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May 28, 2025

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Tea has been praised for its soothing properties for centuries – but when it comes to stress relief, which tea is best? We asked a Functional Medicine Naturopath for her pick of the bunch.

Expert banner for Chantel Ryan.

Chantel Ryan is a Functional Medicine Naturopath and former corporate lawyer. The founder of Real Functional Health, she helps busy women and professionals recover from burnout, balance hormones, heal their gut and restore long-term health through functional testing and personalised wellness plans.

Mug of herbal tea with a sprig of rosemary in it.
Nature’s helper for stress. Image: Canva

Ever been told to have a cup of tea and calm down? It turns out that’s not just a throwaway line, especially if that tea is chamomile.

As a functional medicine naturopath with a former life in law, I’ve seen firsthand how stress impacts every system in the body, from hormones to digestion to sleep. And while getting to the root cause is always important, I’ve found that small daily rituals go a long way in helping the body unwind. One of my favourites? A warm cup of chamomile tea.

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is a flowering herb in the daisy family, traditionally used for its calming and digestive properties. The two main types are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – most common in teas – and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both offer gentle, natural support for the nervous system.

Why chamomile works for stress

Chamomile is widely considered a mild tranquiliser. A key compound, apigenin, binds to GABA receptors in the brain to promote relaxation without causing sedation1. It’s also caffeine-free and gut-soothing, which is ideal for people who carry stress in their digestion.

Clear mug of chamomile tea.
Chamomile is a calm-inducing classic. Image: Canva

What the research says

Chamomile’s calming effects and long history of traditional use are backed by emerging clinical evidence. A 2019 review found that chamomile extract reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder and improved sleep after just two to four weeks of use2.

A 2024 review published in Clinical Nutrition Research concluded that oral chamomile intake may help reduce anxiety in a range of populations, including individuals with GAD, postmenopausal women and those experiencing menstrual-related anxiety3.

Meanwhile, a 2024 systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that daily consumption of chamomile tea improved sleep quality, particularly by reducing nighttime awakenings and supporting sleep continuity4.

How to use chamomile tea to relieve stress

Chamomile tea works best when part of a consistent routine. I often suggest:

  • Steep for 5–10 minutes with a covered mug to trap calming oils
  • For a truly calming wind-down ritual, put your devices away and sip it slowly
  • Enhance it with lemon balm or magnesium for added calm

It can also be used as a midday pause, especially during high-stress times.

But chamomile isn’t suitable for everyone

While chamomile is gentle, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Those with allergies to ragweed or daisies, pregnant individuals, or anyone on blood-thinning medications should check with a practitioner before they sip. It’s also not recommended for infants under six months.

Cup of chamomile tea.
Keep some chamomile handy for life’s stressful moments. Image: Canva

Chamomile tea isn’t a magic cure for stress, but it’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to support your nervous system. In a world that rarely stops, a simple tea ritual can help your body remember to breathe, reset and slow down.

Sources:

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/ ↩︎
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31006899/ ↩︎
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11109927/ ↩︎
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106912/ ↩︎

This article first appeared on Best Health Buys.

Do you have a go-to tea for times of stress? Leave us a comment below!


Comments
  • I don’t mind chamomile tea, but I need to add something like honey to it to give it a bit more flavour.


  • Green Tea or chamomile tea for me. But I really love plain old tea with a splash of milk. Mmmmm, so good


  • Growing up, our mum always had a pack of dried chamomile flowers in the pantry ready to brew whenever someone had an upset stomach. It worked too. I believe she bought the flowers from the local Italian deli and they were much more flavoursome than the chamomile we now get in tea bags.


  • Chamomile isn’t my usual pick, I tend to go for a green tea if I want something. Reading this article makes me want to try it more though. I love adding some bush honey to my tea. I find it’s a great way for me to unwind, relax and finish the day


  • Chamomile is not my top favourite tea of all, but when i want something that is going to help me unwind, relax and calm me, this is definitely the tea I’ll opt for. I love the subtle flavours of the chamomile flower brings to the tea. Its definitely a nice tea to enjoy


  • Often I’m not really a tea drinker, but reading this and seeing the benefits to support my nervous system and alleviate stress- I’m all for it!


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