Chamomile would reduce the mortality of over 65s

We already knew the herbal teas made with chamomile, prepared with love by our grandmothers to give us a good night’s sleep. What was less known, however, is that this plant would reduce the mortality of elderly women who consume it regularly. This is in any case what concludes a study carried out on American-Mexican men and women and published in review The Gerontologist.

A difference between women and men

Researchers at the University of Texas looked at the different effects of chamomile consumed as an infusion on nearly 1,677 men and women aged 65 and over. Only 14% of those studied drank chamomile frequently.
These analyzes were carried out in the southern states of the United States, where a large number of individuals of Mexican origin live, who are historically and culturally heavy consumers of this plant.

Data show that chamomile tea consumption is associated with an almost 29% decrease in all-cause deaths in women. The association remains significant even after adjusting for factors such as demographics or health status. On the other hand, this protective effect has not been found in men who love chamomile.

“It is not clear why there is a difference between women and men, although women have been found to be much more frequent users of chamomile than men,” explains Bret Howrey, professor at the University of Canada. Texas. According to the researchers, women are more likely than men to believe in the benefits of chamomile. An argument that cannot, however, explain such a difference on its own.

A plant with many virtues

Although it is often used as a decorative flower, chamomile is best known for its many virtues. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants, known in particular for its effects on diabetes, cholesterol, but also anxiety disorders and microbial infections. In addition, it is also believed to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This explains why heavy consumers tend to see their mortality decline.