| Chamomile tea has been known for centuries for its | | | | digestive tract, and indirectly by helping to relieve |
| soothing and relaxing properties, being used | | | | nervousness. |
| commonly to aid with problems such as insomnia, | | | | For people who have very mild digestion issues, |
| nervousness, as well as a comforting remedy during | | | | drinking chamomile tea on "as-needed" basis is |
| illnesses such as colds and flu. What many people | | | | sufficient. However, for people with chronic |
| don't know is that chamomile tea is an excellent | | | | symptoms it is important to be able to get a high |
| remedy to help with digestion. Poor digestion is likely | | | | enough dose of the beneficial compounds, which can |
| rooted in our poor food choices, poor eating habits | | | | be achieved by drinking 3 to 5 cups per day, on a |
| and the fast-paced lifestyles. Correcting these are | | | | regular basis. Use 2 tsp of flower per cup, and infuse |
| the key to having a health digestive system, but | | | | for 5 -10 minutes covered. Drink the tea while still |
| there are things that can be done to help alleviate | | | | hot, before all the beneficial essential oils evaporate. |
| daily chronic symptoms that many people experience | | | | The importance of drinking a high quality chamomile |
| such as gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and | | | | tea [ cannot be understated. Most grocery-store |
| constipation. One of the best herbal remedies as a | | | | brands contain merely the "dust" and bits of flower |
| "cure-all" for nearly all digestive problems, is drinking a | | | | that remain after sorting and packaging. Choose a |
| high quality chamomile tea. | | | | brand that consists of high quality loose whole |
| Chamomile tea contains essential oils and flavanoids, | | | | flowers, which contain the highest concentration of |
| which actually relax the smooth muscles in the | | | | beneficial compounds to ensure that you get the |
| digestive tract, to relieve pain and cramping and | | | | freshest, most flavorful and health-promoting cup of |
| promote normal peristalsis (the contractions of your | | | | tea. |
| intestinal tract that help move food along). Another | | | | * For those with allergies to ragweed, please use |
| class of compounds called sesquiterpenes, have | | | | caution with chamomile, as it is part of the same |
| anti-inflammatory effects which helps soothe the | | | | family of herbs as ragweed, and some people may |
| irritated lining of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce | | | | experience a cross-reaction. Try a cup or two, and if |
| the inflammation associated with poor digestion. This | | | | no allergy symptoms appear (such as an itchy throat) |
| tea also acts as a relaxant, to help calm down | | | | then you're probably fine. |
| nervousness and tension. Many people who suffer | | | | *Women who are pregnant should not drink |
| from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) also suffer from | | | | chamomile tea. |
| symptoms of anxiety, which have been shown to | | | | Health disclaimer: |
| contribute to their digestive complaints. It is well | | | | The information provided in this article should not be |
| known that the digestive tract has many connections | | | | construed as personal medical advice or instruction. |
| to the central nervous system, and therefore anxiety | | | | No action or inaction should be taken based solely on |
| and emotional issues can have a huge impact on how | | | | the contents of this article. Readers should consult a |
| your body digests food. By drinking chamomile tea | | | | naturopathic doctor or a qualified health care |
| regularly, and calming the system, people with IBS | | | | professional on any matter relating to their health and |
| can help their symptoms by directly affecting their | | | | well-being. |