Chamomile Tea
Overview
Chamomile tea provides apigenin, a flavone that binds benzodiazepine-site receptors and is studied for calm and sleep-supportive effects [1]. It is a caffeine-free herbal infusion used in evening wind-down patterns.
Within the BRAIN Diet framework, chamomile is a herbal polyphenol beverage used for relaxation context rather than micronutrient density [1].
Key Nutritional Highlights
- Apigenin-rich herbal infusion with GABAergic receptor-binding interest [1].
- Caffeine-free evening beverage option.
- Polyphenol yield varies with steep time and flower quality.
- Culinary/tea doses differ from concentrated extract trials [1].
Food Context
Synergies
- Best consumed as tea in evening
- Part of sleep-supportive evening routine
Preparation
- Steep 5-10 minutes for optimal extraction
- Can be combined with other calming herbs
Recipes
Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)
Core nutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1 kcal | — |
| Protein | 0 g | — |
| Total fat | 0 g | — |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 0.2 g | — |
| Fibre | 0 g | — |
Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).
Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Beverages, tea, herb, brewed, chamomile, FDC ID 174156, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14
Substances
References
[1] Culinary/tea doses differ from concentrated extract trials. Kramer & Johnson 2024. Apigenin: a natural molecule at the intersection of sleep and aging