Chamomile tea is more than just a fad. The mere thought of sipping warm chamomile tea on a sunny winter afternoon sounds blissful. However, there is more to this bona fide miracle drink than just its calming properties. Among other things, chamomile tea is hugely popular for aiding weight loss in a healthy manner.
Read ahead to find out how this aromatic beverage can help you get in shape when complemented with a healthy diet and a proper fitness regime.
Ways Chamomile Tea Aids Weight Loss
Chamomile tea is loaded with nutrients like calcium, potassium, and flavonoids. It helps in weight loss and also reduces bloating and water weight if incorporated effectively in your diet. Here’s how it works.
It Helps Manage Stress
Stress and binge-eating have a complicated relationship. Most of us tend to overeat when we are stressed. When you stress too much, your body produces a hormone called cortisol that increases cravings and leads to weight gain. By managing your stress levels, chamomile tea regulates your hormones and controls hunger pangs.
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Chamomile Tea Improves Sleep
Like stress, irregular sleeping pattern also disturbs the body weight. It interrupts insulin production in the body , which causes weight gain. When you are sleeping, the body releases a hormone called serotonin that curbs unhealthy cravings. By soothing your frayed nerves, chamomile tea induces a sound sleep and helps you manage your weight.
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It Heals The Digestive System
One of the main reasons for weight gain is the body’s inability to secrete enough gastric juices that break down fats and cholesterol. Chamomile tea stimulates the production of gastric juices and hence, fights obesity and controls cholesterol and diabetes.
It Detoxifies Your Body
Antioxidants help our body get rid of toxic wastes and excess water that causes bloating. Rich in antioxidants, chamomile tea flushes out all the toxins from the body and helps get rid of water weight as well.
How To Brew A Cup Of Chamomile Tea At Home
Chamomile tea is easily available in the market and you can also buy it online. You can also grow chamomile plant in your own garden and savour a cup of delicious chamomile tea.
The trick is to pluck fresh flowers from the stem. Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the flowers to the water. Cover with a lid instantly. If you are using dried flowers, one teaspoon is enough and if using fresh flowers, use 3-4 teaspoon. Let the flowers steep in the water for at least five minutes. You may also add a dash of honey if you want a slightly sweetened taste. Follow the same procedure if you are using chamomile tea bags.
Chamomile Tea Recipes You’ll Love
You can infuse different flavours in your cup of chamomile tea. Here are some of our favourite chamomile tea recipes that you can try at home.
Lavender & Chamomile Tea
Ingredients
- ½ cup chamomile flowers
- ½ cup lavender flowers
- ½ cup apple mint leaves
- Juice of two lemons
- ½ cup honey
Recipe
Boil water in a pot. Let it cool for a minute. Add the flowers and let them steep for five minutes. Strain the flowers. Add lemon juice and honey.
Chamomile And Cinnamon Tea
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- Handful of fresh Chamomile flowers
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
Recipe
Boil water in a pot and add the flowers. Let the flowers steep for five minutes. Add maple syrup and cinnamon powder. Heat milk in a separate pot. Whisk it until it foams. Mix the water infusion to the milk and top it up with a dash of cinnamon. A delicious cup of chamomile and cinnamon tea is ready!
Chamomile Ginger Ice Tea
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Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- ½ inch ginger
- 2 cups chamomile flowers
- 4 teaspoons honey
- Juice of two fresh lemons
- Ice
Recipe
Boil water and then remove it from the stove to let it cool for one minute. Let ginger, chamomile flowers, honey and lemon juice steep in for one hour. Strain the tea and refrigerate it for three hours. Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon.
The Best Time Of The Day To Drink Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea stimulates the production of gastric juices, therefore it is recommended to drink it before each meal. By releasing gastric juices, the tea breaks down fats and cholesterol and also ensures that you don’t overeat.
Chamomile tea soothes the nerves and ensures a good night’s sleep. Drink a cup before bed to improve your sleeping patterns. It is also a great stress-buster. You can enjoy a cup whenever you feel stressed or anxious.
Beyond Weight Loss
The health benefits of chamomile tea are not restricted to weight loss. There are plethora of other benefits that should encourage you to brew yourself a cup.
It Boosts Immunity
Chamomile tea strengthens the immune system. It keeps cold and flu at bay, eases nasal congestion, and helps with a runny nose and sore throat.
It Reduces Muscle Pain
Chamomile tea has pain-relieving properties that reduces muscle spasms. It also relaxes the muscles in the uterus and relieves period cramps.
It Reduces Acne
Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants, so it helps fight frequent breakouts and reduces scars and spots.
It Cures Dandruff
Rinsing your hair with a cup of chamomile tea can help you get rid of dandruff and an itchy scalp.
It Reduces Dark Circles
Place chilled chamomile tea bags under your eyes for 15-20 minutes every day to get rid of puffiness and under eye circles. Thank us later!
It Keeps Skin Young And Radiant
Chamomile tea is full of antioxidants that protects the skin from free radical damage. It promotes cell and tissue growth and helps in keeping skin young for long.
Everyone Can Drink Chamomile Tea, But..
Chamomile tea has sedative effects and can also cause allergies in some people, so we recommend consulting your doctor before starting consumption. Avoid the tea if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family such as chamomile, marigold, daisies, and ragweed.
Chamomile has coumarin, though in very small quantity, that can interfere with drugs. Avoid drinking the tea two weeks prior to any surgery. Although there are few research to back that chamomile is unsafe for pregnant women, it is advisable that pregnant and lactating women consult a doctor before consuming the tea.
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This story was updated in January 2019.