Chamomile tea is a centuries-old herbal remedy used to treat a variety of health conditions, including intestinal upset, stomach upset, anxiety, insomnia, mouth ulcers and skin irritations. According to the National Library for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, scientific studies on the benefits of chamomile tea have been limited, so the effectiveness of chamomile tea is not scientifically proven. Early clinical studies conducted by the University of Toyama in Japan found evidence that drinking chamomile tea might reduce diabetes complications. Additional scientific studies need to be conducted before a diabetes and chamomile tea connection can be made. Health benefits aside, chamomile tea is mildly flavored and considered pleasant tasting by many people.
Boil 8 ounces of water for each cup of tea that you want to make.
Measure 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers or 4 tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers, for each 8 ounces of water that you boiled. When measuring the flowers, whether dried or fresh, pack the measuring spoon tightly. Decrease or increase the ratio of chamomile flowers to water, for a weaker or stronger tea.
Remove the pot of water from the heat, once the water starts rapidly boiling. Pour the water into a teapot and then place or stir the chamomile flowers in the water. Place a lid on the pot and let the chamomile flowers steep in the water for five minutes. You can decrease or increase the steeping time for a weaker or stronger tea.
Place a small sieve on top of a cup.
Pour the chamomile tea through the sieve into the cup. The sieve catches the chamomile flowers but lets the tea through.
Tip
Drink the chamomile to soothe an upset stomach, to relieve anxiety, to promote sleep or just to enjoy the mild flavor of the tea. You can drink the tea as is or lightly sweeten it with a little bit of honey.
Apply unsweetened chamomile tea directly to your skin to relieve skin irritations, after the tea has cooled.
Pour cooled and unsweetened chamomile tea over your hair after shampooing to bring out golden highlights in your hair.
Swish a mouthful of cooled, unsweetened chamomile tea to soothe mouth ulcers.
Store unused chamomile tea in a closed container inside your refrigerator. The tea will stay good in the refrigerator for one week.
Warning
An allergic reaction to chamomile tea is possible, but rare. People who are allergic to daisies, ragweed or chrysanthemums have an increased likelihood of being allergic to chamomile. Allergic reaction symptoms include skin rashes, hives and difficulty breathing. If troubled breathing develops, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
References
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; Protective Effects of Dietary Chamomile Tea on Diabetic Complications; Atsushi Kato; University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan; Sept. 10, 2008
Writer Bio
Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.