Does Chamomile Tea Help You Sleep?
Indeed, chamomile tea is an excellent choice for a before-bed drink: In addition to its aromatic earthy-floral flavor and lack of caffeine, it has longstanding medicinal uses and is known for its relaxing effects. Unsurprisingly, chamomile is one of the key ingredients in Sleepytime tea (alongside spearmint, lemongrass, Tilia flowers, and Hawthorn berry). According to Rachel Cheatham, Ph.D., founder of the nutrition consulting firm Foodscape Group and adjunct assistant professor at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, chamomile is a powerful antioxidant. Over 120 chemical elements for chamomile have been discovered, including the antioxidant apigenin, which helps bind receptors in your brain that promote drowsiness and reduce insomnia. Other research suggests that combining chamomile and lavender tea is especially helpful for new parents dealing with sleep deficits. The consumption of chamomile tea by postpartum individuals has also been shown to reduce symptoms of depression—a common cause of sleeplessness. “Just remember: The key to this effect appears to be regular daily consumption,” says Cheatham. “When the tea drinking stopped after two weeks of testing, so did the desirable sleep-inducing, mood-lifting effects.”
What Other Health Benefits Does Chamomile Offer?
Remember: The quality and sourcing of chamomile tea matters when it comes to its potential health benefits. High quality and potency are desired.
