chamomile herb benefits beyond sleep: calming, digestion & daily use

most people associate chamomile with a sleep tea, but the benefits of chamomile go far beyond that. it’s calming while still feeling light and fresh, something i reach for throughout the day, not just at night. it’s one of my favorite teas.

it’s simple, gentle, and one of those herbs that naturally finds its place in your everyday rhythm. let’s discuss what chamomile can do for the body and how you can work it into a routine if that’s your thing.

nervous system support

chamomile can support your nervous system by working with the gaba receptors in the brain, your neurotransmitter pathways and cortisol levels. there is a flavonoid (a natural compound that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to support overall health), called apigenin that is found within chamomile. this apigenin can bind to your gaba receptors to calm your nervous system. this flavonoid is also responsible for chamomile being known to improve sleep quality and help anxiety levels go down.

the apigenin can create a mild sedative effect and because of that, the neurotransmitter pathways are affected. this flavonoid can increase the serotonin and dopamine levels within the brain. it can also increase epinephrine. this breaks down the monoamine oxidase (mao) which is responsible for stress and depression, as a result, this is where the stress relieving effect comes from.

these are just some of the reasons why chamomile is so beneficial.

chamomile tea for digestion support

but wait, the benefits don’t stop there. chamomile is widely used as a digestion support herb. this has been traced back to being used for thousands of years in greece, egypt, and even ancient rome. commonly used today for skin issues and to soothe sensitive baby gums when teething, chamomile is ideal for most stomach issues. chamomile can help reduce cramps, improve joint swelling and pain. chamomile is widely used as a menstrual cycle aid for this reason.

how i use it

personally, chamomile is in a daily lineup for me. it’s the one herb i frequently run out of but like to have on hand. ironic i know, but like i said, i use it a ton. if i want a warm drink that isn’t hot cocoa or coffee, chamomile is the first runner up. it’s mild enough to not need any sweetener, but doesn’t get overpowered by sweetener if you add it. when it comes to my monthly cycle, i combine chamomile with raspberry leaf to help relieve any stomach pain. we even sell this combo on our site, you can check out our chamomile blend here.

the upside to this herb is you can enjoy it hot or cold. with spring time coming, you can cold steep the herb in water overnight or brew it like usual and chill it. pouring this herb over a cup of ice is not only refreshing but beneficial to your health so you can feel good sippin’ it. not to mention, it is caffeine free so even your littles can enjoy some.

chamomile blends beautifully with various herbs, if your goal is to use it for a good calming cup of tea, i’d recommend our calming duo tea blend.

these are just some of the reasons you should consider chamomile as an herb to have on hand. it is just one of those herbs that fits into daily life and won’t have you feeling groggy or guilty after drinking it. that is why i have it as one of my top five herbs to start your herbal journey with. you can check out the other four in my free, downloadable herbal wellness starter guide. you can check that out here.

chamomile is one of those herbs that fits easily into daily life, and the benefits of chamomile tea make it a simple place to start.