Sleep is like a sweet balm that soothes and restores us after a long day of work and play. It is very important to for health and well-being as it is our body’s time to recover from the day’s activities, recharge and get ready for the next day. But sleep isn’t always easy to achieve. At some point in our lives, many of us may struggle with sleep, whether it’s trouble with settling our minds or perhaps even sleep-walking.
Sipping a hot camomile infusion as part of your evening routine has been found to be incredibly beneficial for a good night sleep and relaxation. Dietician Anshul Jaibharat said: ‘Camomile relaxes nerves and soothes the nervous system, therefore helping you sleep better. It lacks the addition of caffeine, and is best consumed before sleeping’.
Camomile is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae) and has two common varieties – Roman and German. It is renowned in folk and traditional medicine for its wellness, cosmetic, and nutritional benefits. Camomile remains one of the most popular ancient medicinal plants in the world as it contains flavonoids or antioxidants that contribute to its medicinal properties. The most popular form of camomile consumption is herbal tea or infusion.
Research has shown that a sip of camomile infusion regularly can increase the body’s levels of the amino acid ‘glycine’ which is known to encourage relaxation and lessen anxiety. This herbal infusion can help with a multitude of physical and emotional ailments.
Research conducted in Quebec, Canada, showed that out of 997 adults, 18.5% had taken a natural sleeping aid in the previous 12 months, with camomile being the most popular.
Another study by Avallone R. et al., found that camomile infusion and essential oil aromatherapy can be used to treat insomnia . According to the study, it is regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer.
Camomile infusion is also widely used as a natural cure for treating health conditions such as stomach upset, tension, migraine, mouth ulcers, skin aggravations and menstrual cramps. It can also help sooth acne problems and protect the skin from free-radical damage.
On the other hand, this incredible drink has some adverse effect on infants and young children as well as on people who are allergic to ragweed (a member of the daisy family). Those who are on medication, are pregnant or planning to be pregnant should seek a doctor’s advice before drinking camomile.
Zawn Villines https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320031.php
Reviewed by Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI
Camomile Tea Sleep Benefits: https://www.theteatalk.com/Camomile-tea-sleep.html
Camomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future Avallone R, Zanoli P, Corsi L, Cannazza G, Baraldi M. Benzodiazepine compounds and GABA in flower heads of matricaria chamomilla. Phytotherapy Res. 1996;10:177–179: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
18 Amazing Benefits of Camomile Tea for Your Health: https://naturalremedyideas.com/Camomile-tea-benefits/
Camomile For Anxiety And Sleep – Does It Really Work? Updated: October 30, 2018-Ethan Green: https://www.nosleeplessnights.com/Camomile-sleep-anxiety/