Chamomile tea, which is popular all over the world, is one of the oldest plant species that has been used for centuries and is known for its medicinal benefits. In addition to its positive effects on health, it has a widespread usage area due to its safe consumption. Chamomile tea contains various types of compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids. The benefits of chamomile tea are seen as a result of the effects of these compounds in the body by different mechanisms. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing properties, the chamomile plant has many different uses for cosmetic and medical purposes today. Chamomile tea is one of the most preferred forms thanks to its easy consumption. For detailed information about the effects of chamomile tea, you can follow the rest of the article.
What are the Benefits of Chamomile Tea?
The compounds called polyphenols in the flower part of the chamomile plant are effective in the body through various pathways. Apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, and luteolin make up the majority of the polyphenols in chamomile. Each compound has its own unique properties. As a result of all these compounds being dissolved in water, it can be said that chamomile tea has many important health benefits. The benefits of chamomile tea are as follows:
- Antioxidant Capacity: Free oxygen radicals, which are released as a result of various activities in the body, have harmful effects on cell DNA. Compounds such as quercetin in chamomile tea protect cells against these radicals thanks to their antioxidant properties. Microorganisms responsible for tuberculosis, herpes and polio diseases are some of the species that chamomile is effective on. There are experimental studies showing that the content of chamomile significantly prevents clotting.
- Anti-Inflammatory Quality: Inflammation is the inflammatory events that occur in the body. Chamomile, thanks to the active compounds in its content, prevents inflammation. It is a beneficial herb. Apigenin is an ingredient found in chamomile and has shown anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Chamomile Tea Good for?
There are many studies on the benefits of drinking chamomile tea. . In these studies, it is stated that chamomile tea can be beneficial in many diseases. The answer to the question of what is chamomile tea good for is as follows:
- Heart Diseases: Flavonoid type compounds in chamomile tea can be protective against coronary heart disease if consumed regularly. There are also studies showing the effects of chamomile tea consumption in patients with heart diseases. In addition, the flavonoids in chamomile tea also have blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects. High blood pressure and cholesterol values are among the main risk factors for heart health.
- Intestinal Infections and Diarrhea: The content of chamomile may have therapeutic effects against diarrhea and factors that cause diarrhea. Studies indicate that the consumption of chamomile tea in children with intestinal infections reduces the infection and diarrhea status.
- Anxiety: It is stated that chamomile tea has an anxiety-relieving effect in individuals with mild or moderate general anxiety disorder.
- Diabetes: There are studies showing that chamomile is curative against high sugar levels. Chamomile has potential effects by protecting pancreatic cells independently of insulin.
- Digestive System: Chamomile tea is a beverage traditionally used for various digestive problems. Scientific research indicates that this tea has protective qualities against stomach ulcers. It shows the aforementioned effect by reducing gastric acid secretion and preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms. There are studies explaining that chamomile tea has a protective feature against osteoporosis by preventing bone loss. It has e. There are studies showing that this tea is beneficial in diseases such as colds, flu and sore throat. Although the idea that it is common in society, there is no comprehensive study on this subject. However, chamomile tea has hormone balancing properties. In this way, improvement can be seen in irregular menstruation. The main effects of chamomile tea are on menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding. As a result of regular drinking of chamomile tea, abnormal menstrual bleeding can be prevented. Chamomile tea, which is started to be drunk days before the period, also has benefits in terms of mood changes and abdominal tenderness.
Does Chamomile Tea Bring Sleep?
One of the most important features of chamomile tea is its calming effect. Chamomile tea has unique properties that improve sleep quality thanks to the compounds it contains. Insomnia is a disorder defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Chamomile is one of the herbal alternatives thought to be effective in the treatment of insomnia. Active substances such as apigenin in chamomile trigger sleep by binding to special regions in the brain.
How to Make Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is prepared by infusing dried flower parts in boiling water. For tea, you can choose ready-made tea bags or dried flower forms. After the chamomile is steeped in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, you should wait for it to cool down to a drinkable temperature. You can safely consume your tea that has been brewed enough and then cooled down.
How Many Cups of Chamomile Tea Should Be Drinked Per Day?
There is no clear opinion on how much chamomile tea should be drunk. It is stated that 1 or 2 cups of chamomile tea daily is safe. However, there are studies in which 5 cups of chamomile tea are also safely drunk. You can get the most accurate information about how much chamomile tea should be consumed by consulting a specialist physician.
When to Drink Chamomile Tea?
There are no specified time intervals for the consumption of chamomile tea. Depending on the expected benefit, different times may be preferred. For example, see its calming effects. It can be drunk before sleep in order to die. For menstrual problems, chamomile tea can be benefited from consumed before the menstrual period or at the time of bleeding. In cases such as colds and intestinal infections, it can be drunk regularly until the complaints disappear. Chamomile tea, which is consumed because it is protective against various health problems such as osteoporosis and heart diseases, can show its potential effects thanks to regular use.
Chamomile Tea Side Effects
Chamomile tea, which is considered safe for most people. is a beverage. However, some people may experience allergic problems. Allergic reactions are observed especially in individuals who are sensitive to other plant species from the daisy family. Although it is usually indicated for cosmetic products, it is known that chamomile content can cause irritation as a result of direct contact with the eyes. Therefore, it is important to avoid direct contact with the eyes while consuming chamomile tea.
Does Chamomile Tea Raise Blood Pressure?
Chamomile tea has a blood pressure lowering feature. Thus, it is also potentially protective against various heart ailments and problems such as stroke. Compounds in chamomile, such as quercetin and apigenin, are substances known to lower blood pressure levels. A study conducted in people with heart diseases states that blood pressure levels are more balanced in those who drink chamomile tea regularly.
Can Breastfeeding Mothers Drink Chamomile Tea?
There are no studies indicating that it produces toxic effects. However, there is no research indicating that it is safe to drink chamomile tea in nursing mothers. Some of the medicines and supplements taken during breastfeeding can interfere with the breast milk and affect the health of the baby. Some compounds can alter milk production in the mother. For this reason, breastfeeding mothers should consult with a specialist physician for the best decision on chamomile tea consumption.
Can Chamomile Tea be Given to Babies?
Chamomile tea is generally considered safe. It is a beverage. In children, it has benefits against various health problems. However, there has been no realization that babies should drink chamomile tea. Most do not have any security work. For this reason, it is important to consult your pediatrician before giving your baby chamomile tea. The recommendations given by the pediatrician should be followed in the feeding of the baby.
Who Shouldn't Drink Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is a herbal alternative that can be consumed safely and has been shown to be beneficial against various health problems. . However, chamomile tea may interact when consumed with different herbal teas. At the same time, caution should be exercised in the consumption of other herbal teas, including chamomile tea, during drug use. However, some people need to be particularly careful about drinking this tea. Individuals who are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemum plants from the daisy family should avoid foods and cosmetics containing chamomile. In addition, individuals with impaired liver or kidney function are also advised to be cautious of chamomile tea. It is recommended not to be used by people who use blood thinners (containing coumadin and warfarin) in cardiovascular diseases. Breastfeeding mothers and babies are also advised to avoid this tea. In all other cases, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. A hypoglycemic picture, which is defined as a decrease in blood sugar due to chamomile tea, may be observed, especially in diabetics receiving insulin therapy. Similarly, blood pressure patients with certain treatment programs should avoid excessive chamomile tea because of the risk of hypotension. For the right roadmap in the consumption of chamomile tea and all other teas, you should consult a specialist doctor.
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