Chamomile Tea
Soothing Upset Stomachs
One of the safest and most soothing teas out there, chamomile tea is a trusted and true favorite with all ages. It comes from the flowering plant of the daisy family, and has a number of health benefits in addition to its regular soothing properties and calming, smooth flavor. It has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years, and is gentle enough to be given to adults as well as small children. The active compound that helps make chamomile so effective for many health issues is an essential oil contained in the flower known as bisabolol. This oil has been proven to possess many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some of the most common uses for chamomile tea, aside from simply enjoying its delicate flavor, include the treatment of sleep disorders or insomnia, panic attacks, and anxiety. It is also useful for treating any skin irritations, such as eczema or chickenpox, if applied to a compress and used to wet the site of irritation. The antibacterial properties of chamomile are quite helpful in treating scrapes or other wounds, and also are most effective when applied directly to the wounded area.
One beauty trick that has been passed down for generations is using chamomile tea to wake up the face and soothe tired eyes. Because it naturally reduces puffiness and can lighten skin, if you place two damp teabags over your eyes and rest for a few minutes, you should notice almost instant results. This is a good way to wake up after a long night out. The tea is also a nice morning relaxer if you are feeling the effects of an upset stomach or diarrhea, as it has such a soothing effect. For intestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome, it can be quite effective.
In addition to purchasing chamomile tea in prepackaged bags, which is generally considered the easiest way to drink it, you could also look for loose leaf tea. It is sold in whole flower heads, or offered as an essential oil, liquid tincture or extract, or in topical creams and ointments. However, the easiest way to prepare the tea is with bags, and these are also generally the easiest form to find at the store. Many prefer their chamomile with lemon and honey. It is also frequently mixed with mint or lemon leaves in the teabags, to make a more unique infusion. All of these varieties can be fun to sample.