Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine?
We’ve all heard the buzz about chamomile tea.
It’s a great way to de-stress after a long day and can help with relaxation and insomnia. Not to mention that chamomile tea is also packed with many other health benefits.
Chamomile is an herbal fusion tea, unlike traditional leaf teas like green tea, black tea, or matcha. The main difference is that herbal teas are steeped with the entire plant. This includes everything from the stem and leaves to the roots, flowers, and bark.
This begs the question, does chamomile tea have caffeine?
The short answer is no.
If you’re interested in learning more about chamomile tea, this blog will research its origins, caffeine content, and potential health benefits. Read below to learn why this popular tea can also help you get a great night’s sleep.
What is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is a soothing drink that has been enjoyed for centuries.
The tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, and it has a sweet, apple-like flavor. It can be easily found in grocery stores or specialty health stores. Chamomile tea commonly comes in loose leaf but can also be conveniently found in tea bag forms.
Chamomile tea is thought to be a relaxant, and it’s often recommended as a way to calm the mind and body. Research has found that it can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Chamomile tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Additionally, some people like to sweeten their tea by adding honey or sugar. Brewing the tea with additives such as spices, ginger, or cinnamon will create a different flavor. Chamomile tea is a delicious and refreshing way to relax and de-stress after a long day.
Fun fact: chamomile was historically used to make beer and ale.
Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine?
You’ve likely wondered if chamomile tea contains caffeine.
Chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine because it’s not produced from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Brewing chamomile tea can help produce the opposite effect of caffeine. This tea can help with quality sleep because it contains a compound called apigenin with psychoactive properties. This means that apigenin can interact with the human nervous system to produce a feeling of relaxation.
According to a study, people who took 270 mg of chamomile extract twice daily for 28 days had a third less time waking up at night and fell asleep 15 minutes faster than those who didn’t.
Chamomile tea is an effective treatment for insomnia and anxiety, making it a popular choice for people looking for a natural way to improve their sleep quality and relaxation.
Why Doesn’t Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine?
You may wonder why chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine if other varieties, such as green or black tea, have caffeine.
Traditional leaf-based teas are from the camellia sinensis plant, which contains 5-6% caffeine, responsible for the beverage’s stimulating effect.
Chamomile, on the other hand, comes from the chamomile flower. You might mistake chamomile for a daisy if you spot it in a garden. That’s because the chamomile flower and the daisy come from the same family, Asteraceae, and other ornamentals such as zinnias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.
7 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Relaxation and sleep quality are common health benefits for chamomile tea people. However, there are additional health benefits to consider.
Chamomile tea has been shown to relieve various common health concerns such as anxiety, insomnia, and indigestion. Chamomile tea is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from disease.
The relaxing effects of chamomile tea make it a great choice before bedtime, and its antioxidant properties may help improve overall health.
Here are several key benefits of Chamomile tea.
1. Boosts your immune system
Drinking chamomile tea can provide powerful immune-boosting benefits.
It helps boost the body’s overall defense system. Research has also shown that it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the risk of colds and flu.
Chamomile is a natural remedy for fighting off infections and keeping your body healthy.
One study found that people who drank chamomile tea daily had a significantly lower risk of developing colds and fighting infections. It’s thought that the active compounds in chamomile tea, such as apigenin and luteolin, may have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help to protect against infections.
2. Good for Treating Wounds
Using chamomile to treat cuts and scrapes may help reduce pain, promote faster healing, reduce infection, and reduce scarring.
One study found that people who applied chamomile cream to their skin wounds had a significantly faster healing rate than those who did not.
It’s thought that the active compounds in chamomile tea, such as apigenin and luteolin, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help promote wound healing.
3. Fight The Common Cold
The common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses, affecting people all over.
But, while it may not be life-threatening in itself, complications like pneumonia can pose a risk—which means being aware and taking proper measures to manage symptoms becomes even more important.
Recent studies suggest that therapies involving chamomile extract inhalation can help fight common cold symptoms.
4. Hair and Scalp Treatments
Chamomile tea can be used to rinse hair which helps ease dry and inflamed scalp conditions.
If you’re suffering from dandruff or itchiness, then chamomile tea can help improve the quality of your hair due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Helps Prospect Against Certain Types of Cancer
Chamomile tea contains the antioxidant apigenin, which has been found to fight specific cancer cells, especially in the breast, digestive tract, prostate, uterus, and skin.
One study observed 537 people who drank chamomile tea 2-6 times per week and found that they were much less likely to develop thyroid cancer than those who didn’t.
More research needs to be done on the cancer-fighting abilities of chamomile tea, but the current studies are very positive.
6. Supports Digestive Health
Chamomile tea can be very beneficial for anyone dealing with digestive issues.
It’s an antispasmodic that can help soothe spasms within the stomach and intestines. Additionally, it’s been used for all digestive symptoms, such as nausea, acid reflux, and gas.
7. Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 25% of the US adult population. There are many therapy methods to improve anxiety; one is using chamomile tea for its calming effect.
Chamomile is a very mild sedative that can help relax and calm the mind and body. Once consumed, it usually takes 30-60 minutes for the calming effects of chamomile tea to start working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Chamomile tea is often consumed before bedtime because it’s believed to help people fall asleep. It contains natural compounds that may have a calming effect on the body and mind, which can help to promote sleep.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you may want to try sipping on a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime.
One study found that people who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported fewer insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling asleep and waking up frequently at night.
Other research has found that chamomile tea may have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which can help to promote sleep.
Who should not drink chamomile tea?
While chamomile tea is considered safe for most people, certain groups should avoid drinking it.
For example, people allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as chrysanthemums and marigolds, may also be allergic to chamomile tea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to chamomile tea may include skin rash, hives, and hard time breathing.
In addition, some research suggests that chamomile tea may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives. Therefore, it’s important for people taking these medications to talk to their doctor before drinking chamomile tea.
Overall, it’s best to be cautious and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about drinking chamomile tea, especially if you have allergies or are taking any medications.
Does chamomile tea have stimulants?
Chamomile tea does not have any stimulants.
Unlike other types of tea, such as black and green tea, chamomile tea does not contain caffeine, a stimulant that can keep people awake.
While chamomile tea does not contain caffeine, it does contain other compounds that may have a calming effect on the body.
Some research suggests that the active compounds in chamomile tea, such as apigenin and luteolin, may bind to certain receptors in the brain and promote relaxation. These compounds may also have a mild sedative effect, which may help to promote sleep.
Does chamomile tea have calories?
One of the benefits of chamomile tea is that it has no calories, making it a good choice for people trying to watch their calorie intake.
A single cup of chamomile tea naturally contains less than 5 calories.
Remember that adding milk or sugar can increase the calorie count by up to 70 calories per cup.
Final Thoughts On Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a great way to relax and wind down after a long day.
Chamomile tea is a great choice if you’re looking for an herbal tea option that doesn’t contain caffeine. It’s one of the most popular teas to drink during the evening without ruining sleep quality.
Chamomile tea also has many other potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion, treating common cols, and reducing anxiety. If you’re looking for decaffeinated tea, then try chamomile tea.
