Chamomile Tea Can Help You Sleep—But It Has So Many Extra Benefits
For such a dainty little flower, chamomile has some amazing superpowers. The compounds in chamomile can lull you to sleep, lower inflammation, work as an astringent, and even calm your entire nervous system. Make the most of the herb with these remedies from Laura Neville, N.D., a naturopathic physician based in Portland, OR.
1 Chamomile literally makes you tired
Chamomile tea is celebrated for its sleep-inducing powers—flavonoids in the plant bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, acting as a mild tranquilizer. Sip a cup before bed as a delicious way to say goodnight.
2 It can ease lower back pain
Fill a clean sock with 1 cup dried chamomile. Tie up the end and submerge the sock in warm bathwater; add 1 quart Epsom salt and 5 drops lavender essential oil. “Your skin will absorb the chamomile, which works with the salt and oil to help relax muscles and relieve back pain,” says Neville.
3 And alleviate your anxiety
Chamomile can calm a busy mind: One University of Pennsylvania study of people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder found that chamomile extract reduced symptoms better than a placebo. When you’re feeling anxious or upset, Neville recommends diffusing chamomile essential oil or drinking a cup of plain chamomile tea.
4 Chamomile can even lighten dark under eye circles
“Chamomile tea helps increase circulation and soothe irritation around the eyes, reducing dark circles,” says Neville. Place two tea bags in hot water for a few minutes, then remove and allow to cool. Place them over your eyelids and relax for 10 minutes, then take them off and dry your skin with a cloth. (Avoid this if you’re allergic to ragweed, as chamomile is in the same plant family.
