The common kitchen herb can lower your blood pressure while soothing your nerves

Picture this: after a whole day of hustle and bustle and a hearty meal, you’re settled in your couch, with a cuppa in your hand. You take a couple of sips, and all that exhaustion starts to melt away.But wait, what tea might calm your nerves and leave you with a soothing effect?It’s chamomile tea!With its gentle, warm, and calming aura, a comforting cup of chamomile tea sure helps you wash off the whole day’s tiredness. But did you know this humble kitchen herb may do much more than ease your mind?Studies suggest chamomile can lower blood pressure and help soothe nerves, making it a go-to for stress relief and heart health.

From relaxing your mind with natural compounds like apigenin to potentially relaxing blood vessels and supporting heart function, chamomile is stepping into the spotlight as more than just a bedtime beverage. Whether it’s in traditional folk medicine or modern research labs, chamomile continues to show surprising benefits.Let’s dive into how this daisy-like flower works, what the studies say, and how you can brew your way to feeling calmer and more heart-healthy.

Chamomile: the calming herb

Chamomile (typically Matricaria chamomilla or German chamomile) contains over 120 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like apigenin and antioxidants such as quercetin and bisabolol, that give it its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and heart-friendly properties.

Calming the nerves

Chamomile's natural compound apigenin is thought to act like a mild tranquilizer by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, similar to how anti-anxiety medications work.

This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve sleep. Human studies show that daily chamomile intake improved psychological well-being and reduced anxiety symptoms, especially in women and those with generalized anxiety disorder. Some even saw improved blood pressure and mood. Another long-term supplementation study found that chamomile not only reduced anxiety but also lowered blood pressure and body weight slightly. Even aromatherapy with chamomile essential oil may significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while calming nerves and reducing heart rate.

Lowering blood pressure

Animal studies have revealed that chamomile extracts can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while performing as well or even better than standard medications by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). It also helps reduce heart rate. Meanwhile, in humans, chamomile tea may support heart health indirectly by promoting relaxation, delivering potassium, and acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Another trial combining chamomile with lavender also reported reductions in both blood pressure and cortisol levels. That’s not all. A renowned study from the University of California, Irvine found that chamomile activates a potassium channel (KCNQ5) in blood vessel walls, resulting in smoother, more relaxed vessels and lower blood pressure. Additional lab and review studies have also noted chamomile’s calming effect, suggesting it helps slow the heart rate and ease tension in blood vessels.

What makes chamomile effective?

Chamomile contains apigenin, a natural flavonoid renowned for its calming (anxiolytic) properties. Apigenin interacts with neurotransmitter pathways tied to relaxation and stress relief. It also features antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like bisabolol, quercetin, and chamazulene, which support both mind and body health.

7 key benefits of chamomile

Natural stress relief: A soothing brew helps relax the mind through natural compounds like apigenin.Supports healthy blood pressure: Potential to reduce blood pressure via ACE inhibition and calming effects.Improved heart health: Offers antioxidants, potassium, and calcium that support heart and muscle function.Anti-inflammatory power: Helps reduce inflammation, potentially protecting against chronic conditions.Gentle, widely available: Easy to find, simple to brew, and generally safe in moderate quantities.Rich in nutrients: Small amounts of potassium (around 21 mg per cup) and calcium offer added heart and nerve benefits.Cognitive support: Antioxidants in chamomile may protect brain cells and support cognitive health.

Easy ways to use chamomile

Drink chamomile tea regularly: A mild, caffeine-free ritual that doubles as a stress reliever.Add chamomile to your evening routine: Try a warm cup of chamomile tea or milk before bed to wind down.Use chamomile aromatherapy: Diffuse chamomile oil during stressful moments or before bedtime.Pair chamomile with mindfulness: The relaxing ritual of brewing tea itself helps reduce anxiety.However, it’s important to note, while chamomile is generally considered safe when consumed as tea, there are important precautions. It may interact with blood thinners or cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or related plants. Furthermore, pregnant individuals and those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using chamomile regularly.