Did you know chamomile tea packs a hefty punch against stress? Yes, it does. Chamomile tea reduces stress. Drinking a daily cup or two will greatly knock down your stress symptoms. So much so that chamomile tea is one of my non-negotiable self-care habits. It gives me a nice stable foundation, where stress has less of an impact, and I bounce back quicker. Put on the kettle and join me!
Chamomile is a safe stress reduction tool
We know that stress feels awful, so it’s natural that we want to reduce those uncomfortable feelings as completely as possible. We all have favorite tools and strategies for reducing stress. Some of those which we turn to without thinking, have risks that outweigh their potential benefits. Despite knowing that alcohol, drugs, tobacco and sugar top this list – people rely on them because they are effective and do in fact work in the short term.
The problem is that alcohol and other drugs offer us only temporary reprieve, and go on to store up problems for later by contributing to the deterioration of our general health. This subsequent erosion of health then becomes a source of physiological, biochemical and psychological stress.
The better choice are stress reduction tools that fortify our health, and give us resilience from stress. Chamomile tea is one such thing we can use to reduce stress symptoms, without negative effects on our health.
Chamomile is supported by scientific research
I prefer to make use of resources that have been supported by a body of scientific research or have a history of medicinal use. Chamomile ticks both of those boxes.
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family and has been used throughout Europe and Asia for its medicinal value. A recent cross-sectional survey of patients in Germany showed that 81% drank chamomile tea for its calming properties. This can be supported by scientific evidence that chamomile possesses anti-anxiety properties. These have a calming effect on the nervous system and the ability to decrease anxiety and promote peaceful sleep.
In another study women who used chamomile lowered their death risk by 28% – this was after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, lifestyle choices and other medical conditions. Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia commented:
”This finding does make sense as chamomile has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as to help reduce anxiety and depression”.
Chamomile, one of Nature’s benzodiazepines
So, how can chamomile have such promising positive effects on stress symptoms? Its mechanism of action – the chemical components responsible for chamomile’s efficacy – include Apigenin. Apigenin provides a calming or sedative affect as it binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA receptors.
Let me unpack that last sentence so you can better understand how chamomile reduces stress symptoms.
Apigenin is a benzodiazepine receptor agonist: a chemical compound that slows down the body’s central nervous system. It is considered to be a minor tranquilizer, and increases the effects of GABA. Here is a nice explanation of the importance of GABA from Dr Ray Sahelian.
GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to restlessness, irritability and insomnia. GABA is able to induce relaxation, analgesia, and sleep. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are known to stimulate GABA receptors, and hence induce relaxation.
Hence, the apigenin in chamomile provides a calming or sedative affect as it binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA receptors. You may think of chamomile as one of Nature’s benzodiazepines.
Make chamomile tea part of your evening routine
Now that we know what makes chamomile so effective at reducing stress symptoms, I’ll share with you how I make best use of it. As part of my nighttime routine I brew my chamomile tea just before my evening meal – and let it steep for 20-30 minutes. Brewing it for that long makes a strong cup of tea, which you may think tastes a little bitter. As an alternative you can pour the strong brew into two cups, and dilute with hot water.
If I am feeling particularly stressed I will make a second cup before I have my evening shower, and drink it at bedtime.
Chamomile tea is sedating, so it makes good sense to drink it in the evening. Please do not drink it at other times of the day until you know how the tea will affect you. I’d encourage you to speak to your doctor if you are taking prescription sedative medications – even though chamomile is safe and mild, it makes further good sense to keep your doctor in the loop.
I love how chamomile tea reduces stress. It’s helped me get through many a rocky period. I’d love to hear how it works for you.
See
Take good care of yourself
Ava 🙂
