Chamomile tea isn’t just calming—it’s packed with antioxidants and health-promoting compounds. For centuries, people have sipped this caffeine-free herbal tea to relax, ease digestion, and support overall wellness.
Here’s a look at 5 science-backed ways chamomile tea may benefit your health.
1️⃣ Improves Sleep Quality
Chamomile has some unique properties that may benefit the quality of your sleep.
It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepinessTrusted Source and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep.
One studyTrusted Source of elderly individuals found that four weeks of taking a chamomile supplement twice per day significantly improved sleep quality. It’s not known if the benefits of a supplement apply to chamomile tea.
While current research findings are promising, more studies are necessary to determine the extent of chamomile tea’s effects on sleep. Nevertheless, drinking chamomile tea before bed is certainly worth a try if you have trouble falling or staying asleep.
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in your brain, promoting relaxation and sleepiness.
- Studies suggest chamomile supplements can improve sleep quality, especially in older adults.
- While more research is needed specifically on tea, sipping chamomile before bed may help with insomnia and sleep disturbances.
2️⃣ Supports Digestive Health
Proper digestion is extremely important for your overall health.
While chamomile may help with digestion and gastrointestinal health, there’s little research supporting this.
Some older animal studies found that it may help control diarrheaTrusted Source and prevent stomach ulcersTrusted Source. Despite these findings, more human research is needed to confirm chamomile’s role in digestion.
Nevertheless, there are many anecdotal claims that drinking chamomile tea is soothing to the stomach. Many traditional medicine practices promote its use for digestive ailments like nausea, and gas.
Chamomile has long been used in traditional medicine to soothe the stomach.
- Animal studies suggest it may help control diarrhea and prevent ulcers.
- Anecdotally, chamomile tea is often consumed to relieve nausea, gas, and general digestive discomfort.
3️⃣ May Protect Against Certain Cancers
The antioxidants found in chamomile tea have been linked with a lower incidence of certain types of cancer.
Chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin. In test-tube studiesTrusted Source, apigenin has been shown to fight cancer cells, especially those of the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate and uterus.
Additionally, one study of 537 people observed that those who drank chamomile tea 2–6 times per week were at a lower risk of developing thyroid cancer than those who did not drink chamomile tea.
These findings are promising, but more high-quality, human research is necessary to make a conclusion regarding chamomile tea’s role in cancer prevention.
Chamomile contains antioxidants that may help fight cancer at the cellular level.
- Apigenin has been shown in test-tube studies to target cancer cells in the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate, and uterus.
- One human study found that people drinking chamomile tea 2–6 times per week had a lower risk of thyroid cancer.
Note: More research is needed before chamomile tea can be recommended as a cancer-preventive measure.
4️⃣ Could Aid Blood Sugar Control
Drinking chamomile tea could aid in lowering blood sugar levels.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent damage to the cells of your pancreas. Having a healthy pancreas is extremely important because it produces insulin, the hormone responsible for moving sugar from your blood into cells.
One studyTrusted Source looked 50 participants with diabetes. They found that drinking chamomile tea twice per day for 4 weeks was linked to improved blood sugar control, lipid profiles, and kidney function.
While chamomile tea isn’t a replacement for medication if you have diabetes, it may be a useful addition to your management plan.
Chamomile tea may help regulate blood sugar by protecting pancreatic cells.
- A study of 50 people with diabetes found that drinking chamomile tea twice daily for 4 weeks improved blood sugar levels, lipid profiles, and kidney function.
- While not a replacement for medication, chamomile tea can be a healthy addition to a diabetes management plan.
5️⃣ May Support Heart Health
Chamomile tea contains flavones, a class of antioxidants. According to research, flavonoids may improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol.
One older studyTrusted Source found that people with diabetes who drank chamomile tea had reductions in their triglyceride (blood fat) and LDL levels. However, more research is necessary to prove just how effective it is for improving heart health.
Chamomile contains flavones, antioxidants linked to cardiovascular benefits.
- Research indicates chamomile tea may reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.
- More studies are needed, but drinking chamomile may support heart health, especially in people with diabetes or high cholesterol.
Other Potential Benefits
The following health benefits of chamomile tea are mostly anecdotal and not supported by scientific research:
- Improves immune system function: Chamomile tea is often promoted as a strategy for preventing and treating the common cold, but evidence for this is lacking. It’s also often used to soothe sore throats.
- Relieves anxiety and depression: There is some evidence that chamomile may reduce the severity of anxiety and depression, but this is mostly based on using it as aromatherapy or taking it as a supplement.
- Improves skin health: Some people claim that applying chamomile to the skin via cosmetic products, such as lotions and soaps, may be moisturizing and helpful for reducing skin inflammation.
Although these health claims lack evidence, that does not mean they are false — they simply have not been studied yet. Chamomile tea is often usedTrusted Source for these purposes in traditional and Eastern medicine
Though not yet proven in humans, chamomile tea is also associated with:
- Boosting the immune system
- Reducing anxiety or depression
- Improving skin health
These benefits are mostly anecdotal or observed with supplements and aromatherapy, but they highlight chamomile’s versatility in wellness practices.
⚠️ Potential Risks
Drinking chamomile tea is generally safe for most people
There have been reports of chamomile allergies, which are most likely to occur in individuals who are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed and chrysanthemums. Additionally, cosmetic products that contain chamomile may be irritating to the eyes.
It’s also important to note that the safety of drinking chamomile tea has not been established in young children, pregnant or nursing women and people with liver or kidney disease.
Nevertheless, there have not been any reports of life-threatening adverse reactions or toxicity from drinking chamomile tea. If you have concerns or think you may have an allergy or intolerance, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor.
Chamomile tea is generally safe, but a few precautions apply:
- Allergies: People allergic to daisies, ragweed, or chrysanthemums may react.
- Special populations: Safety hasn’t been established for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver/kidney disease.
- Cosmetic use can irritate the eyes.
No life-threatening reactions from drinking chamomile tea have been reported. If you suspect an allergy or intolerance, consult a doctor.
The Bottom Line
Chamomile tea is a soothing, antioxidant-rich beverage that may support:
- Better sleep
- Digestive comfort
- Blood sugar control
- Heart health
- Potential cancer protection
While research is still limited and often based on supplements or animal studies, chamomile tea is safe, relaxing, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Sipping a warm cup in the evening could be a simple step toward better health.
