SLEEP AID CHAMOMILE TEA: HISTORY, HEALTH BENEFITS AND RECIPE
Chamomile tea is well known herbal infusion made from dried daily-like flowers. This herbal tea is commonly used as a sleep aid and is often served with lemon or honey.
Chamomile tea is delicious iced or hot and can be enjoyed daily. It’s wonderfully nourishing and relaxing to nerves and strengthening the whole nervous system.
WHAT IS CHAMOMILE?
Chamomile is native to Europe and North Africa where it is often found growing wild. The name chamomile comes from the German word, which means “earth apple.”
It belongs to the Asteraceae family, the members of which have daisy-like flowers. The flowers, stems, and leaves can be used to make a wonderful tea.
The cheerful-looking flowers fulfil the functions of yellow-colored liquids in color therapy.
HISTORY OF CHAMOMILE TEA
Chamomile has been used since ancient times. Both Egyptian and Romans used chamomile in tea, salves, creams and other beverages.
It has been accepted as a herbal remedy for stress and restlessness since the time of ancient Egypt. It was worshipped by Egyptians and dedicated to their Sun god Ra because of its gold-centered disc, and because it was well known for its power to cure chills and fevers.
Chamomile was also prescribed by Greek doctors and is celebrated as one of the most sacred herbs in the Anglo-Saxons’ collection of medical remedies, the manuscript known as Lacnunga.
In the modern era, chamomile tea before bedtime is a staple for inducing sleep and relaxation.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE TEA
Wide most widely known as sleep-inducing tea, the flavonoids and other substances in this tea can help with other health benefits as well. Let’s get to know them.
1) it help to sleep
Chamomile tea is most well known as a sleep aid. It can help relax the body and is good for relieving anxiety and stress. It is a slight sedative, so it can help you get a good night’s sleep.
2) Helps soothe the stomach
It is super helpful for several stomach problems. Its flowers are antispasmodic and therefore can help with indigestion, stomach pain, upset stomachs, painful gas and assist overall digestion.
3) Fights cold and flu
It can help with hay fever and boost your immune system. The antioxidants in chamomile tea help to reduce anxiety and stress. Since getting good sleep at night is an important part of your cold recovery, chamomile tea is the perfect choice to fight winters!
4) Nourish the nervous system.
The pleasant, apple-scented flavor of the herbal tea also helps bring peace of mind as chamomile is the quintessential preparation designed to release nervous tension and irritability and nourish the nervous system.
5) Helps menstrual cramps
Drink an infusion to ease the pain of menstrual cramps or any gastrointestinal trouble. Research has shown that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle cramps.
HOW TO MAKE CHAMOMILE TEA FOR BETTER SLEEP
INGREDIENTS
1) 1 cup of boiled water
2) 1 teaspoon of Chamomile tea
3) Teacup and tea strainer
PREPARATION
1. Fill the kettle with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then pour some into your teacup or teapot to warm it up. Discard the water.
2. Measure out 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea and put the tea into a teapot. The flowers are very strong and if too many are used, the tea can taste bitter.
3. Pour the boiled water (which should be between 176 to 185°F/80 to 85°C) over the tea.
4. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes. Pour tea from the teapot into teacup using a tea strainer. Enjoy!
There is a definite apple taste to the tea and it has a wonderful calming effect.
This tea stunning as iced as well. Check out this recipe for iced chamomile tea.