Chamomile, an ancient herb, offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits from improving sleep and easing anxiety to relief from gastrointestinal issues and aiding wound healing, chamomile's versatility is unmatched. Recent studies also suggest its potential in cancer treatment and heart health support.
Consuming chamomile tea is thought to have numerous health benefits from reducing inflammation to managing diabetes (1).
Here are a few surprising benefits of chamomile
1. Promoting Restful Sleep and Easing Anxiety
Chamomile has long been used to help with sleep and relaxation.
One of its compounds, apigenin, binds to receptors in the brain that are also targeted by benzodiazepines, known for their soothing effects (2).
In a study with cardiac patients, drinking chamomile tea led to a deep 90-minute sleep. Chamomile extracts also mimic the effects of benzodiazepines, helping to induce sleep.
2. Gastrointestinal Health and Beyond
Chamomile preparations have long been used to ease digestion, including upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea (3).
When combined with other herbs like vervain, licorice, and fennel, chamomile has shown promise in treating infant colic. In clinical trials, chamomile tea helped eliminate colic in 57% of infants compared to only 26% with a placebo.
3. Skin Care and Wound Healing
Chamomile cream can help ease discomfort from atopic eczema, a skin condition causing redness and itching (4).
Its extracts also exhibit antimicrobial properties, aiding in wound healing by reducing the risk of infection.
4. Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Studies have shown that chamomile, particularly its component apigenin, exhibits promising effects in inhibiting tumor growth in various cancers, including skin, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer (5, 6).
Chamomile extracts have been found to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal cells, leading to minimal growth inhibition in healthy tissues but significant reductions in cancer cell viability. This selective action is attributed to chamomile's ability to induce apoptosis (cell death) specifically in cancer cells.
5. Heart Health for the Elderly
Regular consumption of flavonoids, found in foods like chamomile, may reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease in elderly men (7).
A study involving 805 men aged 65–84 found that higher flavonoid intake was associated with a lower risk of mortality from coronary heart disease and a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction.
Aside from the above benefits chamomile essential oil when used with sitz bath, may offer some relief to patients with hemorrhoids.
Key Takeaway
Chamomile, an ancient herb, offers many therapeutic benefits, including promoting restful sleep, easing anxiety, improving gastrointestinal health, aiding wound healing, and potentially preventing and treating certain cancers. Additionally, chamomile consumption, particularly in the form of tea, may contribute to heart health, especially in the elderly. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable natural remedy for various health concerns.