This little herb can help you sleep better at night while also offering multiple potential health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and preventing certain diseases
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep it might be time to give this popular herb a try.
Regarded by ancient Egyptians as ‘the sacred flower of the sun’, chamomile has been used throughout civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Rome as both a flavouring ingredient and as a medicinal herb. According to modern science, it can also help you feel drowsy, resulting in a better night’s sleep.
This is because chamomile contains the active ingredient apigenin, which binds to certain brain receptors, reducing activity in the central nervous system and decreasing anxiety. Dietitian Beth Czerwony told the Cleveland Clinic: “Chamomile basically acts as a mild tranquilizer. Those sips really will help you sleep.”
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However, the plant offers plenty of benefits aside from a deeper sleep. According to Healthline, the mild-tasting herb contains various beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins, which contribute to its therapeutic properties.
The herb has also been found to reduce blood pressure. A research paper from 2020 highlighted its potential in areas such as blood pressure regulation, as well as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, liver protection, and potential anticancer effects.
On top of that the small white flower is also high in potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps maintain the nervous system, protects bone health, prevents kidney stones, and regulates heartbeat, according to UCLA Health.
Another benefit of potassium is that it can reduce the negative effects that come attached to a salt-heavy diet, such as high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Chamomile is also high in calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth, regulate muscle contractions, and helps normal blood clotting.
It may also be good for your heart, too. According to BBC Good Food, chamomile is rich in antioxidants which can boost heart health. In addition, BBC Good Food also says that it could potentially help regulate blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Last but not least, chamomile may even help prevent certain diseases. People who drink chamomile tea may potentially have protection against some cancers, according to Harvard Medical School.
Although, it’s important to note that people who are pregnant should avoid chamomile, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians , as it could cause an early labour. It might not be suitable for those who have an allergy to ragwort, daisy, chrysanthemum, or marigolds, either.
