A Gift from Ancient Greece: Can One Cup Before Bed Make a Difference? Why Chamomile Tea is Making Waves for "Sleep" and "Blood Pressure"

A Gift from Ancient Greece: Can One Cup Before Bed Make a Difference? Why Chamomile Tea is Making Waves for "Sleep" and "Blood Pressure"

"On sleepless nights, try 'tea' before 'medicine'"—this sentiment is gradually spreading as we approach the end of the year. The catalyst was an article by the British newspaper, The Independent, published on December 31, 2025 (GMT), discussing "herbs that lower blood pressure and aid sleep." The star of the article is chamomile, a staple in herbal teas. The Independent


Is chamomile a "relaxation drink from ancient Greece"?

According to the article, chamomile has been consumed since ancient Greek times. The key component is "apigenin," which is said to induce calmness and drowsiness when consumed. The Independent


Beth Czerwony, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic, also describes it as acting like a "mild sedative." Cleveland Clinic


The important point here is that there isn't just one reason why it can help you "sleep." In addition to the effects of its components, the act of slowly drinking a warm beverage itself can serve as a pre-sleep ritual. It was notable that many people on social media mentioned the "strength of this ritual" (as discussed later).


Is it really "good for blood pressure"?—The key lies more in the "potassium context" than in chamomile itself

The Independent article touches on the possibility that chamomile's calming effects might help lower blood pressure and also mentions vitamins and minerals (such as potassium and calcium).

The Independent

However, this is a point where we should take a step back and organize our thoughts.


    The fact that potassium intake is related to blood pressure
  • is well-known in the field of nutrition. The U.S. NIH (ODS) fact sheet also summarizes the relationship between potassium intake and hypertension (e.g., the risk of hypertension increases with low potassium and high sodium intake).

    Office of Dietary Supplements

    On the other hand, the article states that "a cup of chamomile tea contains about 21mg of potassium," which is quite small compared to the NIH's recommended daily intake for adults (e.g., 2600mg for women, 3400mg for men).

  • The Independent In other words, from the perspective of blood pressure, rather than placing excessive expectations on chamomile alone,

    • it's more realistic to reduce salt intake, increase potassium through vegetables, fruits, and tubers, and add chamomile as a relaxation habit before bed.



How far can we go with claims of anti-inflammatory, heart, and cancer prevention?The Independent also touches on "anti-inflammatory effects" and the "possibility of reducing the risk of death from heart disease."


The Independent

As evidence, the following sources are referenced. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) organizes information suggesting the potential for anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-cancer effects of chamomile extracts in test-tube and animal studies (which is separate from conclusions in humans).


Hints for diabetes (blood sugar) are "there are studies"


The Independent also touches on the "possibility of helping in the control or prevention of diabetes."


The Independent

In fact, there are studies (clinical trials) that have examined the effects of chamomile tea consumption on type 2 diabetes patients, evaluating blood sugar indicators and lipids. PubMed


However, the perception of results may vary depending on research conditions (amount, duration, participant background), so it's safer to take it as "it might work for some people." Reactions on social media (X/Instagram/Forum "temperature")

What's interesting about this topic is that social media is mostly

leaning towards "bedtime routine" rather than "health components."


 

1) The "one cup before bed = the strongest ritual" camp


X (formerly Twitter)In the Reddit tea enthusiast community, there are discussions about drinking chamomile for apigenin, and topics like "does tolerance develop?" and "what happens if you continue?" reflecting the "fluctuation of experience."


Reddit

Depending on one's constitution or situation, there are posts about feeling "weird" or "lethargic," and concerns about the interaction with blood pressure and caffeine.


Reddit

noting that while consuming it as tea is generally safe,


there is little information on its effects on insomnia, and some reviews have not shown clear benefits.

 

  • NCCIH


  • So, what's the best way to drink it?
    Summarizing the "realistic solutions" from social media,
    60-90 minutes before bed

    , avoid caffeine and have a warm herbal tea

Put down your smartphone and create "drinking time" (this is effective)

    Don't force it on days when it doesn't suit your constitution

  • And don't forget about safety. NCCIH points out reports of allergies (to the Asteraceae family, etc.) and interactions with medications (such as warfarin), as well as insufficient safety information for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

  • NCCIH


Conclusion: Chamomile is more of a "night switch" than a "health hack"The Independent article introduced chamomile as appealing in the directions of "sleep + blood pressure + nutrition."

The Independent

However, in terms of the strength of evidence,it's more of a "small tool to improve quality of life" than a substitute for medication. Social media reactions also support this, as it was discussed more as an entry point to change "how to spend time before bed" rather than "the components of the drink." What is needed on sleepless nights is not the "correct answer" of whether it works,but finding a "switch" that suits your own body.
As a candidate for that, chamomile is a very accessible and easy-to-try option.


NCCIH




Reference Article Herbs that lower blood pressure and aid sleep Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/chamomile-tea-health-benefits-blood-pressure-sleep-b2892830.html Powered by

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