Sip Your Way to a De-stressed Day: Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
- Donna Keeler
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
There’s more to chamomile tea than just promoting a good night’s sleep. Over my 34-year corporate career, I consumed gallons of chamomile tea, and it became a soothing staple in my pantry. It was in my office desk drawer and always in my luggage for business trips. At home, I keep several boxes on hand—not just for sleep and relaxation but also for digestion and soothing a sore throat.
If you usually reach for that second (or third) cup of coffee, consider mixing it up. Coffee contributes to an acidic pH in the body, while chamomile tea offers a light and calming alternative. The shift to a more alkaline state may also improve your participation in meetings with enhanced concentration, cognition, and mood.
Here are a few more reasons to incorporate chamomile tea into your day:
1. Reduces Stress and Supports Heart Health
Chamomile tea may help lower cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone. Reduced cortisol can decrease anxiety, nervousness, and irritability while promoting healthy blood pressure. It’s the perfect beverage for nearly every meeting. Additionally, it may aid in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and helping to avoid afternoon cravings for coffee or sugar.
2. Aids in Weight Management
Research suggests that drinking chamomile tea regularly could support weight management. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed chamomile tea three times a day for eight weeks showed lower insulin and HbA1c levels. If you’re pre-diabetic or have a family history of diabetes, adding chamomile tea to your routine can be a step toward lowering your risk. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels will also help to avoid afternoon cravings for coffee or sugar.
3. Promotes an Alkaline Environment in the Body
Chamomile is an alkaline herb that helps restore the body’s natural pH balance. Pairing it with alkaline foods may reduce inflammation, which is often felt as physical pain. Instead of reaching for an over-the-counter remedy for post-workout soreness or a weekend DIY project’s aches, brew and drink chamomile tea.
4. Incorporate Chamomile Tea into Your Day
Start small—replace one coffee with chamomile tea and see how you feel. Don’t drink coffee? Great! Try chamomile tea hot or cold. This simple change could positively impact your day.
NOTE: Check for Interactions with Medications
While chamomile tea offers many health benefits, the herb may interact with certain prescription medications. Consult with your healthcare provider or do your own research before adding it to your daily routine.
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