumption one to two hours before bed.
Another trial examined chamomile in extract form rather than as tea.
During the monthlong study, participants receiving chamomile extract pills fell asleep approximately 15 minutes sooner and reported fewer nighttime awakenings than participants receiving a placebo.
Research published in European Neuropsychopharmacology has also examined the effects of chamomile phytochemicals on the central nervous system, adding to scientific interest in the plant’s potential role in relaxation and sleep.
The evidence is not limited to sleep, although findings in other areas are less conclusive.
Laboratory research cited in the report found that extracts from chamomile inhibited the growth of skin, prostate, breast and ovarian cancer cells without damaging healthy cells under the experimental conditions.
Such laboratory findings do not demonstrate that drinking chamomile tea prevents or treats cancer in people, but they have prompted continued investigation into the plant’s chemical compounds.
A separate observational study found that people who reported drinking chamomile tea two to six times per week had a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid disease.
Because observational studies can identify associations but cannot establish that chamomile itself caused the lower risk, additional research would be needed to determine whether the relationship is causal.
Chamomile has also attracted substantial interest in skin care.
Extracts from the plant are commonly incorporated into cosmetics and topical products intended to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile oils and extracts can penetrate layers of the skin and have been used traditionally for conditions including eczema, although the report noted that chamomile is not necessarily the most effective treatment for that condition.
The plant’s potential skin effects are generally associated with topical application rather than drinking chamomile tea.
Traditional medicine literature describes chamomile as one of the more extensively documented medicinal plants and records its use for a wide range of conditions.
Its appeal as a beverage is also straightforward: chamomile contains no caffeine and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is typically less intensely floral than some other herbal teas.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Molly Knudsen recommends preparing it with loose dried chamomile, using approximately one large teaspoon for each cup of boiling water and allowing it to steep for five to seven minutes.
People who prefer a stronger flavor can increase the quantity of chamomile, while honey can be added toward the end of the steeping process.
Chamomile has also traditionally been combined with other herbs. Some herbal references pair it with peppermint in teas used for nausea associated with menstrual periods.
Although chamomile is generally considered safe for most people as a beverage and is widely used in skin products, the evidence supporting its many traditional uses varies considerably in quality.
Research is strongest in some areas, including possible effects on relaxation and sleep, while claims involving other conditions require further study before firm conclusions can be drawn.
For people seeking a caffeine-free beverage before bed, the available evidence suggests chamomile tea may offer a simple option that supports relaxation and could improve some measures of sleep quality.
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