Brewing Chamomile Tea in Keurig Machines
Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea revered for its soothing, comforting properties. The dried chamomile flowers are steeped in hot water to produce a mild, slightly sweet tea. Many people enjoy drinking chamomile, especially in the evenings to unwind and promote relaxation. Thanks to brands like Keurig, it's easy to brew a fresh, hot cup of this floral infusion right at home.
Keurig Brewers for Tea
Keurig is one of the leading single-serve pod coffee and tea makers. They offer a wide range of brewers from basic models to high-end machines with advanced features. Many Keurig brewers have settings specifically calibrated for brewing milder tea compared to intense coffee. This lower temperature helps extract the best flavor and aromas from delicate herbal teas like chamomile.
Some top options for brewing chamomile tea include:
- Keurig K-Mini
- Keurig K-Duo
- Keurig K-Cafe
- Keurig K-Supreme Plus
These machines accommodate K-Cups, K-Carafes, or K-Mugs allowing you to brew chamomile solo or make enough to share. The adjustable cup sizes let you customize the strength.
Chamomile K-Cups
For the ultimate convenient chamomile tea experience, look for chamomile tea K-Cups made specifically for Keurig Brewers. Top brands like Celestial Seasonings, Bigelow Tea, Harney & Sons, and Tazo offer chamomile blends in single-serve pods. You'll also find chamomile tea options in variety sampler packs.
When shopping for chamomile K-Cups, read the descriptions closely to understand what other herbs or flavors may be blended in. Some may contain additional relaxants like lavender or vanilla for extra calming quality in each cup.
Using Loose Leaf Tea
You can also brew loose leaf chamomile tea in Keurig machines using accessories like fillable filters, pods or infusers designed to hold and steep loose tea leaves:
- Fillable Empty K-Cup Filters
- Disposable Single-Use Tea Filters
- Mesh Tea Steeper Attachments
Scoop a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers into these accessories then insert them where K-cups go to brew your tea. It may take some experimenting to find how much loose tea works best for great flavor without over-steeping.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Drinking chamomile tea, especially at night, offers a myriad of potential health and wellness benefits thanks to its unique medicinal compounds and soothing properties.
Promotes Sleep
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may have a mild sedative effect. It helps quiet your mind, leaving you feeling sleepy and relaxed after drinking the tea.
Relieves Anxiety
Much like its ability to induce drowsiness, studies show chamomile tea can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety such as excessive worrying, restlessness, and irritability especially when consumed regularly.
Aids Digestion
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antibacterial benefits that make it effective for treating gastrointestinal issues like nausea, gas, stomach flu symptoms, and even colic in babies.
Soothes Skin Conditions
Applying cooled chamomile tea topically with a cotton pad may alleviate certain skin irritation like rashes, minor burns, eczema, and even conditions like hemorrhoids.
Boosts Immunity
Chamomile contains various antimicrobial compounds that may strengthen the immune response when consumed regularly. It can help prevent and shorten the duration of common illnesses like colds and sinus infections.
Risks and Considerations
Generally, moderate chamomile tea consumption is very safe for most healthy adults and children over 3 years old. But there are a few precautions to keep in mind.
Allergic Reactions
Those with known sensitivities to plants in the daisy family may experience allergic reactions to chamomile such as skin rash, runny nose, and constriction of the airways. Discontinue use immediately if you have symptoms.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough reliable evidence confirming the full safety profile of chamomile in pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's best to err on the side of caution and limit or avoid consumption.
Medical Interactions
Chamomile may interact poorly with blood thinners like Coumadin and NSAID pain relievers like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, as well as certain antibiotics and cancer medications. Consult your doctor about potential conflicts.
Overconsumption Effects
Drinking extremely excessive amounts of chamomile tea could potentially cause nausea and vomiting. As with anything, moderation is key when incorporating it into your regular diet.
Enjoy Your Soothing Cup
A hot cup of chamomile tea is a soothing part of many nighttime and relaxation routines thanks to its natural calming qualities and multitude of health benefits. Keurig brewers make enjoying fresh, personalized servings easy and convenient. Sip mindfully, relax and unwind with each delightful flowery sip.
FAQs
What is the best Keurig model for brewing tea?
The Keurig K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, K-Duo, and K-Cafe machines all have excellent tea brewing capabilities thanks to precise temperature controls and strength settings to optimize tea extraction.
Can I use loose chamomile flowers in my Keurig?
Yes, using a refillable mesh filter, tea infusing accessory, or disposable paper filter you can brew loose dried chamomile flowers to make tea in Keurig machines.
Is it safe to drink chamomile tea every night?
For most healthy adults, drinking one or two cups of chamomile tea per day is considered safe. Some people safely consume it more regularly. Avoid chamomile if you are pregnant or allergic.
Why does chamomile tea make me sleepy?
Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin that binds to certain brain receptors and has a mild tranquilizing effect. This compound helps calm your body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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