Chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita) is a well known treatment for insomnia and anxiety and has been used by humans for thousands of years. It truly is one of the oldest medicinal plants. It’s sleep-inducing effects are believed to be due to the flavonoid, apigenin [6]. It is believed that apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain [7]. Research has found chamomile to have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, which in turn increases activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which in turn inhibits brain activity, inducing sleep and reducing anxiety [8]. Chamomile tea seems to show valium-like effects [9].
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