Chamomile For Mild To Moderate Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Many people with milder levels of anxiety tend not to seek treatment or delay treatment until the problem gets worse. But nevertheless, it can really take its toll on mental health and physical health over time.
In 2009, researchers investigated how well chamomile extract would work for people who reported mild-moderate generalized anxiety disorder.
They enrolled sixty-one patients into the study and 28 of those received the chamomile extract and 29 got the placebo.
Over a period of 8 weeks, they look at the scores for anxiety using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating system. They observed that over time the total HAM-A score decreased versus the placebo group
Due to the power of the study, they were not able to detect differences in secondary outcomes for the study, but they trended in a positive direction. .
Characteristics Dosage Interactions Side Effects And Risks
Chamomile, a flower in the daisy family, is a dietary supplement popular for a variety of uses including sleep problems, anxiety, digestive upset, mouth sores, skin infections, wound healing, colic, and diaper rash.
Chamomile has been used for thousands of years, including by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. You’ve probably most often used chamomile in the form of chamomile teaone of its most popular uses. While many people find it to be relaxing before bed or when feeling anxious, not much research has been conducted on its effectiveness for these uses.
Chamomile Can Interact With Your Medication
One of the main concerns with herbal teas are their ability to interact with other medications, and chamomile is no exception.
There still isnt too much information about the interaction between chamomile and drugs, but its always best to be on the safe side.
It may increase the risk of bleeding if you are on blood thinners, or ibuprofen or naproxen. If you take benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, anti-seizure medications, some antidepressants and alcohol it may cause increased drowsiness .
If youre already on medication to control your blood sugar or blood pressure, there are added risks as well. For example, it can cause them to drop too low .
Chamomile is also comparable to estrogen, so, it can interfere with the effectiveness of hormone therapy.
If youre unsure about how chamomile will react with a medication youre taking, its always best to consult your doctor first.
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Different Ways Of Using Chamomile For Anxiety
Using Chamomile for anxiety is a widespread application of the herb worldwide. In general, the volatile oil is extracted out of Chamomile and is then applied in various forms. This major essential oil is used in forms such as tea, tincture, lotion, capsules, or various drops. Although not every form of usage is applicable in cases of anxiety. The methods of using the best Chamomile for anxiety are as follows.
Does Drinking Tea Relieve Stress And Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion depicted by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased heart rate, tightness in the chest, increases in the stress hormone cortisol, and increased blood pressure.
Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Many different situations or life events can cause stress. It is often triggered when we experience something new, unexpected, or that threatens our self-awareness, or when we feel we have a lack of control over a situation.
Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most of us. Many people feel stressed and/or anxious at some points throughout the day or week when theyre trying to meet a deadline, manage their responsibilities, making important decisions, etc., which is completely normal. In fact, approximately 70% of adults in the United States say they feel stress or anxiety daily.
When someone experiences consistent and chronic ongoing stress, it can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and more. For this reason, it is very important to try different approaches to managing chronic stress including talking to your doctor if needed.
One of the most beneficial aspects of being a regular tea drinker may be its ability to help relieve stress and anxiety, which can lead to improvements in many aspects of life.
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How Does Chamomile Tea Help Calm You Down
How can dried flowers steeped in hot water make you feel so calm?
According to Insider, its all because of the chemical structure of chamomile. More specifically, the chemical compound called apigenin.
When consumed, apigenin binds to the GABA receptors in the brain which can have a calming effect and help induce sleepiness.
Because chamomile teas generally arent caffeinated and apigenin helps promote sleep, many people choose to drink it at night.
Looking back at the CHOICE survey, 85% of respondents drank the tea in the evening because of the strong association of the herbal brew with sleep and relaxation.
In fact, 82% of those who drank chamomile did so to improve their sleep and relaxation while 58% drank it to ease their stress and anxiety.
There have been a few small studies into the effectiveness of chamomile tea in helping those who suffer from generalised anxiety disorder , too.
A 2016 study gave participants with GAD 500 mg doses of chamomile to take three times a day. They ultimately found that chamomile did in fact reduce some of the symptoms they normally associated with their anxiety. These symptoms included nervousness, rapid heart rate, digestive problems and insomnia.
So maybe chamomile tea does indeed help after all?
How To Take Chamomile
The most popular way youve probably thought of using chamomile is by drinking chamomile tea. This is typically how I use chamomile and especially since cooler weather is approaching and the days are getting shorter. I always find myself drinking more tea this time of year.
But drinking chamomile tea is not the only way to take it! Many people use capsules, extracts, tinctures and topicals as well.
Here is a little guideline on how much you should be taking for reach:
Tea: 1 4 cups a day
Capsules: 400 1600mg spread throughout the day
Extracts: 1 4ml 3xs daily
Tincture: 15ml 3 to 4xs daily
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Long Term Chamomile Therapy For Anxiety
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| First Posted : February 22, 2010Results First Posted : July 6, 2017Last Update Posted : July 6, 2017 |
| Phase 3 |
Chamomile For Moderate To Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder
In a paper published in 2016, the results of a long-term study using chamomile extract for mild to moderate anxiety confirmed earlier findings that chamomile is effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Between 2010 and 2015, 179 patients were enrolled in a double-blind randomized trial. They found a greater number of placebo-switched versus chamomile subjects relapsed during the follow-up. Results were 11.4 ± 8.4 weeks for chamomile and 6.3 ± 3.9 weeks for placebo. .
During the follow-ups, it was noted that people who were taking the chamomile had lower blood pressure, lower body weight, and a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms.
In yet another study, working off previous results showing some efficacy for chamomile for treating chronic anxiety, researchers looked at what effect the herb had on salivary cortisol of patients who received chamomile extract therapy.
They took 45 subjects who were diagnosed with generalized anxiety and showed that chamomile extract was able to normalize cortisol levels and this corresponded with a decrease in GAD symptoms. . This demonstrates that compounds in chamomile tea are effective in altering neurobiology and altering stress reactivity and dysfunction present in people with anxiety disorders.
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Chamomile Tea For Anxiety
Chamomile tea aids in relaxing you if you are suffering from anxiety, depression and even insomnia.
It would not have effects as strong as that of medical drugs because, lets face it, it is just an herb.
However, it wont have those stronger side effects as well. According to certain pieces of research chamomile tea has been found helpful in significantly reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder .
However, more research is still awaited in this regard. You can still take chamomile tea for anxiety because it is still helpful in calming your nerves and helps you relax at the end of the day.
A person who claims to be anxious most of the time and freaks out easily reported to have his nerves calmed down after taking chamomile tea for anxiety.
May Help With Digestive Issues
Research suggests that chamomile may help to reduce smooth muscle spasms in the gut, which may benefit those with inflammatory digestive issues such as diverticulitis and oesophageal reflux. It may also offer preventative measures against a fairly common bacteria known as H. Pylori which can contribute to stomach ulcers.
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Chamomile May Support Bone Health
There is some evidence that chamomile tea supports bone health. Lisa Richards, a certified nutrition consultant, says that the flavonoids in chamomile help bones repair themselves and grow. It also may help regulate healthy bone-building activities.
This finding may be particularly impactful for women, who are prone to osteoporosis as they reach menopause, estrogen decreases, and bone mass is lost. A 2004 food chemistry study suggests that the body recognizes chamomile almost like it does estrogen, and that chamomile may have the ability to stimulate bone-building cells. However, more research needs to be done.
Side Effects Of Chamomile Tea For Anxiety
There arent many side effects out there for chamomile tea for anxiety.
However, it is always good to know about cautious steps before using it as a supplement. Some of the reported side effects are given below.
- Can cause eczema which is a skin allergic condition
- Large dosage of chamomile tea can cause vomiting too
- Anaphylaxis , throat swelling and shortness of breath can be caused by chamomile at times for people who are allergic to daisy family
It should be kept in mind that the US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of supplements and herbs.
Therefore, most supplements and herbs are not tested completely and no specific risks or guarantees are known.
Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.
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What Are The Dangers Of Chamomile Tea
If you enjoy a cup of chamomile tea, you are not alone. Many people enjoy the herbal tea’s purported benefits for insomnia, anxiety and indigestion. However, chamomile tea side effects can be negative.
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If you have difficulty with chamomile, note that it is also used in liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, creams and mouth rinses. Discuss the potential side effects and benefits of this herb with your physician before using chamomile tea.
Tip
While the purported benefits of chamomile tea are plenty, it can interact with medications or cause allergic reactions.
Treating Diabetes And Lowering Blood Sugar
Again, some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Research does not show that chamomile is a viable substitute for diabetes medications, but it may be a helpful supplement to existing treatments.
Similarly, a 2008 study of rats found that consistent consumption of chamomile tea might prevent blood sugar from increasing. This effect reduces the long-term risk of diabetes complications, suggesting that chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes.
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Content Reviewed By Pharmacas Health Care Advisory Board
According to the American Psychological Association , people in the United States have been deeply impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Nearly 78% of adults have said that it is a significant source of stress in their lives, and 67% reported that their stress levels have increased over the course of the pandemic.
If you have experienced stress, anxiety, trouble sleeping and more, you may be looking for new ways to alleviate symptoms. A cup of tea might help relieve stress and anxiety, and could help you get better sleep. Below are a few recommendations for the best teas for anxiety and stress in 2021.
How Long Should It Steep
You should steep your drink for at least three minutes before removing the bag. This allows enough time for the flavors and compounds to be extracted.
For loose leaf tea, place 1 teaspoon into an infuser, then put the infuser into your mug. After that, pour in boiling water. Steep for three minutes and then remove the infuser.
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Why Do People Take Chamomile
Chamomile is considered a safe plant and has been used in many cultures for stomach ailments and as a mild sedative. Some studies, primarily using combinations of chamomile with other plants, show it may have health benefits. However, as with any combination product, it is hard to say that a benefit comes from any one plant.
One product with chamomile and other herbal medicines has been shown to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Another mixture with chamomile seems to help colicky babies.
A mouth rinse with chamomile might relieve mouth sores caused by cancer treatments. Some research suggests that chamomile could help with other conditions, like diarrhea in children, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and insomnia. When used on the skin, chamomile might help with skin irritation and wound healing. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema.