Aids in Relaxation and Better Sleep
Chamomile has traditionally been used to induce sedation and treat insomnia. Consuming chamomile tea has a mild tranquilizing or calming effect. This benefit is attributed to chamomile’s flavonoids, apigenin in particular. Apigenin binds to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which results in sleep induction and a more relaxed feeling.
Studies involving preclinical models associate chamomile tea consumption with anticonvulsant and CNS depressant effects. Participants in a small study reportedly fell into a deep sleep for around 90 minutes after drinking the herbal tea. Also, studies have observed the benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity of chamomile extract.
Another study noted the stress-reducing effects of the inhalation of chamomile oil vapor. The study observed the beneficial biological reactions brought about by chamomile when there are increased levels of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the body. Chamomile reduced ACTH levels when co-administered with Diazepam, an anxiolytic medicine.
Aside from apigenin, chamomile also contains other compounds capable of binding benzodiazepine and GABA receptors to produce a sedative effect. However, the amounts of these compounds found in chamomile are yet to be identified.
