Did you know sipping on chamomile tea can help reduce menstrual cramps? Not only this, this drink is widely known for its calming and soothing properties. It can help with reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, easing digestive issues, and reducing inflammation. In this article, we list the health benefits of chamomile tea and how it is effective at relieving menstrual cramps.
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Digestive Aid
Chamomile tea is a time-tested remedy for digestive discomfort. It can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. According to a comparative study by the Journal of Ethnopharmacol, chamomile extract can help prevent diarrhoea in mice due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Sipping on a warm cup of chamomile tea has a soothing effect on the mind and body. Its natural sedative properties can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chamomile contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it useful for managing various inflammatory conditions, including skin irritations and arthritis.
Also Read: From Green Tea To Fenugreek: Expert Lists Teas That Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Boosts Your Immunity
The tea's antioxidant content, along with its potential antimicrobial properties, may help support the immune system and protect against infections.
Skin Health
Chamomile tea can be applied topically to soothe skin irritations, such as sunburn, eczema, and insect bites.
Menstrual Cramp Relief with Chamomile Tea
According to the Journal of Pharmacopuncture, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) related anxiety and discomfort may be lessened by chamomile's anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects.
Muscle Relaxation
Menstrual cramps often result from the contraction of the uterine muscles. Chamomile tea contains compounds like apigenin that possess muscle-relaxant properties. Drinking chamomile tea can help ease the tension in the uterine muscles, providing relief from cramping.
Pain Relief
Chamomile has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. While it may not eliminate menstrual pain, it can certainly take the edge off and make the discomfort more manageable.
Also Read: Gut Health And Menstrual Cycle: Expert Explains How Poor Gut Health Causes Irregular Periods
How to Make Chamomile Tea
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Ingredients
- 1 chamomile tea bag/ 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup of hot water
Instructions
- Boil water in a container and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Put the dried flowers or chamomile tea bag in a cup.
- Pour the hot water over the chamomile.
- Cover the cup and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the dried flowers.
- Enjoy your soothing chamomile tea.
For menstrual cramp relief, it's advisable to start drinking chamomile tea a few days before your expected period and continue throughout your menstrual cycle as needed.
Considerations and Precautions
While chamomile tea is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Allergies: If you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed), you may also be sensitive to chamomile. In rare cases, chamomile can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming large quantities of chamomile tea, as it may have uterine-stimulating effects.
- Medication Interactions: If you're taking medications or have specific health conditions, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before adding anything to your diet, especially if you are dealing with any health condition.]