Chamomile Tea Relieves Anxiety and Lifts Mood

The science is in, and our grandmothers were right! Chamomile can make a bad day or worried night better. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that long-term use of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) was clearly effective for helping to control anxiety and mild bouts of depression in people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder when compared to placebo. This suggests that regular incorporation of chamomile as an herbal remedy can fight back against low moods and ease tension.

This great news means that those who make chamomile part of their regular routine may be more likely to achieve a balanced outlook. Let’s face it – anxiety is a huge problem for so many of us these days, some even call it an epidemic of our modern fast-paced society. With our go-getter lifestyles it’s just so easy to get overwhelmed by demands and worries. If anxious thoughts and feelings tend to follow you, or if irritability and bouts of mild depression are a struggle in your life, give the humble chamomile flower a closer look.

Just the thought of a cup of chamomile tea conjures up a calming scene. Imagine the soft floral aroma, the comfort of a hot beverage in hand, and feel a relaxed smile across your face. I drink a cup every single afternoon. Not a fan of tea? Chamomile supplements are easily purchased online or at natural groceries in the form of capsules, tablets or tincture form, and be sure look for it in remedies designed to improve sleep or ease tension, as well. Take as directed on the package. As a mild, inexpensive, extremely safe remedy, chamomile belongs in every family’s tea chest and medicine cabinet. Note: on rare occasion someone could have an allergic reaction to chamomile.

And a bonus for green thumbs, you can easily grow chamomile at home! A pretty plant that does well in pots and seeds itself freely, chamomile is a most welcome addition to container gardens where it can be kept from taking over. Chamomile tea is made from the plant’s charmingly tiny white flowers with yellow seed heads, which can be used fresh or dried. Harvesting the small flowerheads can be a little time consuming, but it’s an enormous joy to know you can grow a flower in your garden that has antidepressant properties and tastes lovely too. I prefer to use, and I grow German chamomile. See below for companies that sell high quality seeds. Horizon Herbs and Seed Savers Exchange are two great companies to find high quality seeds.