Have you ever tried Babuna tea? Chances are, you've had it before, just under a different name. Babuna is the Hindi word for chamomile, a delicate flower found in the northern regions of India. Chamomile Green tea, a popular herbal infusion enjoyed worldwide, is made by steeping dried chamomile flowers in hot water.
Although it's prepared like tea, this beverage doesn't actually contain any tea leaves. Instead, it is consumed for its caffeine-free nature and its numerous physical and mental health benefits. Chamomile tea is packed with flavonoids, which are natural compounds that act as antioxidants, safeguarding the body against cell damage. Apart from its antioxidant properties, this tea offers a host of other advantages.
- Chamomile for Restful Sleep
While drinking tea or consuming caffeine before bedtime can disrupt sleep, chamomile has the opposite effect. Chamomile flowers contain a natural compound called apigenin, which induces relaxation and mild sedation. These calming effects have made chamomile tea a safe and soothing beverage for bedtime. Several studies have confirmed its sleep-related benefits, making it a recommended remedy for insomnia. Those with sleep troubles are advised to sip a cup of warm chamomile tea about 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed, allowing the body to absorb its beneficial compounds.
- Chamomile for Healthy Skin
Chamomile tea has been used since ancient times in Greece and Egypt. Soldiers would apply chamomile to their battle wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It effectively reduces redness and skin damage. In fact, chamomile is a common ingredient in skin creams and beauty products. Drinking chamomile tea is believed to delay signs of aging, as the antioxidants not only combat cell damage but also aid in cell recovery.
- Chamomile for a Happy Gut
A lukewarm cup of chamomile tea is the perfect way to aid digestion after a heavy meal. Its naturally sweet taste, with hints of honey, makes it an ideal post-meal beverage. Chamomile is well-known for its ability to relax the gut, relieving bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other stomach discomforts. Medical studies have shown that chamomile can even help prevent stomach ulcers. Additionally, it has been used to treat colic in children.
- Chamomile for Anxiety Relief
In addition to its sleep-inducing properties, chamomile has positive effects on anxiety and mood. Drinking chamomile tea has been proven to provide a calming effect for those suffering from anxiety. Research indicates that it is beneficial both in the short and long term for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Although not yet confirmed, it is believed that the compounds in the tea bind to specific neurotransmitters in the brain, triggering a sense of calm. Improved sleep quality resulting from chamomile consumption is also thought to play a role in reducing the frequency of anxious episodes.
- Chamomile for Menstrual Comfort
The overall relaxing effects of chamomile tea on the mind and body are particularly beneficial for relieving painful menstrual cramps. Its anti-spasmodic properties help soothe and relax the muscles, minimizing the impact of period pain. Discomfort during menstruation is often associated with organ inflammation, and chamomile works to alleviate this condition. For optimal benefits, experts recommend regular consumption of chamomile tea starting 10 days before the period. Drinking chamomile tea during menstruation is also advised, especially as a replacement for caffeinated beverages that can cause dehydration.
Who Can Enjoy Chamomile
As one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, chamomile is generally safe for widespread