Is Chamomile Tea Good For Digestion?

Chamomile tea may be gentle in flavor but it is a mighty digestive aid. From stomach cramps to acid reflux, chamomile can provide relief in just a simple cup of tea. Chamomile is a small, white flower in the daisy family that contains beneficial volatile oils, terpenoids, and flavonoids. It is actually one of the oldest herbs used in ancient traditional medicine. Its popularity continues today, and many people drink chamomile on a daily basis. Although there are many uses, chamomile is most commonly used for anxiety, sleep, and digestion.

The volatile oils, terpenoids, and flavonoids in chamomile flowers have powerful effects on the entire digestive system.

Nutrient Absorption

Drinking chamomile tea before or after meals can help your body absorb more nutrients from food. The bitter compounds in the plant stimulate the production of digestive enzymes that break down food in the digestive tract.

Gas and Bloating

Have you ever eaten a meal and felt like your stomach grew ten times bigger? You might have had excess gas build up from indigestion. The volatile oils in chamomile have a carminative effect, which means they break up gas in the digestive tract. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea may help relieve gas and reduce bloating.

Stomach Acid

There is promising research that chamomile tea may help relieve acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when the stomach becomes too acidic and stomach acid splashes into the esophagus. Chamomile can help balance the level of acid in the stomach, especially when blended with other soothing herbs such as marshmallow root and lemon balm.

Inflammation

Chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Most digestive issues cause excess inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which causes more bloating and pain. Gastritis for example is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes chronically inflamed. Chamomile tea has been shown to be a soothing remedy to lower inflammation and may help treat these conditions.

Stomach Cramps

Chamomile is known to be a muscle relaxant. It has a calming effect on smooth muscles, such as the stomach and intestines. Stomach cramps are often caused by excess tension and constriction within the digestive tract. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can ease the tension and help the organs expand back to their normal state.

Always remember to consult a doctor before using chamomile to treat health conditions, as it can interfere with certain medications and cause allergies in some individuals.

Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you were nervous? Or felt like you might throw up before giving a speech? These are common examples of anxiety causing digestive upset. The brain and gut have a strong connection, and often have to be treated together to heal any imbalance. Chronic stress in particular can cause digestive issues that are challenging to fix. Luckily, chamomile has effects on both the nervous system and digestive system. Chamomile tea is famous for calming anxiety and reducing stress. A cup of chamomile tea every day should help to soften tension in both the mind and stomach.

Sleep is another factor that is linked to digestion. A full night of sleep is crucial to allow the digestive tract to process food from the day. If you are suffering from insomnia or poor sleep, you may notice that your digestive system gets blocked up. Chamomile can promote sleep due to apigenin, one of the many flavonoids it contains. Because of this relaxing effect, it is best to drink chamomile tea in the evening.

Look for loose leaf chamomile tea, which will have better flavor and health benefits than regular tea bags. Pure chamomile is great, but there are also many amazing blends of chamomile with other digestive herbs. See our recommendations below to get started. From delicate Chamomile Bilberry Bliss to indulgent Chamomile Cookie, we have a variety of unique teas. Steep the tea for 5-7 minutes, take a sip, and feel your whole body relax.