Bellflower Tea Benefits

Bellflower tea is a traditional herbal tea with the potential to slow down aging and improve liver function, digestion, and respiratory and immune system functions. It is made from the dried flowers of the balloon flower plant, which is native to Asia. If you are inquisitive about what is Bellflower tea good for? It is good for stress management due to its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties.

Species Of Bellflower

There are over 400 species of bellflower, but some of the most popular and well-known include:

• Codonopsis pilosula (Chinese Bellflower)
• Campanula persicifolia (peach-leaved bellflower)
• Campanula medium (Canterbury bells)
• Campanula rotundifolia (harebell)
• Campanula carpatica (Carpathian bellflower)
• Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian bellflower)
• Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian bellflower)
• Campanula latifolia (giant bellflower)
• Campanula rapunculoides (creeping bellflower)
• Campanula patula (spreading bellflower)
• Campanula trachelium (nettle-leaved bellflower)
• Campanula pyramidalis (chimney bellflower)
• Campanula isophylla (Italian bellflower)
• Campanula alliariifolia (garlic-leaved bellflower)

Bellflowers are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are typically found in meadows, woodlands, and other sunny locations. Bellflowers are known for their beautiful bell-shaped flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.

This article will focus more on codonopsis pilosula also known as Chinese Bellflower, the most popular and beneficial species of Bellflower.

Bellflower: codonopsis pilosula

Chinese bellflower, also known as codonopsis pilosula, is a type of bellflower that is native to China and Japan. It is a perennial plant with a thick, fleshy root and long, slender stems. The leaves are heart-shaped and the flowers are bell-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and white.

Chinese bellflower has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. It is believed to have several health benefits including those discussed in this article.

Bellflower Bioactive Compounds

Bellflower is a plant that is rich in bioactive compounds with impressive therapeutic properties. These compounds include polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and luteolin [1].

• Polyacetylenes have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties.

• Phenylpropanoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and cancer-fighting properties.

• Alkaloids have stimulant, pain-relieving, and cancer-fighting properties.

• Triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cancer-fighting, and cholesterol-lowering properties.

• Polysaccharides have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, blood sugar control, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Luteolin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties.

The bioactive compounds in bellflower can have a significant impact on our health. They can help to reduce inflammation, protect against cell damage, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and fight cancer.

Bellflower Tea Benefits

Some of the potential health benefits of bellflower tea are:

• Slows down aging
• Improves digestion
• Liver protection
• May protect against Alzheimer’s disease
• May help manage stress
• Improve Respiratory functions
• Immune system boost
• Improved skin health
• Hair growth promotion
• Weight loss support

Slows down aging

Bellflower is rich in bioactive compounds such as Polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, these compounds have antioxidant properties with help to counter free radicals that cause premature aging [2, 3].

An animal study that investigated Bellflower extract, the study found that bellflower treatment had a protective effect on the aging lung and can protect the lungs from age-related damage [4]

This further suggests that bellflower may slow aging by regulating the expression of certain genes and lncRNAs involved in the ceRNA network. This could also lead to several other health benefits. However further research is needed on this.

Improves digestion

Bellflower has a lot of bioactive compounds that play an important role in improving metabolism, immunity, and inflammation.

A study on mice found that the metabolic pathway was an important pathway underlying the anti-aging effects of bellflower in the GI tract [5]. This suggests that bellflower improves digestion by regulating the expression of certain genes and lncRNAs involved in the metabolic pathway in the GI tract. This is beneficial to health as it aids nutrient absorption.

Liver protection

Luteolin is an active compound in bellflower responsible for the anti-liver cancer effects of bellflower [6, 7]. This means it has the potential to protect and improve liver function by inhibiting the growth and survival of liver cancer cells.

According to a study [8], bellflower can protect the liver and improve its function by:

• Inhibiting the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells
• Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) of liver cancer cells
• Increasing the G2/M phase ratio, which is a marker of cell cycle arrest
• Inhibiting the phosphorylation of MAPK-JNK and Akt, which are two signaling pathways that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells
• Upregulating ESR1, which is a gene that is involved in the inhibition of cancer cell growth

May protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Bellflower is a rich source of polysaccharides a compound that can improve metabolic function which slows down the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a study, polysaccharides found in Bellflower may protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by improving energy metabolism dysfunction and cellular health [9]. This could have several beneficial effects on mental health, including improved cognitive function, reduced risk of depression, and improved mood and energy levels.

May help manage stress

Bellflower contains triterpenoids and polysaccharides, 2 compounds with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which may help against stress.

For example, a study suggests that polysaccharides can alleviate or prevent depression by modulating inflammation [10]

Another supporting study noted that polysaccharides may delay aging by reducing oxidative damage, inhibiting telomere shortening, and being anti-inflammatory in different animal models of aging [11].

Both depression and premature aging have been associated with stress.

Improve Respiratory functions

Bellflower extract has the potential to improve respiratory function in people with asthma by reducing inflammation and mucus production, and increasing macrophage activity.

The respiratory-function-enhancing effects of unpeeled bellflower root extract have also been noted in reputable scientific research [12, 13].

Additionally, Bellflower roots and hazelnut has equally been noted as agent for relieving coughs [14]. In Korea, it’s known as an endemic herb with several health benefits [15].

Strengthens Immune system

Bellflower contains compounds like polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids, and triterpenoids with antioxidant properties, they can help improve the body’s immunity.

For instance, one study finds that Bellflower can enhance the immune system by increasing the production of important cytokines, increasing the levels of IgA in the ileum, increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the cecum, and reducing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the cecum [16].

Another related study on rats noted that polysaccharides found in Bellflower can help modulate immunity due to their antioxidant properties [17].

What is balloon flower good for?

Balloon flower is good for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

Is Bellflower root ginseng?

No, bellflower root is not ginseng. It is a different plant with different properties. However, both bellflower root and ginseng are considered to be adaptogenic herbs, which means that they may help the body to adapt to stress.

What is a dried bellflower?

Dried bellflower is a form of balloon flower that has been dried and preserved. It can be used to make tea, soup, or broth. Dried bellflower is also available in powder form, which can be added to smoothies or other beverages.

Bellflower tea benefits hair

Bellflower tea may be beneficial for hair health by promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. This is because bellflower contains inulin, a type of fiber that has been shown to promote hair growth in animal studies.

Bellflower tea benefits for weight loss

Bellflower tea may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. This is because bellflower contains compounds that have been shown to increase thermogenesis, the process of burning calories.

Bellflower tea benefits for skin

Bellflower tea may be beneficial for skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. This is because bellflower contains antioxidants and other compounds that can protect the skin from damage.

Bellflower tea side effects

Bellflower tea is generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. If you experience any side effects, stop drinking bellflower tea and consult with a healthcare professional.

Bellflower root side effects

Bellflower root is also generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as chest pain, throat pain, dizziness, and confusion. If you experience any side effects, stop taking bellflower root and consult with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Bellflower is a versatile herb with a wide range of potential health benefits. It is rich in bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Bellflower tea is a convenient and easy way to enjoy the benefits of this herb.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the article:

• Bellflower tea may slow down aging, improve digestion, protect the liver, and boost the immune system.
• Bellflower tea may also help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease, manage stress, improve respiratory function, and promote skin health.
• Bellflower root is not ginseng, but it is considered to be an adaptogenic herb.
• Dried bellflower can be used to make tea, soup, broth, or powder.