Evening Tea with Anise and Chamomile: A Recipe for Calm from Forgotten Times

Anise and chamomile tea is a traditional natural remedy used for relaxation, reducing digestive discomfort, and improving sleep quality. The combination of these two plants has documented effects in modern phytotherapy and is studied for its active compounds with potential calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Simple, Effective Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum)

• 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla)

• 250 ml boiling water

• Optional: 1 tablespoon of natural honey (after it cools slightly)

Preparation Method:

1. Gently crush the anise seeds in a mortar.

2. Place the seeds and flowers in a cup.

3. Add 250 ml of boiling water.

4. Cover and let steep for 10-12 minutes.

5. Strain and consume 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Benefits and Scientific Explanations

1. Inducing Relaxation and Reducing Anxiety

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain, similar to benzodiazepines, but without strong sedative effects or risk of dependence.

• A study published in Phytomedicine (Amsterdam, 2016) showed that chamomile extract significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety in participants after 8 weeks of oral administration.

• In clinical medicine, chamomile is classified as a natural adjunct for mild insomnia.

2. Stimulating Digestion and Reducing Bloating

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

• Contains anethole, a compound with carminative and antispasmodic effects that reduces excessive intestinal contractions and alleviates abdominal pain.

• A study from Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2005) highlighted the beneficial effect of anise in reducing flatulence and spasms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• It also helps in gas elimination and relaxing the smooth digestive muscles.

3. Regulating Intestinal Transit and Supporting Sleep

The combination of anise and chamomile leads to:

• Reducing gastric tension

• Regulating intestinal peristalsis

• Lowering cortisol levels in the evening (through indirect effects on the enteric and central nervous systems)

Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Anise may have a mild estrogenic effect; frequent consumption is not recommended without medical advice.

• Allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (chamomile): may cause allergic reactions (dermatitis, rhinitis).

• Children under 6 years: doses should be adjusted, only with a doctor’s recommendation.

• Treatments with anticoagulants: chamomile may interact with warfarin and other anticoagulants.

• Epilepsy or psychiatric treatment: Apigenin may interact with other medications that act on GABA receptors.

Sources:

1. Amsterdam JD et al., Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity in anxious depression: a randomized controlled trial, Phytomedicine, 2016

2. Srivastava JK, Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future, Molecular Medicine Reports, 2010

3. Zargaran A et al., An overview of the evidence on the medicinal properties of anise (Pimpinella anisum), Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 2012

4. Pourgholami MH et al., Antispasmodic effects of Pimpinella anisum fruit extract on isolated rat ileum, Phytotherapy Research, 1999

5. McKay DL, Blumberg JB, A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.), Phytotherapy Research, 2006