Chamomile Tea Vs. Lemon Balm Tea: Which Herbal Tea Is Best For Your Health?
What To Know
- A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.
- A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
- A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that lemon balm tea was effective in reducing sleep latency and improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.
When it comes to herbal teas, chamomile and lemon balm are two of the most popular choices. Both teas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep, but they also offer a variety of other health benefits. In this blog post, we will compare chamomile tea vs lemon balm tea and discuss their unique properties and benefits.
Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Chamomile tea contains compounds that have been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Improving sleep quality: Chamomile tea has been shown to improve sleep quality in both children and adults. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.
- Relieving pain and inflammation: Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to relieve pain and inflammation. A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that chamomile tea was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
- Boosting the immune system: Chamomile tea contains antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection. A study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that chamomile tea was effective in protecting against influenza virus infection in mice.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Lemon balm tea contains compounds that have been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that lemon balm tea was effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Improving sleep quality: Lemon balm tea has been shown to improve sleep quality in both children and adults. A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that lemon balm tea was effective in reducing sleep latency and improving sleep quality in children with ADHD.
- Relieving pain and inflammation: Lemon balm tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to relieve pain and inflammation. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that lemon balm tea was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Boosting the immune system: Lemon balm tea contains antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that lemon balm tea was effective in protecting against herpes simplex virus infection in mice.
Which Tea is Better for You?
Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea are both excellent choices for promoting relaxation and sleep, but they also offer a variety of other health benefits. Ultimately, the best tea for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a tea that can help you to relax and sleep, both chamomile tea and lemon balm tea are good options. However, if you are looking for a tea that can also help to relieve pain and inflammation or boost your immune system, chamomile tea may be a better choice.
Side Effects of Chamomile Tea and Lemon Balm Tea
Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea are generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects, such as:
- Nausea: Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea can both cause nausea in some people.
- Vomiting: Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea can both cause vomiting in some people.
- Diarrhea: Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea can both cause diarrhea in some people.
- Headache: Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea can both cause headaches in some people.
- Skin rash: Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea can both cause skin rashes in some people.
If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop drinking chamomile tea or lemon balm tea and talk to your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea are both popular herbal teas with a variety of health benefits. Chamomile tea is best known for its ability to promote relaxation and sleep, while lemon balm tea is best known for its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. Both teas are generally safe to consume, but some people may experience side effects. Ultimately, the best tea for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
- Can I drink chamomile tea and lemon balm tea together?
Yes, you can drink chamomile tea and lemon balm tea together. In fact, some people find that combining the two teas produces a synergistic effect, resulting in greater relaxation and sleep benefits.
- How much chamomile tea or lemon balm tea should I drink per day?
The recommended dosage of chamomile tea or lemon balm tea is 1-2 cups per day. However, you may need to adjust the dosage depending on your individual needs and preferences.
- Can I drink chamomile tea or lemon balm tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Chamomile tea and lemon balm tea are generally safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before consuming any herbal teas during pregnancy or breastfeeding.