Throughout the ages, various herbal remedies and preparations have been used in treating various conditions. Some have delivered impressive effects, while some have been used effectively to manage certain conditions. One of the oldest herbal remedies recorded as being used for managing and treating various conditions is chamomile; with records indicating that it has been in use for more than 2500 years. Used in the treatment of various conditions, it is necessary to remember that herbal remedies are not intended to replace prescription medication that are proven to be the most suitable. Supplements and natural products are typically part of a treatment regimen, intended to help speed up recovery. Subsequent sections offer in-depth details about this herbal remedy, including possible chamomile tea side effects to help users and potential users deal with conditions better.
Overview of the herbal tea
Native to Europe and the western part of Asia, the plant slowly found its way to most parts of the globe, due to its proven remedial benefits. Essentially, there are two broad categories of chamomile - German and Roman, and the former is regarded as more potent among the two. As outlined earlier, chamomile is one of the oldest herbal remedies, offering relief from an extensive list of problems, including:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Renal complications
- Gout
- Liver problems
- Stomach upset
- Bladder health
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Skin conditions
- Inflammation
- Hay fever
- Ulcers
- Rheumatic pain
- Superficial injuries
- Menstrual disorders
- Hemorrhoids
In addition to the above, it is also being considered as a possible option in helping manage diabetes.
Properties of chamomile
The benefits of the tea are attributed to the properties of the extract – with around 120 pharmacologically active chemical constituents. Some of the constituents contain anti-inflammatory properties such as chamazulene, anti-pruritic properties, anti-irritants such as bisabolol that also has anti-microbial properties. Other constituents include phytonutrients such as apigenin which possess antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Similarly, another phytonutrient luteolin possesses anti-cancer properties. A consequence of these properties are the famed benefits attributed to the tea.
Compilation of commonly attributed benefits of chamomile tea
Here is a list of benefits commonly attributed to chamomile tea.
#1 Helps individuals grappling with sleeplessness
One of the oldest known remedies for insomnia, chamomile is known to help patients fall asleep. While anecdotal accounts and information passed down the ages link the extract with helping treat insomnia, there is insufficient medically accepted evidence of benefits in treating sleeplessness. This is because of inadequate research about the product and its effect on sleep. This one of the reasons why it is still not an officially approved or officially recommended remedy for treating sleeplessness. There are studies that corroborate the claims, and laboratory studies on animals have shown that chamomile contains sedative properties, in addition to extending the time rats fell asleep, in a manner that makes chamomile and barbiturates similar in terms of sleep-inducing effects.
#2 Helps deals with anxiety
Various trials conducted on the effects of chamomile in helping manage anxiety have reported moderate anti-anxiety results. Controlled studies conducted on groups of individuals with different levels of anxiety related disorders have shown that the extract offers results that make it worth consumption. Studies were conducted on patients with generalized anxiety disorder, considered as a disorder that is most prevalent among other anxiety related conditions.
#3 Healing of superficial injuries
By virtue of the antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is a good choice in wound management. Studies have demonstrated that the extract is useful in helping recovery from wounds and injuries. The effects include healing from staph infections, reduction of inflammation and preventing ulcers from developing. While the herbal extract is intended to be used as a part of treatment, it is actually known to deliver effects that are equal to corticosteroids. Chamomile is known to promote faster healing of wounds, and studies have actually shown that laboratory animals healed faster from wounds when treated with chamomile, when compared with corticosteroid treatments for wounds. Similar effects are also known to be witnessed in humans, though this requires more in-depth studies to conclusively label the extract as a superior choice over corticosteroids.
#4 Management of digestion related complications
Chamomile is known to be effective in inhibiting Pylori bacteria that is linked to stomach ulcers. The extract helps bring down the smooth muscle spasms that are typically experienced by individuals with inflammation with gastrointestinal disorders. This includes inflammatory bowel disease, and lab results corroborate the claims of antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties. Animals with diarrhea and intestinal fluid experienced remedial benefits from the extract.
#5 Management of skin conditions including eczema
The extract is also used in treating skin conditions that are not too intense in nature. This includes sunburns, outbreak of rashes and sores on the skin and other irritations that are mild to moderate in nature. Inflammation of the eye is also often managed with chamomile tea, but all the above effects require additional substantiation through documented studies. Eczema is known to be managed to a certain extent with the extract, and studies have also demonstrated that chamomile tea delivers comparatively better outcomes.
#6 Effect on individuals with diabetes
Before we look at possible chamomile tea side effects it is necessary to check the effects of the extract on diabetics. The extract is known to help reduce blood sugar levels in individuals, and this has been partly corroborated by limited studies. Members of a group on the extract showed comparatively, significant reduction in diabetes and cholesterol, when compared with the control group on placebo. In addition to the effect on diabetics and cholesterol, the study also showed a positive impact on individuals with excessive weight. The above conditions and benefits require additional research and documented analysis to conclusively claim efficacy or superiority of the extract.
#7 Other benefits
In addition to all of the above benefits, chamomile tea is also known to be an effective mouthwash option. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are known to be effective in helping reduce plaque and gingivitis. It is also known to offer relief to women suffering from menstrual pain. Additionally, it is also part of holistic treatment for patients with osteoporosis. The tea and extract are used effectively in managing and treating various conditions. This is not an exhaustive or complete compilation but a broad listing of benefits of chamomile extract and tea.
Commonly reported possible chamomile tea side effects
Here is a look at commonly reported undesirable effects of chamomile tea. It is necessary to add that unwanted outcomes are common to all medications, attributed to the mechanism of action and the properties of ingredients. Certain users may not experience any effects whatsoever, while some may experience effects of varying intensity and duration.
#1 Allergies
There is a possibility of users experiencing allergies from the product, especially individuals who are allergic to plant families such as chrysanthemum and ragweed. Symptoms that may be experienced in the event of an allergy include vomiting sensations, and possible irritation of the skin, outbreak of rashes, and itching sensations. Symptoms may appear similar to symptoms linked to hives. Allergies also include possible impact on breathing, such as difficulty in breathing, a tightening sensation in the chest, and wheezing.
#2 Interactions with medications
The herbal remedy comes with the possibility of interactions with certain categories of medications. For instance, the extract contains coumarin, and this compound possesses anti-coagulant properties. This makes it necessary for users on other blood thinners to take adequate precautions, such as avoiding taking the two together. As prescription blood thinners have a greater role or desired outcome, it is important for users to avoid chamomile tea or extracts during the period of treatment with anti-coagulants.
#3 Discontinue tea before and after surgical procedures
The tea is to be discontinued prior to surgical procedures and after surgical procedures. This is because of the blood thinning effect, that may cause bleeding during the surgery or after the surgery. Specialists typically recommend a gap of at least two weeks before undergoing any surgery and a similar gap of two weeks after undergoing a surgery.
#4 Unsuitable for specific categories of individuals
The herbal remedy is known to have an action that is similar to estrogen. Consequently, this would have an impact on users with pre-existing conditions that may aggravate as a result of increased hormones. For instance, individuals with certain conditions such as cancer of the breast, or uterine or ovarian cancer are to seek specialist advice before trying out chamomile tea. The same applies for individuals with endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
#5 Poor manufacturing practices
There is a possibility of contamination of the tea with other allergic substances – this is relatively common in forming. This is likely to trigger undesirable effects in individuals with a history of allergies to pollen or other matter. It is therefore necessary to choose a brand that adheres to stringent quality control, with focus on sourcing ingredients that are source segregated.
#6 Possibility of botulism in children
Chamomile is not to be given to young children and infants, despite the tag of a natural product. This is because of the possibility of presence of botulism spores in the extract. While the possibility of the spores causing infections among adults also exists, the body’s natural response to toxins is stronger in adults, and therefore the possibility of infection is avoided. However, children may end up being infected, and the attack of the toxin on the nerves may have a serious impact. It is therefore necessary to stick to recommendations and avoid intake by children.
Ideal dosage
One of the most common reasons for undesirable effects of medications or supplements is excessive intake. The same reason contributes to chamomile tea side effects and it is necessary for users to refrain from excessive intake. While the extract does not come with any standardised dosage, it is typically taken for about two months in dosages anywhere between 200 to 1000 milligrams every day. This depends on the condition being treated and other factors that determine the dosage. Individuals who consume chamomile tea are to take the tea in moderation; it is to be borne in mind that excessive consumption will neither speed up nor deliver stronger outcomes.