Chamomile tea is one of the most widely known and loved teas in the world, consumed by thousands for its numerous health benefits and delicious, clean taste. It’s easy to find in grocery stores and farmed in bulk simply to meet high demand. You’re likely wondering: why chamomile tea and what caused it historically to rise to popularity? We’ve got answers, and we also know that you won’t be able to get enough of this light, springy blend. Let’s get into the history, popularity, and wide list of ways that you can use chamomile tea for additional benefits.
History and rise of chamomile tea
There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile, which have an even longer and more diverse history. German chamomile tea was discovered and used widely in Europe and Eastern Asia since ancient times, working as both a drink and medicinal brew depending on the needs of the drinker.
Roman chamomile’s name was handed down from its impact on both Roman and Grecian cultures, coming from the Greek Khami (ground) and melon (apple). This was very appropriate, as this variety of the tea was known for its long stems and bulb-like endpoints that would brew into a delicious drink. It was so popular in ancient cultures, many considered it to be “god-given” and a type of religiously holy herb.
At this point, chamomile has been infused throughout a variety of products in both Western and Eastern cultures, including food, beverages, medications, cosmetics, and more — with good reason. This herb has a delicious, light taste and a variety of health benefits that you can enjoy with each cup.
What does chamomile tea taste like?
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If you haven’t gotten to experience the taste of chamomile tea, you can expect an airy, floral taste. This gives way to a honey-sweet aftertaste and smooth finish. This is especially true if you make it hot. If you enjoy iced chamomile, you’ll likely encounter more of an herbaceous tang and deeper flavor depending on the depth of the brew. In either case, both types pair very well with honey, lemon, or ginger, and they are generally sold in standalone brew kits or paired with other soothing herbal blends.
Health benefits of chamomile tea
There are many health benefits that you can enjoy with each cup of chamomile tea, no matter what type is available to you. We do want to note that if you plan on using this tea for medicinal purposes, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional first to determine if this option is correct for your unique health needs.
1. Lower blood pressure
When you regularly drink chamomile tea, it is likely that you’ll experience naturally lower blood pressure. This is due to the presence of flavones, which are a class of antioxidants that are known to indicate your cardiac health levels and influence key health elements, like your cholesterol and blood pressure. If you find yourself constantly stressed or in a chronic state of burnout, chamomile tea can be especially helpful in regulating your circulatory system due to its calming effect.
2. Soothed sore throats
Allergy season is upon us, as well as the variety of spring flus that are going around. If you find yourself dealing with a sore throat from any trigger, this is a great tea blend to reach for. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and especially helpful in managing sore, irritated throats. You can find it at your nearest grocery store, making this an accessible treatment option to enjoy whenever you feel under the weather.
3. Restful and easier sleep
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If you find yourself struggling with insomnia, you aren’t alone. Sleep issues affect 70 million of Americans per year according to the Cleveland Clinic, and this number can spike due to extreme stress and burnout like we currently face. Chamomile tea has been used since ancient times to address this issue and does so by its chemical composition that includes apigenin. This is known to influence GABA release and can be just what you need to get you into a deep, restorative sleep.
4. Restored gut health
Chamomile tea is a great herbal tea to reach for to support your natural microbiome and overall gut health. The tea is high in rich prebiotics, which allows your gut to rebuild any part of its damaged or less diverse flora.
5. Lower blood sugar levels
Chamomile tea can be very helpful in lowering your overall blood sugar levels. Recent scientific research showed consistent results spanning a total of eight weeks, and further research is being conducted to examine the extent of the benefit that the tea can bring to those dealing with hyperglycemia or diabetes. It’s also low-calorie, so it’s great to assist you in any sort of weight loss efforts.
We hope this list inspired you to pick up more of this delicious blend on your next store run. We know that you won’t be able to get enough of this drink!
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
