A Magic Elixir that can help reduce stress and calm an upset stomach.

A Magic Elixir that can help reduce stress and calm an upset stomach

Do I have your attention with that headline? Wondering what this amazing concoction could be? Well, I have recently become enamored with chamomile tea. If you don't already know about the wonderful benefits of chamomile, then here are some examples:
1. Reduces stress: chamomile tea increases serotonin and melatonin in the body, two hormones that work to alleviate feelings of stress. 
2. Can help with better sleep: Makes sense that if chamomile tea helps reduce stress, it's going to help with more restful sleep as well. 
3. Helps you have more beautiful, healthy skin: Now that really is a magic elixir! Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin. You can actually use it in a bath to help relieve itchiness and dryness or apply directly to skin.
4. Can help with digestive issues: this is most likely related to its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile can help soothe diarrhea, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and abdominal cramps.
5. Helps immune system: anti-bacterial chamomile can help you fight colds and its soothing properties are good for sore throats.
Here are two types of chamomile tea I really like:


You could add a drop of ginger*, lavender*, or lemon* essential oil to this tea. Ginger will give you even more digestive assistance, lavender is calming for the mind, and lemon is a great help if you're fighting a sore throat. Or, I'm also a fan of this one: 



A few safety precautions - if you're allergic to plants in the daisy family, you'll want to pass chamomile up as you'll be allergic to it too. Also, chamomile can sometimes be a blood thinner, so consult your doctor if it's safe for you to use, especially before a surgery. 

*Make sure when using essential oils, especially internally, that you always use Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils (CTPG). Non-CTPG oils may not be safe to take internally.