Chamomile Tea
Overview
Chamomile tea provides apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors, supporting calm and sleep onset without sedation. Apigenin (from chamomile tea) binds to benzodiazepine receptors, supporting calm and sleep.
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 | — |
Key micronutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 0.4% |
| Zinc | 0 mg | 0.4% |
| Magnesium | 1 mg | 0.2% |
| Selenium | 0 µg | 0% |
| Calcium | 2 mg | 0.2% |
| Potassium | 9 mg | 0.3% |
| Choline | 0 mg | 0% |
| Folate | 1 µg | 0.3% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg | 0% |
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
Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).
6 substances in this food
Iron
Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)
Zinc
Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation
Magnesium
Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance
Calcium
Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2
Potassium
Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation
Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)
One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling
References
- Apigenin (from chamomile tea): Binds to benzodiazepine receptors, supporting calm and sleep Kramer and Johnson 2024
- Herbal teas (e.g. chamomile for apigenin, lemon balm, tart cherry juice)
- Evening(Wind-down, sleep prep): Herbal teas (e.g. chamomile for apigenin, lemon balm, tart cherry juice)