There’s no denying. We live in a stressful world, and this can unfortunately affect a lot more than just our mood. As I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, stress actually hurts our bones because,
“Stress is an acidifying process because of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The secretion of cortisol has the same effect on the alkaline/acid balance as when you eat highly acidifying foods”
I then go on to give you ten easy behavioral changes that can help reduce stress. Today, I’d like to add one effective – and delicious – way to help you tackle stress, and it might surprise you.
Chamomile: An Amazing Multi-Tasking Herb
You probably know chamomile for its subtle soothing fragrance and healing effect when applied on skin.1 But it does a lot more than that. The rich flavonoid content of chamomile helps with digestion and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
In fact luteolin – one of its flavonoids – helps improve a wide array of conditions, acting as a mild pain reliever, anti-spasmodic, fever reducer, and antihistamine. And that’s not all. Luteolin is a potent antioxidant and, as shown in animal studies, it reduces blood pressure.2, 3
Nature’s Tranquilizer
Thanks to another flavonoid, apigenin, chamomile acts as an effective natural sedative, relieving anxiety and stress.4 For that reason, brewing a chamomile tea before going to bed or anytime after dinner can help you get a good night sleep, aiding with your goal to keep cortisol levels at bay.
But of course you can drink chamomile tea anytime, especially if you’re having a hectic day. In the hot Florida summer, I love it ice cold with lemon wedges and a sprig of mint.
A Word of Caution
Chamomile has blood-thinning properties, so check with your doctor if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other anti-coagulant drugs, including aspirin. Also check with your doctor if you’re allergic to plants in the ragweed or daisy family.
To your stress-free life!
References
1 Aertgeerts P, et al. “Comparison of Kamillosan cream (2 g ethanolic extract from chamomile flowers in 100 g cream) versus steroid (0.25% hydrocortisone, 0.75% fluocortin butyl ester) and non-steroid (5% bufexamac) external agents in the maintenance therapy of eczema [translated from German].” Z Hautkr. 60:270-277. 1985.
2 Cotelle, N.; Bernier, et al. “Antioxidant properties of hydroxyflavones.” Free Radic. Biol. Med. 20(1), 35-43. 1996.
3 Duarte J, et al. “Vasodilatory effects of flavonoids in rat aortic smooth muscle. Structure-activity relationships.” General Pharmacology. Volume 25, Issue 4. July 1993. Pages 857-862.
4 Viola H., Wasowski C., et. al. “Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects.” Planta Me. Jun; 61(3):213-6. 1995.
I take one asperin per day should I take camamile tea
I been drinking camomile at night and I love it. but I been taking vitamin D3 is it safe drinking camomile while taking vitamin D3 thank you.
That should not pose a problem, May. 🙂 Glad to hear you are loving the tea!
I dont have osteoporosis as such but have had 1 hip replaced and the other is a bit dodgy. After a scan I was told my bones were ok except for my hips which had deteriorated markely. This is my reason for requesting your programme. I have no thyroid gland and take thyroxine – and have been informed (13 years after having it removed) calcium uptake might be a problem! However my GP now tells me I should take Adcal with vit D but after reading about Adcal I am concerned that in taking this calcium supplement I may cause other problems – but I would like to make sure my bones are protected as much as poss. I look forward to receiving the programme. By the way, I agree about Chamomile which reminds me of ‘wee’ but if its good for me I WILL drink it – Thank you for the info on this. Love Carolann
That’s funny, Carolann. 😀 Have you tried adding some lemon juice and raw honey to your chamomile tea? Some children even like it prepared this way. 🙂 Just a thought!
I wish you success on the Program, too. 🙂
CAN I EAT PINEAPPLE WHEN TAKING BLOODPRESSURE TABLETS
Vivian please send me your telephone number to my e-mail. I would like to talk with you of several things I am facing medically.I didn’t know how to get this message to you. I’m a commuter illiterite. I’ve had no computer training at all. Thankyou, Velma
Hi Velma – I’m sorry, but we don’t currently provide telephone support, and Vivian is not available for private consultations. You can contact Customer Support at any time by sending an email to in**@**********es.com or by clicking the Customer Support link at the top of any of our web pages. We respond to all Customer Support requests within 24-48 hours (unless further research is required, in which case there may be a delay).
thank you so much for sharing your information on our bones, this will help me so much i now can take action what i need to do to strenthen my bone thank you and many blessing..
So good to know about the qualities of chamomile. Many Thanks. Shula
Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. Annie, you have it right. Mr. Lloyd is getting a free pitch in here.
How much chamomile must you drink for how long to get the benefit to your bones?
Thanks again Vivian for the reminder about Chamomile Tea – It is so easy to drink – I have had it regularly at night for many years – but not for the last 2 or 3 years – I replaced it with Chai, Rooibos and Rosehip – without realizing its value for my bones. I have never tried it iced – and as our summer is so hot (at present) I will certainly have iced Chamomile this week. Many Blessings, from Kelsey Fickling, AUSTRALIA.
Thank you for your information, I try to find this Chamomile tea, usually
I drink water only.
In regard to the Calcium intake, isn’t Vitamin K2 good to take with calcium? It moves calcium deposits to your bones where it belongs instead of your arteries.
I tried Chamomile Tea years ago but couldn’t drink it! Tastes terrible! I know it’s good for you. Does it come in the form of a pill?
I don’t love the taste of chamomile either, but I found a chamomile tea with lavender, and I love it! I think it’s made by Traditional Medicinals. The scent is beautiful. Try it with a little bit of stevia to sweeten. 🙂
if you feel hungry eat, but try and eat hheltay foods. With both my pregnancies i would have to eat every couple of hours in the first few months otherwise i’d be starving hungry. I didn’t put on much extra weight, and it all came off quickly after, because it was all hheltay food.
To long of sales talk, i do not turn on long chat health discussions anymore do not have the time to sit for 30 mins, and it usually finishes up selling a book,would just prefer to purchase the tablets sorry to speak the truth
regds
Jennifer
I agree Jennifer.
I too find a long video sales pitch annoying, with no warning of how long it will take, and then the gall to send a confirmation dialog (very annoying) when I try to close the browser window or navigate to another browser window. Videos ought to include a notice of how long they will take, people don’t have unlimited time.
I wish Mozilla Firefox and Seamonkey had an option to disable confirmation dialogs, spell checkers too.
Vivian:
I would like to know what type of Calcium supplement is the best for absorbabilty and your bones and how much is too much and how much is a good amount even with eating calcium rich foods.
I know too much is not good for your heart so it is hard to tell how much is good.
Thank you.
Mary
I love camomile but am concerned about the blood thinning aspects. I was refused a surgery once because I was taking a natural antidepressant that was blood thinning. Just wondering about the negative side effects.
Hi Lynn – If you’re concerned or have an upcoming surgery, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor to see whether chamomile could be an issue for you.
Has anyone heard that supplemental calcium (pills etc.) enters the bloodstream as colloidal particles or as nanoparticles and is 30% more likely to aggregate on arterial walls as is any natural source of calcium ?
But then dairy product sources of calcium (as in pasturized milk) are considered toxic too. Is there a safe but abundant source of calcium available ?
Very much appreciate your paper on Chamomile.
Have you read Vivians many articles on calcium yet? Also you can download her free booklet on calcium. I have started using her recommendation of algae based calcium. Found one that has all the other necessary ingredients too. There are several. Google is your friend.
Thanks for passing this info along to Louis, Lynn! 🙂
Louis, you can get my Ultimate Calcium Guide here: https://saveourbones.com/the-ultimate-calcium-guide/
And here’s my take on the calcium/heart attack issue: https://saveourbones.com/calcium-heart-attack/
Hi Lynn. What brand of calcium are you using? It is difficult to find lgae calcium here in Canada. Thanks
Here is a number for AlgaeCal in Canada
1-800-820-0184
if you need more info email me at sy*@**is.ca
Dear Vivian:
Thanks for your information on chamomile, exercises, and your book. I had been on Fosomax for 10 years and was worsening. I followed your plan and in 18 months I no longer had osteoporosis. I’ve been sharing your information on acid/alkaline foods. Thanks again, and keep on researching and sharing. God bless!
You are most welcome, Gloria. I’m so pleased to hear about your progress – congratulations, and keep up the good work!! 🙂
My drink of choice for the past year has been 100% organic green tea. Is this a good tea? I have tried the chamomile this past week, but I don’t think I would want to drink this everyday.
Hi! Vivian,
Thank You VERY MUCH For This VERY INFORMATIVE ARTICLE! I LOVE CHAMOMILE TOO!
Take Care, And Stay WEll.
LOVE, MS. L. (LESLIE)
Dear Vivian
You are truly a force to deal with. I am also very impressed that in you article on chamomile on the web, there is no apparent attempt to merchandise chamomile (or anything else, for that matter.)
I followed The Osteoporosis Reversal Program and got rid of my osteoporosis very quickly.
Lloyd Clayton, ND
Founder, Clayton College of Natural Health (The biggest school of natural health and healing since the last big bang.)
Please call me if you can think of any way I can help. I know means to get government officials on our side.
(Besides bribing them. Under Barrack Obama, bribing public officials may actually become a crime.)
205-837-5598
Lloyd,
I’m confused by your reply!
You say your “Founder, Clayton College of Natural Health”, Yet
you came to Vivian website to learn how to get rid of Your Osteoporosis??? !!!
Then you say:
“Please call me if you can think of any way I can help. I know means to get government officials on our side.
(Besides bribing them. Under Barrack Obama, bribing public officials may actually become a crime.)”
HELLO!! You sound like a real “Wack A Doodle”.
Hey Annie, Thanks for the comment….that was very funny. 🙂
Everything looks good and sounds deulicois. This is my first visit to your blog, so I took some time to browse through your earlier posts. I’m so glad I did that. I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I’ll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Thank you for ALL your great info – specially the recipies!
Ann
Hi, I think the tea that you are referring to is called Rooibos. It only grows in a small area of the country, and has a full-bodied, slightly sweet taste.
Hello Dear
Thanks for such a nice info about Cammomile. normally take it however with Ur info of its flavonoid Luteolin I will take it regularly. I collect info and follow a nutritive life style collected from such info. I already have many health sites and read and follow their advice.
Many thanks and God Bless U
Best Regards // George
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for this post re chamomile tea. Another one I found out about is Roobotos tea. I used to have chamomile tea but have swapped over to Roobotos. It has a lovely taste as well more likeable than chamomile.
Keep up the good work, Vivian.