Getting a good night's sleep can sometimes feel like a struggle. Often, people turn to melatonin supplements, while others prefer the comforting, natural ritual of sipping on a soothing cup of tea before bedtime. Most people are familiar with a range of caffeine-free herbal teas designed to induce sleep – whether it's "Sleepytime," "Nighty Night," or "Sweet Dreams," the cornerstone ingredients are typically chamomile, spearmint, and lemongrass.

But what else is chamomile tea good for beyond sleep?

"Every type of tea offers hydrating benefits and a great source of antioxidants," says Danielle Crumble Smith, a registered dietitian. These antioxidants, in particular the polyphenol compounds found in tea, have been correlated in studies with preventing and treating illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, making them beneficial for health and wellbeing. Other benefits include seeming to have anti-diabetic and anti-aging properties according to research.

Come the cold season, drinking a hot tea might just be your saving grace, says Crumble Smith. A warm, soothing drink can assist in decongesting your system, easing nasal congestion by helping to loosen mucus. Then, there are other varieties of tea like black tea for caffeine recharge, green tea rich in antioxidants, or peppermint tea known to alleviate nausea and digestion problems.

Chamomile tea in particular has a reputation for its calming capacity. Although there are mixed studies on this, some evidence suggests it can slightly enhance sleep quality. Scientific validation for using chamomile as a clinical sleep treatment, however, is scarce. Some researchers attribute its effectiveness to a placebo effect, where if a person believes that it will help with sleep, it actually does – by potentially reducing stress.

Regardless of the evidence, chamomile is a favored choice for bedtime because it's caffeine-free and aids relaxation before sleep. Crumble Smith also recommends chamomile tea for individuals experiencing anxiety who might be having trouble calming their nerves.

The gentle, perhaps surprising, effects of chamomile tea extend to addressing digestive problems. It has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, and colic, but the research is limited. According to Mount Sinai Hospitals, it works by relaxing muscle contractions.

Chamomile is also utilized in a myriad of skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory properties, says Crumble Smith. It can effectively alleviate inflammation, acne, infections, and rashes while soothing sensitive skin. Preliminary research suggests that it might even help moderately manage eczema. Combining chamomile with a cream or creating a homemade paste can potentially aid skin conditions.

The use of chamomile tea during pregnancy isn't fully researched. While one study suggests that chamomile capsules might stimulate contractions in post-term pregnancy, some reviews advise against its use.

However, Dr. Jennifer Wu, an OBGYN at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, believes that chamomile, when used responsibly and in moderation as a tea, can provide sleep and relaxation benefits, along with alleviating symptoms of nausea during pregnancy. But, she advises that pregnant women should avoid chamomile supplements, which are more concentrated.

Interestingly, Dr. Wu also noted that some of her patients have even safely administered a small amount of chamomile tea to their newborns to soothe colic and upset stomachs.

Your quest for health and wellness might indeed lead you to a cup of tea, not only for its soothing taste but also for its wellness-boosting potential.