London - A regular cup of chamomile tea may help women live longer, researchers claim.
A study found that consumption cut the risk of death from all causes by nearly a third compared with non-users. The effect was not recorded among men.
Chamomile – a daisy-like plant – is widely used as a herbal remedy in Mexico and is one of the most well-documented medicinal plants in the world.
Researchers from the University of Texas tracked the effects of the plant and the cause of death in older Mexican-Americans over a seven-year period.
They analysed data from 1 677 women and men aged 65 and older and found that 14 percent drank chamomile tea.
The findings – published online in The Gerontologist – showed that drinking the plant was associated with a 29 percent decreased risk of death.
It is unclear how its use is associated with decreased mortality.
Studies have shown potential benefits in treating high blood sugar, upset stomach, diabetic complications and anxiety disorder. Chamomile has also been touted for its cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory platelet effects.
Researcher Bret Howrey said: “The reason for a difference in our reported findings between Hispanic women and men is not clear, although women were shown to be more frequent users of chamomile.
“This difference may be due to traditional gender roles whereby women manage the day-to-day activities of the household, including family health, and may also reflect greater reliance on folk remedies.”
Daily Mail