During the first lockdown, Queen Mutesi grappled with insomnia. Whether it was Covid-19 fatigue or stress, Mutesi could not find sleep no matter what she did, only getting an hour or two towards morning. “For two months, I struggled to have proper sleep and I started having migraines. I went to see a doctor and they advised that I start doing exercise late in the evening to wear out my body so that I can fall asleep when I go to bed tired,” says Mutesi. A doctor prescribed sleeping pills but 25-year-old Mutesi was worried about getting dependent on them. One morning, she went to a nutritionist who advised her to take light meals in the evening, less liquids and a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before sleeping. It worked like magic. Mutesi started having sound sleep, a good six hours every night, and life was never the same, thanks to chamomile tea. “I never thought it could make such a huge difference. I used to feel calm and relaxed before going to bed and I would sleep in five minutes after getting into bed,” Mutesi says. Having grappled with insomnia myself, I also decided to give it a shot and indeed it worked. I felt calm and sleepy the night I took chamomile tea compared to the nights I didn’t. Experts say that for many years, chamomile tea has been used as a traditional folk remedy, for a wide range of health issues. Scientists have over the years tried to zero down on its effectiveness in managing illnesses, including cancer and diabetes as well as many other benefits. The tea, which is made out of dried chamomile petals and flowers, contains chemicals known as flavonoids, a nutrient which gives chamomile its medicinal value. Below are some of the benefits: Sleep and relaxation Chamomile tea is widely known for its ability to help people relax and avoid insomnia. Though few clinical trials have proved this, many personal experiences have proved that it works. A recent study showed that 10 of 12 cardiovascular patients said that they were able to fall asleep shortly after consuming chamomile tea. A different study done on rats found out that chamomile extract helped sleep-disturbed rodents fall asleep a few moments after administering it. Doctors compare the natural effect of chamomile tea to that of Benzodiazepine, a prescription drug which is given to insomniacs to reduce anxiety and induce sleep. Managing menstrual pain If you are the type that suffers painful cramps during menstruation, then chamomile tea is for you. A study done in 2010 found that chamomile tea reduces the severity of menstrual cramps if consumed for one month non-stop before your next cycle. Women in the study reported less anxiety and distress associated with menstrual pain. Managing sugar levels If you are diabetic or struggle with high sugar levels, chamomile will be great for you as it was found to contain substances that can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Research does not show that chamomile is a viable substitute for diabetes medications, but it may be a helpful supplement to existing treatments. At the same time, a 2008 study of rats found that consistent drinking of chamomile tea can prevent blood sugar from increasing. This effect reduces the long-term risk of diabetes complications, suggesting that chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes. Minimising inflammation The magical chamomile tea is also known to reduce inflammation of nerves. Chamomile tea contains chemical compounds that may reduce swelling, but again it cannot substitute medicine in case of long-term inflammation linked to a wide range of health problems. It was, however, found to help reduce inflammation in conditions such as haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even depression. Managing osteoporosis Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk of broken bones and stooped posture. While anyone can develop osteoporosis, it is most common among post-menopausal women. This tendency may be due to the effects of oestrogen. A 2004 study found that chamomile tea might have anti-estrogenic effects. It also helped promote bone density, but the study’s authors caution that further research is needed to prove this apparent benefit. Cancer treatment and prevention Several studies found that chamomile tea may target cancer cells, or even prevent those cells from developing in the first place. Though scientists say more work is needed to prove chamomile’s anti-cancer claims, recent research has proved its effectiveness in dealing with cancer cells in several clinical trials.
