Tea Tuesday: Cool Camomile

Camomile tea has long since been used as a natural remedy.
It's the daisy like flowers that are used, they are usually dried and then rehydrated or infused in hot water to make the tea. 

It is rich in some powerful antioxidants that may have a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Camomile is safe to drink, and many people enjoy drinking it for its delicious taste and comforting aroma.

Here are 3 potential health benefits of drinking camomile tea.

1. Many of us have heard of the calming effects of camomile, it is suggested that camomile can reduce the severity of depression and anxiety.  Recently many of us are experiencing an increase in these feelings, a quiet moment with a camomile tea could be a great way to help reduce them. 

5 minutes to sit down, let the mind settle, smell the sweetness of the flowers as the tea cools and then enjoy the taste and warmth of the tea will really help rest the mind allowing us to refocus and start again with a fresh perspective.

2. Sleep quality could be improved. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, or the chronic inability to sleep. 

A study found that people who consumed 270 mg of camomile extract twice daily for 28 days had 1/3 less night time awakening and fell asleep 15 minutes faster than those who did not consume the extract. 

3.It could help with digestive health. Evidence suggests chamomile may be effective for promoting better digestion by reducing the risk of certain gastrointestinal conditions. It is thought this might be down to it's anti inflammatory properties.

Where can I buy it?
The tea I was drinking was Cool Camomile from Dorset Tea.  It was 88% camomile, 10% raspberry flavour and 2 % lemongrass.  It was a lovely caramel colour after 5 minutes of steeping and smelled amazing!

I also looked at Twinings who had a range of Camomile flavours. Pure Camomile, Camomile with honey and vanilla, Camomile and spiced apple or Camomile and spearmint.

I would expect most supermarkets to have their own brand version of camomile too, it's a popular flavour.

Of course you can always buy camomile loose flower tea and add it to a glass teapot to watch the magic of them infusing as part of your 'calming moment';  I like this one from Indigo Herbs.  I like to add a little dollop of honey to the bottom of my cup sometimes if I'm feeling under the weather to add a little warmth and sweeten the aroma.

As always, if you have underlying health conditions or are on any medication you may need to check there are no contraindications to stop you enjoying it.

I'm off to relax on my garden sofa for a snuggle with my beautiful dogs to enjoy a cup. I hope you enjoy a moment in this lovely sunshine to sit and relax while enjoying a cup of this lovely tea.

Stay well
Claire XO


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