The Best Six Chamomile Tea Brands for Sleep
Chamomile tea is a popular traditional herbal medicine tea that has been used over thousands of years for its health benefits and mild taste. The term Chamomile is a Greek word that means “ground apple” which is a common name for a variety of daisy-like plants. The history of chamomile tea goes back to when it was being used as a cold remedy in the ancient Egypt and the Romans as a beverage and as an incense.
Germanvs Roman Chamomile
There are two different varieties of chamomile plants that are used in making this herbal drink. These include the German chamomile (Matricaria recutit) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The two plants are technically different but they fall under the same name “chamomile” and are both used in treating similar health problems. However, German chamomile is the commonly used plant of the two.
Here are the best 6 chamomile tea brands for sleep.
1. Celestial Seasonings
This is the most popular brand as it is widely available in many groceries. Sleepytime is the original bedtime tea. By far, it is the best brand of bagged tea on the market that I’ve tried. The flavor is herbal, light and subtle. You will definitely enjoy the smooth and consistent taste. It is caffeine free which won’t keep you up at night!
2. Twinings Pure Camomile Tea
This is the perfect tea to drink to unwind after a long day. It is one of the best chamomile tea brand as it is entirely made up of chamomile blossoms that results to a mild taste, almost sweet flavor and pleasant aroma. It is the perfect bedtime tea because there’s no caffeine.
Available at: amazon.com
3. Bigelow Cozy Chamomile
It’s certainly cozy, just like the name! This is another popular brand that is 100% pure chamomile as it does not have flavorings. This makes it ideal for those seeking for the stunning health benefits of chamomile plant. They have a wide variety of flavors. Great with a little honey to compliment the flavor. It is easy to brew and reasonably priced. Two of their popular tea flavors are Natural Mango Flavor and Mint Flavor.
4. Lipton Chamomile
This brand includes orange peel, allspice, hibiscus, lemon, bergamot flavorings licorice root and rosehips. This makes it to have the best tastes of the other chamomile tea brands.
Available at: amazon.com
5. Yogi Comforting Chamomile
Yogi Comforting is a certified organic chamomile tea brand that contains chamomile flowers. The variety of flavors is endless. It’s often praised for its naturally sweet rich taste. You may try their soothing blend, Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea, made with Chamomile, Lavender and Lemon Balm.
Available at: amazon.com
6. Tazo Calm-Chamomile
Tazo Chamomile brand is blend from chamomile, hibiscus and spearmint with other flavorings that include lemongrass, safflower, blackberry leaves and rose petals. You will enjoy the unique blend of flavors and its ability to be combined with other teas.
Available at: amazon.com
What is Chamomile Tea Good for?
Chamomile tea is good in offering a relief to a wide variety of sleep disruptors. These include:
1. Insomnia
First, chamomile tea helps in clearing that irritating sensation that makes you feel not tired enough to retire to bed although it is past time. Therefore, sipping on chamomile tea any time you find yourself unable to sleep induces that sleepy feeling that is missing.
2. Depression
Depression is another major sleep disruptor that can be managed by simply taking a sip of chamomile tea before bed. However, chamomile tea does not fully cure depression but it helps in getting rid of the clingy unwanted companion that clouds your mind with hopelessness for a better sleep.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety is another sleep disruptor that goes hand in hand with insomnia. This is because the unwanted thoughts lead to a restless night. However, taking a cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed can greatly help in calming your mind enough to allow you drift off to a healthy sleep.
4. Indigestion
Indigestion is a problem that many people especially those with sleep disorders identify with. However, a cup of chamomile tea can help in treating your stomach from this problem to allow you sleep comfortably.
Does Chamomile Tea Help in Sleep?
Chamomile tea is known for years for its effectiveness as a sleep aid. This explains why it is used as the main ingredient in most sleepy tea blends that rely on sleep inducing properties to fight insomnia. However, if you have tried other natural sleep aids with similar claims after suffering from sleep disorders, then you have a good reason to be doubtful. These doubts can fortunately be cleared, as there are some studies that show that chamomile tea may be effective as a sleep aid.
In 2009, a German study was carried on the effects of chamomile tea on patients suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. The study indicated significantly greater reduction in the level of anxiety as compared to those taking a placebo. This was followed by another study in 2012 that showed a powerful antidepressant activity in chamomile with the effects increasing with continued use. Besides, animal research on rats and mice has been carried out and results support the findings of the other studies.
What is contained in Chamomile Tea that Help you sleep?
Chamomile tea bag is believed to contain 36 different flavonoids. These include apigenen that works on the mind by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors resulting to a calming effect. However, some people believe that the effectiveness of chamomile tea as a sleep aid is due to the effect of placebo.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
• Healthy sleep
The most popular benefit of taking chamomile tea is that it is a good sleep aid. This is due to its relaxing and soothing effects, which are very important when used before bed.
• Stomach Soother
Chamomile tea is effective in solving a variety of stomach problems. These include easing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, stomachaches, promoting elimination and general digestion.
• Menstrual Cramps
Many researchers believe that chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps. Besides, one study indicated that taking chamomile tea increased glycine levels in the urine, which is a compound that eases muscle spasms.
• Cold Remedy
Chamomile is known to have immune boosting properties that include antibacterial properties, which help in fighting colds.
• Hemorrhoid Treatment
According to a study, chamomile ointment is helpful in hemorrhoids treatment.
• Wound healing
The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians used chamomile flowers to speed up wound healing. This has been proved by a study on animals as rats that given chamomile extract experienced a faster healing.
• Diabetes management
In one study, chamomile tea was seen to prevent the progression of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications. However, a study is being carried on the beneficial effects of chamomile tea in diabetes management.
• Anti-cancer
Tests tube studies indicate that chamomile offers protection against several types of cancer cells.
Is Chamomile Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, drinking chamomile tea is considered safe throughout the pregnancy period. However, you should ensure that you follow some precautions such as seeking advice from your doctor on what can be safely mixed with chamomile tea. There also claims that chamomile can lead to increased chances of abortion as it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore should be avoided.
Chamomile Tea Recipe
In conclusion, Chamomile tea is a very important herbal drink due to its health benefits. However, it is advisable to seek advice before using it during pregnancy, especially those in the first and the third trimesters. People with bleeding disorders should also avoid it as it contains coumarin, a chemical that increases the chances of bleeding.