Does chamomile tea help you sleep?
Yes, chamomile tea can help you sleep.
What is chamomile?
Chamomile is a caffeine-free herb that’s been used for centuries to make tea and as a remedy for sleep, fevers, and skin conditions. It’s part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers.
Sedative effects
Chamomile is also a mild sedative or tranquilliser that can help relax the nervous system and promote sleep.
Apigenin
Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which has a sedative effect.
Research
A meta-analysis of 12 randomised, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality. Other studies have found that chamomile can help with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Menstrual discomfort
- Lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes
- Relieving cold symptoms
- Osteoporosis. A 2022 study found that chamomile may help prevent osteoporosis in rats
- Immune system – antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which may boost the immune system.
A few people may also experience allergic reactions to chamomile.
Word
- Camomile: The traditional English spelling
- Chamomile: The spelling that comes from the Greek word Khamaimelon, which translates to ‘Kamai (earth)’ and ‘melon (apple)’.
An example
This is a particularly good soluble chamomile tea.
You can buy this on Amazon here.
Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, but some manufacturers may combine it with other teas that contain caffeine. You should check the label before drinking chamomile tea.
Other resource
