The amazing benefits of chamomile tea

What is chamomile?

Recognised for its relaxing properties by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, the chamomile flower is probably the most widely used herbal tea for soothing stress and nervous tension. The sweetly scented chamomile flower takes its name from the Greek words ‘kamai’ and ‘melon’ meaning ‘earth apple’ due its delicate apple-like fragrance. Blends such as Pukka’s Three Chamomile helps restore calm when nerves are frazzled. However, it also offers many other chamomile tea benefits, particularly in the digestive and respiratory systems.

So, why's chamomile tea so special?

Chamomile’s relaxing effects mainly come from its beneficial essential oils, which have the ability to calm the nervous system and relieve both physical and psychological tension. It can also soothe muscle spasms and tension, particularly in the digestive system. It is one of the most effective remedies for soothing the nervous system generally and is so gentle it is traditionally used as a tea for children. These properties make it one of the most soothing and calming herbs, especially in the gut, mouth and respiratory tract.

Why is drinking chamomile tea good for you?

The soothing and calming health benefits of Chamomile tea have been widely researched (1) and include:

• Relaxation: Chamomile is traditionally used to reduce stress, tension and an anxious mind. It helps settle the whole body, creating a sense of calm making it the perfect caffeine free cuppa to unwind in the evening.

• Getting a good night's rest: Chamomile’s relaxing properties are especially useful for supporting your sleep, especially when anxious digestion is contributing to sleep issues (2).

• Digestion: Chamomile supports many digestive complaints, especially stress related. It helps relax digestive muscles, while its bitter compounds promote our digestive juices.

Other benefits of chamomile:

• Inhaling chamomile via a steam inhalation can help calm and moisten inflamed mucous membranes in respiratory infections, whilst clearing congestion.

• Applying chamomile to the skin as a cream or in a massage oil can soothe and support healing.

• A chamomile mouthwash can ease sore gums and support oral hygiene.

How we grow our highest quality chamomile

Pukka’s chamomile flowers used in chamomile teas, such as Three Chamomile and Chamomile, Vanilla and Manuka Honey, are sourced from three different countries, Egypt, Hungry and Croatia. Each has different climates and weather conditions meaning the delicate flowers take on different flavours and properties. The chamomile is harvested very early in the morning to ensure the essential oils are not lost. It takes about 5,000 fresh flowers to collect a kilo of chamomile! Our chamomile is also Fair For Life certified, meaning premiums are paid to benefit these farming communities.

After hearing about all of chamomile’s calming benefits, why not try it out by making a

Relax Lavender Lemonade | Pukka Herbs using our Relax herbal tea.

Or a traditional soothing, calming chamomile steam for respiratory infections. Use 4 Three Chamomile tea bags to make up a large bowl of tea with boiling water. Cover with a towel and steep for a few minutes. Place your head over the bowl and under the towel and take deep breaths through your nose and mouth for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to reach your lungs, providing relief and helping to decongest.

Explore our range of chamomile teas and find your favourite. If you can't make up your mind, many of our chamomile teas can be found in our tea gifts, try our Relax Selection Box or Calm Collection to discover a selection of our most-loved calming herbal teas.

References

1. Miraj, S. & Alesaeidi, S. (2016). A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile), Electronic Physician, 8 (9), pp. 3024–3031.

2. Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mousavi SN. (2017) The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 35: 109–114