Is chamomile actually helpful?

The new school year is in full swing. Maybe you’re feeling the stress too. So let's ... stop... and enjoy some chamomile tea. That’s supposed to be helpful, right? But does it actually work?

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of humanity's most ancient medicinal herbs. Over the ages it has been used to treat everything from hayfever to hemorrhoids. While doctors aren’t prescribing the calming cuppa for the more extreme ailments anymore, modern medicine is finding that this daisy-like flower actually does have healing powers. When ingested, chamomile produces certain chemicals that can serve as a sleep aid. These chemicals can also soothe throats and stomachs, lower blood pressure, help wounds heal and even treat diabetes.

So take a deep breath, put the kettle on the stove and let's all gently toast to chamomile. (huzzah)

Brian Rutter, PhD, is the cofounder of Hundredfold Video and plant biologist working for 2Blades at the University of Minnesota. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our “Sower Stories – Odd Facts About Plants” and video production tips in your inbox every month!