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Who says an apple a day keeps the doctor away? You can cozy up in bed with a hot cup of chamomile tea and enjoy all these amazing health benefits that soothe the body and soul instead.
You may know of chamomile from the tea aisle of your local grocery store, but you might not know that this flowering plant has a history of being one of the most medicinal herbs known to mankind. Documentation of people consuming the healing plant dates back at least 5,000 years! The Ancient Egyptians and Romans used chamomile in tea, salves, creams, and incenses.
The Herbal Research Foundation estimates that the world consumes one million cups of chamomile each day! When you read the health benefits of this daisy-like plant, you’ll certainly understand why we continue to enjoy chamomile thousands of years later.
Improves quality of sleep
Having a difficult time falling asleep at night? Make it a habit to sip chamomile tea at the end of the day. The flowers of chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific brain receptors that helps promote sleep and prevent insomnia. It also reduces restless sleep and waking up in the middle of the night.
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Aids digestion
If you have an upset tummy, try drinking more chamomile. Evidence suggests that the herb may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal conditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. A study showed that chamomile may also prevent stomach ulcers and reduce acidity.
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Helps skin health
Many cosmetic products like lotions and eye creams contain chamomile because of its moisturizing properties. Chamomile also reduces skin inflammation so save those tea bags for a skin-healthy DIY face mask.
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Can lower blood sugar levels
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile prevent damage to the pancreas. This important organ produces insulin, the hormone responsible for removing sugar from your blood. Studies also show that diabetic people who consume chamomile daily benefit from lower levels of sugar in their blood.
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Boosts immunity
Fight off the cold by drinking lots of chamomile tea during the wintertime. This healthy herb can boost the immune system so the body stays healthy and fights off illness and infection.
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Promotes heart health
Chamomile has an abundance of flavones, an antioxidant that lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, important in markers in risk for heart disease.
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Soothes sore throats
The naturally soothing properties of chamomile relieve symptoms of sore throats according to Healthline. Drink it as a tea or inhale chamomile steam for an herbal remedy.
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Helps reduce menstrual pain
When it’s that time of the month, you can reduce symptoms of your period by drinking chamomile. A 2010 study found that the herb reduces the pain of menstrual cramps. Chamomile may also balance mood and reduce anxiety associated with hormone fluctuations.
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Helps relieve anxiety
When taken as a supplement or used in aromatherapy, chamomile can help relieve anxiety and mild depression.
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