Peaceful sleep and a stress-free life are all we want and need these days. And all of you will agree with me, right? Let us talk about chamomile tea, a plain natural cure that could be the answer to relaxing and having some good sleep.
Chamomile tea, which is prepared from dried flowers of chamomile, has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, even in India, where natural remedies are not new to us. Chamomile tea contains a special compound called apigenin, which is a natural relaxant that gets attached to receptors in your brain, soothing your nervous system and inducing sleep. It also helps decrease cortisol levels (that nasty stress hormone) and has low-level anti-anxiety properties. Research has indicated that the use of chamomile tea every day can reduce the effects of generalized anxiety disorder and enhance mood. Chamomile tea is easily found in India. Buy it from any supermarket or order online, and it will not break your bank. We are chai lovers, but replacing that night cup with chamomile tea (perhaps adding a drizzle of honey or tulsi for that desi taste) can make the night so much simpler. It's like our nani's comforting doodh-haldi but for sleep. It's a plain cup, soothing you after an infuriating day of traffic, deadlines, or whatever puts you in a twist.
How Chamomile Tea Helps with Sleep and Stress
Natural Calming Effect
Chamomile has been used for relaxation for centuries in Ayurveda and globally. It has apigenin, an antioxidant that acts on receptors in your brain, producing relaxation and lowering anxiety.
Improves Sleep Quality
Drinking chamomile tea at night can get you to sleep more quickly and sleep less throughout the night. According to some studies, it's particularly beneficial for people who experience insomnia or restless sleep—just what you want on those nights when your mind simply refuses to turn off about that embarrassing office meeting.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Chamomile's soothing sedative effects might lower cortisol levels (stress hormone). Amidst busy lives, where deadlines conflict with family commitments, a comforting cup of organic chamomile tea can be like hitting the pause button.
Relaxes the Body
It's not just the mind—chamomile can relax the muscles and unwind tension. And it's great for digestion too, which is a bonus if stress is wreaking havoc in your digestive system.
How to Use It
Brew It Right: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers (or a tea bag) in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Don't overboil; it tastes bitter.
Timing: Drink it 30-45 minutes before bedtime for maximum effect. Create a ritual—darken the room, shut off your phone (no more X-scrolling!), and drink slowly.
Add-Ins: If straight chamomile feels too "exotic," add a spoonful of honey, a dash of cinnamon, or even a sprig of tulsi to feel more comfortable.
