Looking for natural ways to improve your sleep? Give this soothing herb a try.
Chamomile has been used in drinks since the days of the ancient Greeks, who knew a thing or two about natural remedies. This herb contains the chemical apigenin, which can make drinkers feel calm and drowsy.
“Chamomile basically acts as a mild sedative,” nutritionist Beth Cervoni tells the Cleveland Clinic. “These little sips can really help you fall asleep.”
But this plant also offers additional health benefits.
First, the calming effects of drinking chamomile tea can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart events.
An herb first used in ancient Greece has some major health benefits, such as protecting bone strength and nervous system health (Getty Images)
This daisy-like plant is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and calcium. According to UCLA Health, potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain the nervous system, protect bone health, prevent kidney stones and regulate the heartbeat.
According to the American Heart Association, eating foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease caused by a high-salt diet.
Most Americans don’t get enough potassium, with experts recommending 2,600 milligrams of potassium per day for women and 3,400 milligrams per day for men. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, a cup of chamomile tea contains about 21 milligrams of potassium. Leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, and avocados are all potassium-rich foods that can help achieve these daily goals.
Like potassium, calcium keeps bones strong and teeth healthy. “Your heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly,” notes the Mayo Clinic.
Chamomile flowers bloom. The plant has been used by doctors for thousands of years (AFP via Getty Images)
According to research cited by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, nutrients in chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can lead to certain chronic diseases and cancer. People who drink chamomile tea may have a lower risk of dying from heart disease and may be protected against certain cancers, according to Harvard Medical School.
Finally, researchers at the University of Leeds say chemicals in chamomile have been shown to help control and even prevent diabetes.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, pregnant people should avoid chamomile because it may trigger premature labor. People with a history of severe allergies should also do this, as chamomile may be cross-contaminated with pollen from other plants.
For most people, this herb is considered safe to consume with as little as a cup or two of tea. All you really need is a cup of coffee to reap the rewards, including calming your anxiety.
“Chamomile tea is very safe, so if it works for you, there’s no reason to stop drinking it,” said Suzanna Zick, a research associate professor at the University of Michigan. life science.
