Chamomile is old school. It’s been used since ancient times. Both the Egyptians and the ancient Romans used chamomile in tea, salves, creams, incenses and other beverages. In Egypt, chamomile was prescribed as a cold remedy. In the modern era, nighttime chamomile tea is a staple for inducing sleep. Recent studies have supported the efficacy of chamomile for cold prevention, sleep induction, and other ancient applications.

While there are several varieties of chamomile, two are used most frequently for tea today: Roman and German. Both have been used historically to remedy a variety of health concerns. Roman chamomile is native to Europe, North Africa, and some parts of Asia, and was named by a 19th century botanist who found some growing by the Roman Colesium. Despite being different species, the tiny daisy-like flowers of both German and Roman look quite similar and have similar uses and effects. One key difference is that Roman chamomile is a perennial plant and German chamomile is an annual, meaning that it dies each year and needs to be replanted. The differences are also important when it comes to taste: Roman chamomile tends to be bitter when used in tea, whereas German chamomile is sweeter. It’s also used less frequently since it’s harder to find and doesn’t grow as widely.

Roman chamomile is what you’ll find most frequently in your tea. The Herbal Research Foundation estimates that over 1 million cups of chamomile are consumed worldwide each day, so there’s a lot of Roman chamomile being turned into tea!

 The Health Benefits Of Chamomile

Chamomile Benefits

All types of chamomile contain the same volatile oils which contain great health properties. Key oils include: bisabolol, bisabolol oxides A and B, and matricin, as well as flavonoids like apigenin and other therapeutic substances. Chrysin is also a flavonoid fond in chamomile, and has been found to reduce anxiety in rat studies.

Chamomile is considered a drug in the pharmacopeia of 26 countries today; it’s definitely powerful stuff! While most widely recognized as a sleep-inducing agent, it the variety of flavonoids and other substances can induce other health-related effects.

Two of the key active substances in chamomile are apigenin and chrysin. Apigenin is found in alcohol and the adaptogen bacopa in addition to chamomile, and can reduce anxiety and cause sedation. It’s also a very powerful anti-cancer compound and beneficially protects against many cancers. Chrysin reduces anxiety and can be used as a mild sedative.

In addition, animal studies have shown that chamomile reduces inflammation, speeds wound healing, reduces muscle spasms, alleviates hemorrhoids, reduces depression, and provides antibacterial support. Chamomile is another one of those jack-of-all-trade substances that can be widely used to solve a variety of problems.

How We Use It

Chamomile's benefits are so powerful that we’ve decided to combine this incredible flower with a handful of amazing adaptogenic herbs to create a phenomenal tea for sleep, Orange Dreamsicle.

ORANGE DREAMSICLE: SLEEPWISE TEA

With subtle notes of orange and cream, this "sleepwise" tea is the perfect elixir to help your mind and body completely relax before bed or any other zen-fueled activities. If you'd like to try it out use the code CHAMOMILE for a 10% discount on the Orange Dreamsicle sleepwise tea blend. Drink healthy and stay wise.

 

Orange Dreamsicle chamomile tea for sleep

Orange Dreamsicle: Sleepwise Tea

 


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 Sources

 Amsterdam, J. D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J. J., Rockwell, K., & Newberg, A. B. (2012). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) May Have Antidepressant Activity in Anxious Depressed Humans - An Exploratory Study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine18(5), 44–49.

Avallone R, Zanoli P, Puia G, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000;59(11):1387-1394.

Blumenthal, M., Goldberg, A., Brinckman, J., EDS. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2000:57-61.

German Chamomile. University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide. 2015.

Gyllenhaal C. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2000;4(2).

Lee Sh, Heo, Y., Kim, YC. Effect of German Chamomile Oil, Application on Alleviating Atopic Dermatitis-Like Immune Alterations in Mice. Journal Veterinary Science. 2010:11(1):35-41.

McKay, DL., Blumberg, JB. A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea. Phytotherapy Research. 2006:20(7):519-530.

April 16, 2018 — The Wise Ape