Chamomile tea for Anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties
Chamomile tea- The flowers of chamomile contain 1–2% volatile oils including alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin (usually converted to chamazulene and other flavonoids which possess anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties. A study in human volunteers demonstrated that chamomile flavonoids and essential oils penetrate below the skin surface into the deeper skin layers. This is important for their use as topical antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) agents. One of chamomile’s anti-inflammatory activities involve the inhibition of LPS-induced prostaglandin E release and attenuation of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzyme activity without affecting the constitutive form.
Chamomile Tea for Anticancer Activity
Most studies on how chamomile tea inhibits tumor growth focus on apigenin, a key active ingredient in chamomile. Research on preclinical models of skin, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth. A recent study found that chamomile extracts had little effect on normal cells but significantly reduced the viability of various human cancer cells. Chamomile caused cancer cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) without affecting normal cells at similar doses.
Additionally, a new compound called TBS-101, which includes chamomile among seven standardized botanical extracts, has shown a good safety profile and significant anticancer activity against androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells (PC-3), both in laboratory and animal studies.
Chamomile Tea for Common Cold
The common cold, also known as acute viral nasopharyngitis, is the most widespread human illness. It’s a mild viral infection affecting the upper respiratory system. While usually not dangerous, complications like pneumonia can be serious if not treated properly. Some studies suggest that inhaling steam with chamomile tea extract may help alleviate cold symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Chamomile Tea for Cardiovascular Conditions
Research suggests that regularly consuming flavonoids in food might lower the risk of dying from heart disease in older men. One study followed 805 men aged 65–84 for five years and found that higher flavonoid intake was linked to a lower risk of death from heart disease and fewer heart attacks. Another study looked at twelve heart disease patients who drank chamomile tea before undergoing heart tests. The tea slightly increased their mean brachial artery pressure, but no other major changes were noted. Most patients fell into a deep sleep shortly after drinking the tea. More large, well-designed studies are needed to determine chamomile’s potential benefits for heart health.
Colic/Diarrhea conditions
An apple pectin-chamomile mix might help make diarrhea in kids go away faster and ease the symptoms. Two studies looked at whether chamomile can help babies with colic. They mixed chamomile tea with other herbs and gave it to babies with colic. In one study, they gave the tea to some babies and a fake tea to others. After a week, the parents said the real tea helped 57% of the babies, while the fake tea helped only 26%. Another study gave chamomile and apple pectin to some kids with diarrhea and a fake treatment to others. The kids who got the real treatment got better faster (85%) than the others (58%). These studies show that chamomile can be safe and helpful for treating colic in babies.
Gastrointestinal conditions
Chamomile tea has been used for a long time to treat many stomach and intestine problems like upset stomach, gas, ulcers, and stomach cramps. It’s good at getting rid of gas, calming the stomach, and relaxing the muscles that push food through your belly. There’s a mix called STW5 that has chamomile in it along with other plants like lemon balm and peppermint. It’s been shown to protect against getting ulcers in the stomach. This mix works by reducing how much acid your stomach makes, increasing protective mucus, and changing some chemicals in the stomach. It’s even better at stopping too much acid than regular antacids.