In the plant kingdom, among a rich treasure trove of herbs with medicinal value and flowers with therapeutic properties, chamomile is a common name to reckon with.
Charm of Chamomile
An aromatic European plant of the daisy family with white and yellow flowers, chamomile in India is called babuna ka phool or gule baboona. “For centuries, people across cultures have turned to this restorative plant for its gentle curative abilities. Its delicate blooms are not just pretty; they are packed with compounds that offer a slew of advantages on the health front. This, in turn, makes chamomile stand out in the world of natural remedies,” clinical nutritionist and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra avers.
Historical use of Chamomile spans multiple cultures for promoting relaxation, improving digestion and supporting skin health. Dr. Sagar Mahajan, wellness operations manager of Dharana at Shillim, says, “Its effectiveness and soft nature have earned it a prominent place in both conventional and modern well-being systems,”
Unique with its calming properties, chamomile has been “an antidote for centuries to fever, muscle cramps, menstrual issues, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal issues, rheumatic pain and hemorrhoids,” informs ace nutritionist Anshul Singh, Artemis Hospitals. “Its dried flowers also carry antioxidants, such as apigenin, which helps one rest and sleep. Chamomile tea has also been known to reduce inflammation. Its soothing nature and efficacy as a wonder herb make chamomile a globally-accepted natural therapy in both customary and currently-evolved contexts of medicinal science.”
Herbal History
One of the most celebrated and oldest plants known to mankind in the field of organic care, chamomile has been around since ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. It has earned the moniker of ‘herbal superstar’ over time for addressing ailments like fevers and aches and even for soothing tired nerves. The dried chamomile petals are loaded with terpenoids and flavonoids that boost its medicinal power. In practice, chamomile preparations have been employed to ease hay fever, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatic pain among others. The list sounds impressive for a single plant.
“Even today, chamomile-infused tea remains incredibly popular. In short, chamomile is safely ensconced in the herbal hall of fame via a blend of composite cultures and a brew of scientifically-recognised virtues,” endorses health expert Karan Khurana from WishNew Wellness.
Irina Drazowa-Fischer
Sedative Effect
Chamomile is popular for its calming and relaxing effects. “Chamomile contains a compound called apigenin, a natural substance that interacts with the brain receptors to promote sedation. That is why a cup of warm chamomile tea before bed can help people unwind and put them to sound sleep,” reasons Malhotra.
The sedative activity makes chamomile tea a favourite sleep sip. “Chamomile lowers stress hormones and loosens up muscles, leading to a carefree mind and a silent nap. These combined benefits make it a safe haven for those struggling with stress issues. It acts as a detox and provides a hassle-free potion for a perfect noiseless night,” shares Singh.
A Cup of Tranquility
Post negotiating a hard day’s work and jostling with the hustle and bustle of city life, our senses need a tender balmy caress to rejuvenate from exhaustion. Chamomile tea certainly offers that much-needed relief from everyday fatigue.
“Apigenin in chamomile actually binds to the brain receptors that tranquilising drugs (like benzodiazepines) usually act upon. This plant-derived compound originating from the flavonoid family biochemically coaxes our nervous system to unwind and slow down the neural excitability leading to a dozy, hypnotic feel and anxiety-relief,” explains Khurana.
Delivering a scientific insight into the said mechanism, he adds that “in practical terms, when you ingest chamomile tea (or take a chamomile extract), compounds like apigenin travel through your bloodstream and reach the brain, where they exert a mild anti-anxiety effect. This is the reason why chamomile has been widely regarded as a mild tranquiliser or sleep aid for centuries. Modern studies observe that chamomile can modestly improve sleep quality and slash symptoms of undue worries and fretfulness.”
