Chamomile or camomile, is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Two of the species, Matricaria recutita and Anthemis nobilis, are commonly used to make herbal infusions for traditional medicine.
Chamomile tea in Urdu name is بابونہ
History and Origin of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Its usage can be traced back to the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 1550 B.C.E. Hippocrates and other ancient physicians also referenced its medicinal properties in Greek and Roman cultures.
During the Middle Ages, the Arabs introduced chamomile tea to Europe, where it gained popularity as a remedy for various ailments like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. Moreover, it was utilized as a beauty treatment, known to brighten skin and reduce wrinkles.
As the 19th century arrived, chamomile tea found its way to the United States, where it became a popular remedy for colds and flu. To this day, chamomile tea remains widely favored for its calming and sleep-promoting effects.
Chamomile tea comes in two main types: German chamomile, more prevalent and renowned for its soothing properties, and Roman chamomile, less common but reputed for its potent medicinal attributes.
Chamomile Tea and Cultural Significance:
Certainly! Here are some examples of the cultural significance of chamomile tea in different cultures:
Egypt:
In ancient Egypt, chamomile held great sacred value, being considered a plant of utmost importance. It found use in religious ceremonies and was revered for its perceived medicinal properties.
Greece:
The Greeks attributed the gift of chamomile to the gods, seeing it as a divine offering. They employed it to address various health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive disorders.
Roman Empire:
Chamomile was also highly regarded by the Romans for its medicinal virtues. They believed in its ability to combat inflammation, aid in wound healing, and alleviate pain.
Germany:
Known as "Matricaria" in Germany, chamomile remains a popular remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and digestive troubles, cherished for its calming effects.
United States:
In the United States, chamomile tea has become a beloved beverage, often cherished for its relaxation and sleep-inducing properties.
Is it safe to drink chamomile tea everyday?
Yes, it is completely safe to drink chamomile not more than twice everyday.
How to make Chamomile Tea?
1. Pour 1 cup of water into your kettle and bring it to a boil.
2. Turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of tea. Now, cover your kettle so that the steam doesn’t escape. Steep for 8-10 minutes.
3. Strain your tea properly and enjoy the warm cup.
To make an ICED tea, add 5-6 cubes into your cup and stir well.
“Add Honey/Sugar to enhance the flavor”
Chamomile Tea Recipe Ideas:
Classic Chamomile Tea
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
- Honey or sugar, to taste
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Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the chamomile flowers.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
- Strain the tea and add honey or sugar to taste.
Chamomile Lavender Tea
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
- 1/2 teaspoon lavender flowers
- Honey or sugar, to taste
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Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the chamomile and lavender flowers.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
- Strain the tea and add honey or sugar to taste.
Chamomile Ginger Tea
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Honey or sugar, to taste
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Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the chamomile flowers and ginger.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
- Strain the tea and add honey or sugar to taste.
Chamomile Honey Lemon Tea
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
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Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add the chamomile flowers.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
- Strain the tea and stir in the honey and lemon juice.
Chamomile tea vs green tea
Chamomile tea is a herbal tea made from the flowers of the chamomile plant. It is caffeine-free and has a mild, sweet taste. Chamomile tea is often used to promote relaxation and sleep. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Green tea is a type of true tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains caffeine and has a slightly bitter taste. Green tea is known for its many health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and reduced risk of cancer.
What is Chamomile tea good for? / Benefits of Chamomile tea?
* Chamomile Tea for Sleep
Chamomile has some magical properties to improve the quality of sleep. Chamomile tea may be recommended to postpartum women as a supplementary approach to alleviating depression and sleep quality problems.
source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26483209/
* Chamomile Tea for Digestion
Chamomile tea reduces the risk of certain gastrointestinal conditions.
* Chamomile Tea for Blood Sugar / Diabetes
Drinking Chamomile tea aids in reducing blood sugar levels. In one study of 64 diabetic people, those who consumed chamomile tea daily with meals for eight weeks had significantly lower average blood sugar levels than those who consumed water.
Source https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25194428/
* Chamomile Tea for Blood Pressure
Flavones have been studied for their potential to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important markers of your heart disease risk.
* Chamomile Tea for Skin Health
Using chamomile hydrosol on your face can improve the skin quality. Chamomile is added in lotions, salves and other skin related products as it has healing and soothing properties.
* Chamomile Tea for Anxiety:
Chamomile contains compounds like apigenin that can bind to specific receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety.
* Chamomile Tea for Immunity:
Since chamomile tea has calming effects, it may help reduce stress and its potential adverse effects on immune function.
* Chamomile Tea for Menstrual Cramps:
Chamomile tea is often recommended as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and discomfort associated with menstruation. The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of chamomile can help relax the uterus and ease muscle contractions, potentially reducing the intensity of menstrual cramps.
Benefits of Chamomile tea in Urdu
نیند کے معیار کو بہتر بنانے کے لیے کیمومائل کی کچھ جادوئی خصوصیات ہیں۔
کیمومائل چائے معدے کے حالات کو بہتر بناتی ہے۔
کچھ مطالعات کے مطابق ، یہ کینسر کو روکنے میں مددگار ثابت ہوسکتا ہے۔
کیمومائل چائے پینے سے خون میں شوگر کی سطح کم ہوتی ہے۔ 64 ذیابیطس کے لوگوں کی ایک تحقیق میں ، جو لوگ آٹھ ہفتوں تک روزانہ کیمومائل چائے پیتے ہیں ان میں بلڈ شوگر کی اوسط نمایاں طور پر کم ہوتی ہے۔
کیمومائل بلڈ پریشر اور کولیسٹرول کی سطح کو کم کرتا ہے ، جو آپ کے دل کی بیماری کے خطرے کے اہم نشان ہیں۔
What are the side effects of Chamomile tea?
Drinking chamomile tea is generally safe for most of the people. There have been studies of chamomile allergies, rare cases of anaphylaxis have occurred in people who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products. However excess of anything is dangerous.
How to Store Chamomile Tea?
Always keep it in a tight jar in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
Which brand of Chamomile tea is the best?
Best chamomile tea online in Pakistan is available here https://bit.ly/3glAYcD at the Nature's Store.