Overview of chamomile

Chamomile is a flowering plant which belongs to the family Asteraceae, chiefly known for its soothing properties. In view of this, chamomile has been treasured for ages for its monumental health benefits.

Chamomile flowers have tiny white coloured petals and a centre with yellow colour. Chamomile is predominantly used to treat sleeping disorders and gastrointestinal problems.

The latest use of chamomile is to address the issue of hypertension ( high blood pressure levels ). The chamomile flowers are extracted from the plant and then consumed as tea (popularly known as HERBAL TEA).

Let us know how chamomile tea helps in lowering blood pressure.

What is hypertension?¹

Hypertension,  also known as high blood pressure, is a circulatory disease in which the pressure in the arteries is high.

The heart’s main function is to pump blood to different body parts. This blood is carried through arteries. When blood pressure is high, the arteries carrying the blood generate more force on the arterial wall giving rise to many health problems.

Let us know about the mechanism of blood pressure.

What is normal blood pressure?

Before knowing about hypertension, let us know the normal parameters of blood pressure.

Blood pressure is defined as the arterial pressure of the blood exerted by the arteries when the heart pumps blood. Assessment of blood pressure is done by a medical equipment called SPHYGMOMANOMETER. The unit of blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure can be measured when the person is at rest and at different times of the day.

The normal reading of blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.

Systole vs diastole²

When blood pressure is measured, it has two components: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

For example,120/80 mm of Hg, 120 is systolic blood pressure and 80 is diastolic blood pressure.

• Systolic blood pressure: the blood pressure when the heart is contracted and the blood which is filled in arteries is ready to supply the different organs and tissues of the body
• Diastolic blood pressure: the blood pressure when the heart is in a relaxed state and the arteries are ready to get filled

This is how the heart beats with every systole and diastole.

Usually, systolic blood pressure is higher than diastolic blood pressure.

Stages of blood pressure³

It is given by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology and they have categorized blood pressure into four stages:

A hypertensive crisis is the end stage of high blood pressure where the systolic blood pressure is higher than 180 or diastolic blood pressure is higher than 120.

One must immediately consult a cardiologist.

Parameters influencing blood pressure levels

The main factors which affect the blood pressure levels are⁴

1. Cardiac output
2. Peripheral vascular resistance
3. The volume of circulating blood
4.  Viscosity of blood
5. Elasticity of blood vessel walls

These factors are directly proportional to blood pressure. If any of these factors increase blood pressure levels are increased and vice versa.

Other than these five factors, there are a few more elements that have an impact on blood pressure levels. They are:⁵

1. Substance abuse (it may be alcohol or smoking)
2. Processed foods and unhealthy food habits
3. Age (after 35 years)
4. Inactiveness and lack of exercise
5. Lack of sleep 

Treatment of hypertension⁶

High blood pressure can be treated with medications such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzymes, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.

Blood pressure can also be controlled by modifying the way of living like moderate exercises, diet control with good nutrition, less intake of salt, quit the habit of smoking and alcohol.

Chamomile and its general benefits

Chamomile is an ancient herb plant that is still in use and will be used even in the future for its immense benefits to humankind.

Chamomile its scientific name is Matricaria chamomilla. It widely belongs to the family Asteraceae.

The scientific classification of chamomile is:⁷

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Eudicots
• Clade: Asterids
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Matricaria
• Species: M. chamomilla

Chamomile has two popular varieties:

1. German chamomile
2. Roman chamomile

German chamomile is widely known for its medicinal use whereas Roman chamomile is used for cosmetic purposes.

Chamomile was conventionally used to treat a variety of health issues such as ear and eye infections, joint pain, gout, ulcers, wounds, digestive problems, hypertension, diabetes, and so on.⁸

Active compounds of chamomile⁹

Active compounds present are 

1. Apigenin
2. Flavonoids and antioxidants

Chamomile is available in different forms such as tea, dried flower, topical cream, aromatic oils, and capsules¹⁰

The most common variety of chamomile used is German chamomile and it is mostly consumed in the form of TEA.

chamomile has various health benefits. They are used as an anticancer agent, antihypertensive agent, anti-inflammatory, lower blood sugar levels, and improve immunity

Heart caring chamomile¹¹

Chamomile contains stress-reducing and anxiety-depressing elements. The flavonoids reduce the stress and relax the blood vessels. Hence, the spike in blood pressure is reduced.

Chamomile tea also helps in reducing sleeplessness by inducing sleep. The heart muscles and vessels are dilated.

Undesirable negative effects of chamomile¹²

People who take daily medication should consult a physician before consuming chamomile.

Chamomile is known for its anti-depressive properties. If it is consumed at more than normal levels, it makes an individual drowsy

Chamomile helps in decreasing the blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels. Henceforth, it should not be taken along with antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications.

Chamomile additionally increases the probability of bleeding. For this reason, chamomile should not be consumed with blood-thinning agents.

Summary 

The spike in blood pressure levels is known as hypertension. This spike is induced due to many factors such as age ( the main reason ), inactive lifestyle, highly processed foods with high cholesterol, high amounts of lipids, and some medical conditions.

The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mm of Hg. If the unit rises above this level, it is considered to be high blood pressure. High blood pressure is treated with medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes.

Chamomile is an ancient herb popularly used in the form of tea. German chamomile and Roman chamomile are two varieties of chamomile plants. The widely used German chamomile is consumed in the form of tea.

Chamomile has a higher number of benefits. Conventionally it was used to treat gout, arthritis, rashes, infections of the eye and ear, menstrual pain, digestive problems, and so on.

The chief significance of chamomile is stress and anxiety reduction. Chamomile contains magical elements such as flavonoids and antioxidants which help in reducing stress.

Stress is one of the causes of increased blood pressure levels.  Stress and blood pressure are both inextricably linked And chamomile works like magic by reducing stress levels.

For these reasons, yes chamomile helps in reducing blood pressure levels.

FAQ’s

What is normal blood pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the amount of force exerted by the blood in the arteries.

Normally it is 12/80 mm of Hg.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension of high blood pressure is a spike in levels of blood pressure due to more force exerted by the blood in the arteries while pumping the blood.

At what age hypertension is detected?

It can be seen in young people, but conventionally, it is more common in people aged above 35 years. Due to aging, the elasticity of blood vessels and the size of vessels decrease, leading to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and increasing blood pressure.

What medications are used to treat hypertension?

Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting receptors, and diuretics.

What are the active components of chamomile?

chamomile contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.

Does chamomile help in reducing hypertension?

Yes, definitely. The active compounds in chamomile help in reducing stress and dilating the blood vessels. Hence, blood pressure levels are reduced.