Smoking Chamomile – Are there Any Proven Benefits?

Chamomile tea, a widely-enjoyed herbal beverage, is celebrated for its soothing qualities. But have you ever contemplated whether it can be smoked? For centuries, people have smoked herbs, and some believe that smoking chamomile may yield effects akin to drinking tea. 

So let’s assess the safety and efficacy of smoking chamomile and examine its potential advantages or disadvantages.

Chamomile tea

Smoking Chamomile: Benefits and Risks

Currently, research on the advantages of smoking tea, including chamomile, is somewhat limited. Although drinking chamomile tea has numerous health advantages, like decreasing inflammation and promoting sleep, these effects might not apply when smoking the herb.

As for the risks, the herb itself isn’t harmful, but smoking chamomile (from leaves of teabag) is not recommended as it can be detrimental to your lungs, just like smoking any other substance. 

You might think about purchasing chamomile herbal cigarettes, which can usually be sold legally to smokers of all ages in most places, given that they do not contain tobacco or nicotine. However, according to an FTC report, herbal cigarettes contain numerous toxins and carcinogens similar to those in tobacco smoke, such as tar and carbon monoxide (1).

Also, the FTC mandated all herbal cigarette manufacturers to include a warning label on the packaging stating that they are hazardous to health and produce tar and carbon monoxide (1).

However, while smoking any herb poses pulmonary risks, it can serve as a nicotine-free and tobacco-free alternative for individuals trying to quit smoking, especially since some herbs like chamomile offer various health benefits.

Can You Smoke Chamomile From Tea Bag?

Although smoking chamomile from a tea bag is possible, it is not recommended. Chamomile tea bags are intended for steeping in hot water, and the materials used in the tea bag might not be safe for smoking. 

Besides, as mentioned earlier, there is insufficient research to evaluate if smoking chamomile provides the same benefits as drinking tea. And as for the risks, smoking chamomile poses a similar risk to your lungs as smoking regular cigarettes.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Chamomile Tea?

Although research on smoking chamomile is limited, drinking chamomile tea has many proven health benefits. While not thoroughly studied, smoking chamomile might offer the same or comparable benefits as drinking chamomile tea.

So, some of the scientifically proven benefits of drinking chamomile tea include:

  • Chamomile tea may improve sleep quality, reduce nighttime awakenings and promote quicker sleep onset (2).
  • Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can potentially help alleviate gut inflammation and the associated discomfort (3). It may also prevent stomach ulcers by reducing acidity and inhibiting bacteria.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties in chamomile tea may aid in reducing blood sugar levels and prevent damage to pancreatic cells from high blood sugar.
  • Chamomile tea’s flavones content may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both significant indicators of heart disease risk.
  • Chamomile tea has a calming effect that may relieve symptoms related to the common cold, like easing congestion and reducing inflammation (4).
  • Chamomile may reduce anxiety and depression when used as aromatherapy or taken as a supplement (4).
  • Chamomile tea’s combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can promote healthier skin by easing redness and irritation and defending against environmental stressors that might lead to premature aging. Recent reports suggest that including chamomile in cosmetic formulas such as lotions, eye creams, and soaps provides moisture to the skin while also diminishing inflammation levels.

Although the studies appear promising, further research is required to fully comprehend the degree of these benefits. Additionally, chamomile tea should not replace medical treatment for severe health conditions.

Should you choose to incorporate chamomile tea into your diet, these top-rated chamomile tea brands are worthy of your consideration.

Who Should Avoid Chamomile?

Although most people can safely consume chamomile tea, some should avoid drinking it due to potential risks. These include:

  • Those with allergies to daisy family plants like ragweed or chrysanthemums as these people may experience allergic reactions.
  • Before consuming chamomile tea, pregnant women should consult their physician since it could potentially stimulate the uterus.
  • Those taking blood thinners or other medications should consult their healthcare provider before consuming chamomile tea to avoid potential drug interactions.

Conclusion

It is not recommended to smoke chamomile for its potential benefits. It is best to use traditional methods of enjoying chamomile, such as brewing tea or incorporating it into aromatherapy.

If you find the potential benefits of chamomile appealing, it’s always wise to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before exploring new ways of consumption.

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