Ancient Egyptians treasured its healing powers. Now preliminary research indicates the flower could also possess some potent health advantages.
Could the same little daisy look-alike that produces the famed sleep-inducing tea be also a health hero? The jury is still out, but researchers have began to explore some of the flower’s potential health improvements. Even though the studies to date are actually small, the results of a single animal study do suggest that chamomile may help control blood sugar preventing some complications of diabetes. Yet another study may help explain why the flowery brew eases menstrual cramps; subjects who drank 2 cups each day for 2 weeks had higher amounts of glycine, a chemical compound that relieves muscle spasms.
Another healthy use for the tea? Try an at-home chamomile steam to help you loosen your nasal passages if you’re struggling with a spring cold. Here’s how: Heat large pot of water to boiling and then infuse it with some drops of chamomile extract (available at natural food stores). Remove pot from stove and allow it to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Drape a towel over your head, lean forward, and inhale deeply for another 2 to 3 minutes.
And while you’re in do-it-yourself mode, why not skip the teabags the next occasion you have sleep problems? Boil water, then pour into a teapot; add two to three teaspoons fresh or dried chamomile flowers per cup of water. Let steep for a couple minutes and pour through the strainer. Now this is a sleeper hit!
ALLERGY ALERT
Suffer from hay fever? Skip chamomile, since its proteins act like those in ragweed and it might aggravate symptoms.
