Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile garnered a cult following over the years. People drink these beverages for different reasons, some prefer their taste while others often drink them for their wonderful health benefits. Let’s find out which drink suits your lifestyle and health needs so you can figure whether you’re going to purchase Japanese Green Tea or Chamomile Tea.
1. BRAINPOWER: Green Tea makes you feel wide awake and hyperfocus while Chamomile Tea makes you feel centered… which is better for a busy workday?
Both, are honestly excellent to drink especially when your schedule is always jam-packed. However, green tea contains caffeine which will give us the energy boost that we needed which will power us throughout the day. Chamomile, on the other hand, does not contain caffeine. But, research has shown that luteolin in chamomile tea improves cognitive functioning when you’re awake. That being said, it is perfect when you want to center yourself and feel calm while being mindful of your tasks.
But, according to research, if you want to really boost your brainpower, it is best that you drink green tea since it has been found that green tea extract enhances the cognitive functions, in particular, the working memory.
2. GOOD SLEEP: Chamomile has mild and natural sedating properties that allow you to have a good night’s sleep, and so is Green Tea… which tea will help me get a good night’s sleep?
As I’ve mentioned previously, both green tea and chamomile tea helps improve a person’s quality of sleep. However, chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. I have a friend, Harley Parrish, who drinks chamomile tea regularly before bed because it helps them sleep more peacefully.
Studies have shown that ten cardiac patients are reported to have immediately fallen into a deep sleep lasting for 90 minutes after drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile extracts exhibit benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity which makes people feel relaxed and sleepy.
3. PRE-WORKOUT DRINK: Green Tea will give you a boost of energy perfect for your morning or afternoon workout sessions but will Chamomile Tea an alternative?
Both teas are believed to aid in weight management, however, green tea has the highest concentration of ECGC. ECGC is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to be beneficial to heart health, lowering the risks for cancers and neurological diseases, and even weight loss.
To get the most from its metabolic benefits, it's best to drink at least 3 cups per day. Green tea is wonderful to drink any time of day and tastes great with a little drizzle of honey. It may be especially beneficial to drink green tea before a workout since in one small study, extracts from green tea helped men burn 17% more fat during a 30-minute, moderate-intensity cardio workout. Which makes it an excellent pre-workout drink for it gives you more energy while it burns fat faster.
4. SKIN RELIEF: Chamomile Tea contains skin calming and healing properties that help heal wounds but so does Green Tea… which will heal wounds faster?
Green tea has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may enhance the wound healing process. However, chamomile has been used since antiquity to treat wounds and urge healing, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A small yet more recent study found that chamomile significantly promoted wound healing. Several studies have found that topical chamomile treatments are effective in soothing eczema and mild inflammatory skin conditions.
A lot of people swear by chamomile to reduce acne and the redness that comes with it; which makes sense considering its prevalence in so many skincare products thanks to its calming, soothing, and moisturizing properties which also helps restore skin barriers while improving the skin’s pH level.
5. EYEBAGS REMEDY: Green Tea contains powerful brightening and de-puffing properties while Chamomile also contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties… which will be more effective?
As I mentioned earlier, chamomile tea helps soothes wounds and acne which is why it is also an effective remedy for puffy eyes. However, by placing brewed tea bags on the eyes for a short time period allows the tannins in the tea to treat puffy eyes and dark circles. Green tea bags reduce swelling and tighten the skin around the eyes.
The caffeine reduces puffiness by shrinking the blood vessels. Green tea works on dark circles by decreasing the dilation of the blood vessels under the eyes. The astringent nature of the tannins constricts the blood vessels and capillaries under the eyes.
6. HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE REMEDY: Chamomile Tea and Green Tea both relieve headaches and migraines; which is more effective?
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has analgesic properties, this is a reason why green tea is thought to be an excellent drink to soothe headaches. However, Chamomile tea is one of the most effective herbal teas available to relax the body and induce sleep. The herb depresses the nervous system and is effective in calming the body while alleviating stress headaches that can develop. Those who suffer from anxiety can consume the beverage once or twice a day to prevent the migraines from returning.
7. BODY ODOR PREVENTION: Do you not like using deodorant? Say no more! Green Tea and Chamomile Tea have anti-body odor properties, but what will work best?
Chamomile has anti-bacterial, astringent, and deodorant properties that make it a remedy for treating excessive sweating. Its antibacterial property helps to eliminate the bacteria which produce the body odor and sweat. Its astringent property helps to constrict the sweat glands and deodorant properties counteracting the odor.
However, antioxidant-rich green tea is a wonder drink that can help prevent bad breath, body odor, and stinky feet. Green tea supports detoxification by aiding the production of glutathione, a carrier-antioxidant that eliminates harmful toxins from the body. The fewer the toxins in your body, the better your body will smell. The polyphenols in green tea also help freshen your breath and destroy the compounds that cause bad breath.
All you have to do:
- Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in a cup.
- Pour hot water over it.
- Cover and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Strain, add a little raw honey, and drink it.
- Add few ice cubes.
- Drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea daily.
8. MENSTRUAL CRAMPS REMEDY: Say goodbye to period pains when you drink Chamomile Tea or Green Tea, but will the soothing properties of Chamomile prevail over Green Tea?
Green tea is not only rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while also help promotes blood flow, but green tea also contains caffeine which DOES NOT mix well with menstrual cramps.
This is why drinking chamomile tea is a much better alternative for several studies that have linked chamomile tea to reduced severity of menstrual cramps. A 2010 study, found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.
9. HAIR GROWTH: Green Tea is dubbed as the “natural hair extensions” but will Chamomile do the same?
Chamomile tea is a wonderful remedy for treating dandruff and itchy scalp and in some instances helps with hair growth too, thanks to its soothing and nourishing properties. However, green tea is particularly good for hair. It is rich in catechins, which help to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DTH), responsible for hair loss. As a result, green tea stops hair fall. It helps to fight dryness of the scalp and dandruff. Green tea contains essential compounds, such as polyphenol, which is good for hair roots and hair follicles, which leads to hair regrowth.
10. UPSET STOMACH RELIEF: Chamomile Tea helps in relaxing stomach muscles that can relieve an upset stomach, however, can Green Tea do the same?
Green tea has been heavily researched for its many potential health benefits. It was historically used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and infection from Helicobacter pylori, a strain of bacteria that can cause stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. It may relieve other stomach issues as well. Keep in mind that it’s best to stick to 1 - 2 cups of green tea per day, as excessive intake, is linked to side effects like nausea and stomach upset due to its high caffeine content
However, Chamomile tea can relieve stomach cramps, motion sickness, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal gas. This plant contains chemicals called flavonoids, nutrients that give chamomile its medicinal properties. Studies have shown that chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial capabilities. Acid reflux causes stomach acid to move back into your esophagus. This often leads to painful inflammation in the esophagus. It’s possible that chamomile’s anti-inflammatory effects may help.
According to research, an herbal preparation that included chamomile extract lowered gastric acidity as well as a commercial antacid. The preparation was also more effective than antacids at preventing secondary hyperacidity. Stress is a common acid reflux trigger. A 2015 study reviewed the prevalence of lifestyle factors associated with gastroesophageal disease (GERD). GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux. Study participants reported “feelings of continued stress” as the number one factor that made their symptoms worse. In theory, drinking chamomile tea may help reduce stress. So it may also help reduce or prevent stress-related acid reflux episodes.
In conclusion...
Both, Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile Tea have their own set of health benefits that anyone can incorporate into their everyday routine. That being said, Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile complement each other and it can be beneficial if you both have it in your pantry except if you’re allergic to flowers since chamomile is derived from a flower. Both teas matched up when it came to health-related properties and shared other similarities. Yes, they did differ in taste, pricing, impurities, and culture, but overall it comes down to what you like.
Which tea will your drink, today?
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a Japanese green tea enthusiast, a writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company. His passion for introducing America to the tea of his homeland was the catalyst for creating the only company that brings high-quality tea from Arahataen Green Tea Farms to the rest of the world. Learn more about Kei
I just got back in touch with tea. It was chamomile (manzinilla) tea first. The first cup made me feel like I was back in Spain. I lived in Spain for 7 years and they drink a lot of it. Also added green tea because I forgot how much of it I drank while in Japan. One week and I feel it. I have a catastrophic disease going in to second remission and I feel it helping. Manzinilla morning and evening and green tea twice during the day.