Chamomile Tea - "Official Approval"

There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

Both belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes ragweed, echinacea, and feverfew. And both have been used traditionally to calm frayed nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections.

The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.

Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of conditions including chest colds, sore throats, abscesses, gum inflammation (gingivitis), psoriasis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, minor first degree burns, inflammatory bowel disease (namely, ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, and children's conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic.

While studies in people are few, animal studies have demonstrated German chamomile's ability to reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, reduce muscle spasms, and to serve as a mild sedative to help with sleep.

Laboratory studies have also shown some antimicrobial properties, meaning that it may fight against a variety of infections.

In Europe, chamomile is commonly used as a digestive aid, to treat mild skin conditions, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and as a tension reliever.