Hate Your Insomnia? Drink Chamomile Tea Before Bed
We’ve all heard tall tales about the wonders of chamomile tea, but what does science actually have to say…
Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Chamomile tea has been used as a natural sleep aid for centuries, and for good reason! This herbal tea is known for its calming effects on the body and mind, making it the perfect bedtime beverage.
If you’re looking for a way to get a better night’s sleep, look no further than chamomile tea. In this journal entry, we’ll explore the science behind why this herbal infusion is so effective at promoting sleep and give you some tips on how to make the perfect cup.
How Chamomile Tea Works
The warmth of the drink helps to relax your muscles and ease tension from your day. The herbs in the infusion help to calm your mind and prepare you for a good night’s sleep.
Chamomile contains compounds that have a calming effect on the body, including apigenin and luteolin.
Apigenin is an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for inducing sleep. Luteolin is another compound found in chamomile that has been shown to reduce stress and promote sleep. Chamomile also contains bisabolol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
Combined, these compounds create a powerful natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.
Plus, there’s just something about a warm herbal infusion before bed that is so comforting. It’s like wrapping yourself up in a blanket of relaxation.
It really is the perfect way to end your day. So if you’re looking for a natural way to wind down before bed, try brewing yourself a cup of organic chamomile tea. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll sleep.
The Science Behind Chamomile
A rosy future
For such a popular plant, there actually haven’t been tons of studies about the effects of chamomile when it comes to sleep quality. But, the ones that have come out look very promising!
One study showed that participants who had taken chamomile extract twice a day had a significantly higher quality of sleep than those who did not ingest any chamomile.
Another study, relating to the cardiac effects of chamomile tea, had ten people (out of 12) fall asleep for a full 90 minutes after drinking chamomile tea.
A third study found that chamomile tea increased levels of glycine, a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the body. Glycine is often used as a natural remedy for insomnia because it helps to relax the nervous system.
While there is a need for more research on the effects of chamomile tea with regards to sleep, it’s safe to say that these charming little daisy-like flowers will have a positive effect on our well-being.
Potential Side Effects?
For most people, the side effects of Chamomile tea are non-existent. However, it should definitely be avoided during pregnancy, especially in your third trimester.
According to this study, it may lead to similar ductal constrictions that are caused by popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, and ibuprofen. This in turn could lead to pre-term delivery and a smaller newborn.
More on this, and the effects of other popular herbs during pregnancy can be found in volume 174 of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. More specifically, in an observational study from the south of Italy, where the use of herbal remedies is very popular.
Another thing to consider is allergies. If you’re allergic to things like daisies, ragweed, or marigolds you may be allergic to chamomile too.
Severe allergic reactions are really quite rare but it’s always better to be one the safe side and have a professional test done if you’re unsure.
Again, for most people it’s totally safe (as evidenced by the plethora of Chamomile products out there). It tastes great, it helps you sleep, and it’s naturally caffeine free. It’s also high in antioxidants, which can help promote healthy skin cells for a youthful look!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cup of Chamomile Tea
Practice make perfect
Brewing a perfect cup of herbal tea requires a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and relaxing cup of tea any time of day or night. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Use fresh water: Water that has been sitting out will have lost some of its oxygen content, which can dull the flavor of your tea. Always start with fresh, cold water that you then bring to a full boil for the best flavor.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes: After adding your desired amount of loose leaf chamomile (1 teaspoon per cup), let your tea steep for 3-5 minutes. Any longer and your tea may become bitter; any shorter and it won’t have had enough time to reach its full flavor potential.
- Add milk or honey if desired: Some people like to add milk or honey to their chamomile tea to round out its flavor. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect cup!
- Use one of our beautiful Japandi mugs to make straining the steeped flowers super easy!
tl;dr
If you’re dealing with insomnia or anxiety and are looking for a natural way to promote relaxation and improve your sleep quality, look no further than chamomile tea!
Just make sure you’re not allergic, even if serious side effects are super rare. Also, don’t drink it if you’re pregnant.
Drinking chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly through the night.
This herb has been used as a sleep aid for centuries thanks to its calming effect on the body and mind and now has modern scientific proof to back up the tall tales.
So next time you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, reach for a comforting cup of chamomile tea…your body (and mind) will thank you!
