Chamomile alleviates postpartum depression and sleep problems

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used chamomile to alleviate conditions as diverse as colds, sore throats, abscesses, eczema, anxiety and insomnia. Indeed, the herb contains a chemical called apigenin, a mild sedative that, among other actions, stimulates the same receptors as benzodiazepines. Now Taiwanese nurses report that chamomile tea may alleviate depression and improve sleep quality in post-partum women.

The nurses assessed 80 postnatal women with poor sleep quality using the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Postpartum Fatigue Scale. Half the women drank one cup of chamomile a day for two weeks. Controls received usual care.