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Does chamomile tea help you sleep?

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Does chamomile tea help you sleep?

Yes, chamomile tea can help you sleep.

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is a caffeine-free herb that’s been used for centuries to make tea and as a remedy for sleep, fevers, and skin conditions. It’s part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers.

Sedative effects

Chamomile is also a mild sedative or tranquilliser that can help relax the nervous system and promote sleep.

Apigenin

Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which has a sedative effect.

Research

A meta-analysis of 12 randomised, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality. Other studies have found that chamomile can help with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Menstrual discomfort
  • Lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes
  • Relieving cold symptoms
  • Osteoporosis. A 2022 study found that chamomile may help prevent osteoporosis in rats
  • Immune system – antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which  may boost the immune system.

A few people may also experience allergic reactions to chamomile.

Word

  • Camomile: The traditional English spelling
  • Chamomile: The spelling that comes from the Greek word Khamaimelon, which translates to ‘Kamai (earth)’ and ‘melon (apple)’.

An example

This is a particularly good soluble chamomile tea.

You can buy this on Amazon here.

Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, but some manufacturers may combine it with other teas that contain caffeine. You should check the label before drinking chamomile tea.

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