German Chamomile

Chamomile Tea（洋甘菊茶）

Chamomile Tea Introduction

Chamomile or camomile is a common name for several daisy-like plants. These plants are best known for their ability to be made into a tea which is commonly used to help with sleep and is often served with either honey or lemon. Chrysin, a specific flavonoid found in chamomile, has been shown to be anxiolytic in rodents and is believed to be at least partially responsible for chamomile's reputation as a sleep aid.

Chamomile tea is a well-known herbal tea that has medicinal values. It is known for its fruity flavor that often reminds one of apples. Chamomile tea has the capacity to soothe a person down and act as a muscle relaxant as well as a mild sedative.

Varieties of Chamomile Tea

The two essential varieties of chamomile are the Roman and German varieties. Both contain essential oils and anti-oxidants that help the body relax and recover from physical fatigue.

	Roman Chamomile

History of Chamomile Tea

The name Chamomile comes from the Greek word meaning "ground apple." Its history dates back at least to ancient Egypt, where Chamomile tea was prescribed as a cold remedy. The Romans enjoyed it as a beverage, as well as an incense. Ironically, the name "Roman Chamomile" by which it is sometimes known, does not stem from this time. It rather comes from an arbitrary naming of the herb in the 19th Century by a botanist who happened to find some growing in the Roman Coliseum.

Chamomile Tea Health Benefits

• Better Sleep
  Chamomile tea's most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep.
• Stomach Soother
  Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion. It is often found in teas for digestion in combination with peppermint.
• Menstrual Cramps
  One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.
• Hemorrhoid Help
  One study found that chamomile ointment was helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

	Chamomile Flowers Tea

• Cold Fighter
  Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.
• Wound Healing
  The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used chamomile flowers in a poultice and applied them to wounds to speed healing. They must've been on to something. In one study, rats given chamomile extract in their water experienced faster wound healing times.
• Diabetes Management
  Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.
• Anti-cancer
  In-vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells.

	Chamomile Tea

How to Make Chamomile Tea

• Take a saucepan in which you would usually make tea. Pour some water in it and set to boil. Meanwhile, rinse and clean the chamomile flowers in cold running water.
• When the water boils, put in some flowers (2-3 teaspoons for every cup of water) and allow to boil. It makes no difference whether the flowers are fresh or dry.
• Stop heating when the flowers leave out their fragrance and color. Strain the liquid in a cup, to avoid any petals falling in. Add white sugar or honey according to taste. Let the tea cool down a bit and then enjoy drinking it slowly.

Precautions

Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile.

Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion.

People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.