Chamomile Flowers & Chamomile Tea
/Learn all about chamomile flowers, the health benefits, side effects, the many uses and how to make a soothing cup of chamomile tea. What is it about this pretty yellow flower that makes it so soothing for a bedtime drink? Discover wonderful chamomile flowers in my ultimate guide!
A Guide to Chamomile Flowers and Making Chamomile Tea
Learn about the health benefits, side effects and uses of chamomile flowers and plus how to make a wonderful cup of tea from these beautiful blossoms.
Common Chamomile Questions
There’s nothing better than relaxing with a hot cup of tea before bedtime. What is it about chamomile that’s perfect to enjoy before bed? What are the health benefits of drinking chamomile? and what’s the correct spelling; is it ‘chamomile’ or ‘camomile’? Here are all of those questions answered, plus more:
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile or camomile is a pretty flowering daisy like plant within the Asteracae family. German and Roman chamomile flowers have a long stem with a large yellow middle and white petals. Some variations of chamomile flowers have yellow petals along with a yellow center. Wild chamomile doesn’t have any petals at all. Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years. It is used in foods, drinks and cosmetics such as soaps and mouthwash due to its calming, soothing and cleansing properties. Chamomile is naturally caffeine free and therefore can be enjoyed in an infusion at any time of the day or night.
How do you Spell It?
You can spell it ‘chamomile’ or ‘camomile’ and both have the same meaning. The name comes from the Greek word ‘Khamaimelon’ which means ‘apple’ because of it’s apple-like taste and aroma. Camomile without the ‘h’ is the popular English version. This spelling comes from the English middle ages. Chamomile, with the ‘h’ is the popular American-English version.
How was Chamomile Discovered?
The word chamomile comes from the ancient Greek word ‘chamomaela’ which means ‘apple’. It is thought that the reason behind this is that the chamomile flower smells similar to that of apple blossom.
The Spanish refer to the chamomile flower as ‘manzanilla’ which means ‘little apple’.
The Ancient Egyptians used Chamomile for healing, for cosmetics and for drinking. It was the main ingredient used for preserving pharaohs in the embalming process. Used to treat wounds, scrapes and irritations, its well known for its calming and anti-allergenic properties.
The Romans also used chamomile in foods, drinks, herbal remedies and in incense. They also used the flowers to scatter on the floor to add aroma to the air.
The ancient Greeks, ancient Egyptians, Romans and Anglo Saxons all used chamomile flowers in healing, rituals and in foods.
How to Harvest Chamomile Flowers
You can easily grown chamomile flowers in your own garden by purchasing chamomile seeds or seedlings at your local garden centre and it’s the easiest way to know that you are definitely harvesting chamomile flowers. You can also forage for wild chamomile, which is a little different to German and Roman chamomile. Wild chamomile (Matricaria discoidea) is often referred to as ‘pineapple weed’ as it has a pineapple scent. Both chamomile and pineapple weed have medicinal benefits and can be used in the same way. If you do decide to forage in the wild, it’s always a good idea to use a plant identification app as many plants share similar characteristics and mistakes are easy to make. Also ensure that your flowers haven’t been polluted with any toxic chemicals.
Chamomile vs wild chamomile: Chamomile flowers are small yellow tubular flowers with white petals. Pineapple weed (wild chamomile) are a yellow-ish green color with no white petals. Chamomile flowers grow up to 50cm tall whereas wild chamomile grows much lower to the ground. When crushed between your fingers, chamomile flowers will have that distinctive honey-apple aroma that chamomile flowers are famous for. Pineapple weed will smell pineapple-like.
Chamomile vs dog fennel: Chamomile shares some of it’s charastics with many daisy type plants including a plant known as dog fennel (Mayweed chamomile). Dog fennel doesn’t smell sweet and apply like chamomile does, it has a fennel like odor, hence the name dog fennel. I’m not sure what the ‘dog’ part has to do with it though!
Picking your flowers: The best time of day to pick the flowers is mid morning on a sunny day, usually anytime between June and September. You will know when the flowers are ready as the petals will be perfectly flat at a 90* angle to the stem, not too high and not too low. When picking the flowers, pinch directly underneath the flower head and lift until the head comes gently off. Shake or gently brush off the bugs and dirt before using for tea or dehydrating them for future use.
If you choose to dry your herbs for later on, store in a glass or ceramic airtight container away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Label your herbs with the date and keep for up to 12 months. You can also freeze your flowers and these will last up to six months, although some of the taste and aroma maybe lost from freezing.
The Health Benefits, Side Effects and Uses of Chamomile Flowers
The Benefits of Chamomile
Polyphenols: Chamomile contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are naturally occurring chemicals in plants that act as antioxidants. The main polyphenols found in chamomile are apigenin, quercetin, patuletin and luteolin.
Apigenin is found in chamomile and is reported to have anxiety reducing effects.
Quercetin is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties. There are also claims that it can be used to control blood sugar and prevent heart disease.
Patuletin is an antioxidant found in German chamomile that is known as an analgesic. Analgesics are used for pain relief.
Luteolin is an antioxidant found in yellow plants. Luteolin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The free-radicals found in chamomile help protect cells from oxidative damage.
Stress relieving: Chamomile has long been used to aid in calmness and relieve stress and anxiety right before bedtime. This stress relieving herb is also known to aid in relieving muscles aches and pains by topical treatment or by drinking an infusion of chamomile flowers. For thousands of years, women have been using this flower to aid in the relief of menstrual discomfort so it’s an ideal tea for your period. Chamomile contains a beneficial polyphenol called apigenin. Apigenin is known to have anti anxiety effects. The tea is also naturally caffeine free and can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night for a soothing cuppa. Many people enjoy it before bedtime to help drift off to a naturally peaceful nights sleep.
Skin and hair: Chamomile can be used as both a tea and topically for many skin irritations. As an anti-inflammatory, it is known for having soothing and healing properties that can be beneficial for rashes, mild burns and mouth sores. The antioxidants found in chamomile can also help in promoting healthy skin and healthy hair. With its antiseptic and antibiotic properties, chamomile is reported to aid in removing dead and unhealthy cells from hair. Rinsing the hair in an infusion can help remove unwanted dandruff and keeping hair soft and from preventing breaking.
Digestion: Chamomile has long been used as a digestive aid. It is known to soothe and calm the digestive tract, improving digestion and helping to relieve discomfort from troublesome gas.
Colds and flu: Drinking anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory chamomile tea can help with the uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu such as a stuffy nose and sore throat and also can help strengthen the immune system.
Allergies: Whilst chamomile does contain quercetin, which is known for its anti-allergenic properties, pollen can be present on the yellow part of the flower which could affect hay fever sufferers. Plus some people can actually be allergic to chamomile, especially those already allergic to daisies, ragweed, chrysanthemums or marigolds. Symptoms include sneezing, itching and hives. Some rare cases can cause anaphylaxis.
Weight loss: Studies suggest that chamomile tea may possibly aid in weight loss and loss of belly fat. Chamomile contains antioxidants that help the body fight damaging free radicals. These antioxidants aid in keeping the body more youthful and healthy. Chamomile has properties that can soothe digestion and relieve bloating. Chamomile can also aid in a restful nights sleep. All of these are important factors for maintaining a healthy weight.
Is Chamomile a Spiritual Tea?
Chamomile has been used in history as a herbal remedy for many ailments. Alongside the healing properties of these beautiful blooms, chamomile is known as a spiritual herb by many. Ancient civilizations considered Chamomile to contain magical properties. Pegan rituals included these flowers into their spells for positive health and emotional wellbeing. It is also known for sprinkling on new homes to shoo evil away and unwanted energies away. These old spiritual rituals of using chamomile were not far wrong, in fact, because of the soothing and calming effects of the herb, chamomile can aid in emotional well being and physical wellbeing. The violet flower is also a herb for many emotional issues, it is believed to help comfort and is known as ‘hearts-ease’.
Is Chamomile Safe for Pregnancy?
Some types of herbs and herbal teas, including chamomile, are thought to be safe during pregnancy if consumed in reasonable amounts, which is no more than 1-2 cups a day. Chamomile flowers and chamomile tea is known to be soothing, calming and can also aid in digestion. It can be applied topically or made into an infusion. Whilst many pregnant women safely enjoy chamomile, taking herbal remedies, supplements, or excessively drinking teas during pregnancy may cause pregnancy complications and it is always best to discuss any issues with your doctor.
What are the Side Effects of Chamomile Tea?
As with other herbal remedies, adverse effects of chamomile have been known. These include (but not limited to) allergic reactions, interactions with anticoagulants, interactions with anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. It’s always best to discuss any herbal remedies and treatments with your healthcare provider.
Uses of Chamomile
Make tea*: My favourite way to use chamomile flowers is by making flower tea. Allow your herb to steep in freshly boiled water for 5-10 minutes, add optional honey and slices of lemon to taste and enjoy!
Make iced tea*: Make a large glass of chamomile flower iced tea by strongly brewing your herb, add your sweetener (honey/sugar/agave etc…) and pour over a large glass of ice. Add mint sprigs, slices of lemons, limes and/or whatever extras you fancy.
Sparkling chamomile tea*: Make carbonated iced tea by cold steeping your herbs in sparkling water for at least 4 hours. Add simple syrup or honey and any fruit that your heart desires.
Ice cubes: Make a big batch of tea and freeze into ice cubes for use at a later date. Use your chamomile ice cubes in iced tea, in sparkling lemonade or use to make wine spritzers or use to add flavour to cocktails.
Soothing eye mask: Alternatively, use cooled leftover tea bags (or loose herb) to soothe puffy and tired eyes. Relax and put your feet up for ten minutes while the healing properties of chamomile gets to work reducing inflammation. If you love this idea, you may also love this home diy: how to make black tea and cucumber eye masks.
Hot toddy: Make a soothing night time hot toddy with chamomile tea, honey, lemon and a shot of your favourite alcohol.
Bath soak: Add steeped chamomile tea to your bath or use in this soothing bath soak for irritated skin.
Hair rinse: Make an infusion of chamomile flowers and use it as a hair rinse to soothe itchy and irritated scalps.
Cakes and frosting: Use this mild honey-floral herb to make unique cakes and add to frosting. Using herbs and tea to infuse into cakes and bakes is a great way to add layers of delicious natural flavours.
Salves, oils and ointments: Use soothing chamomile in recipes such as these:
*Herbal teas, including chamomile will only last up to 2 days stored in the fridge and therefore it is always best to freshly make the tea when needed.
Drinking Chamomile Tea
Here are some common questions about tasting chamomile and how to make delicious cup of chamomile tea using fresh or dried flowers:
What Does Chamomile Taste and Smell Like?
Chamomile tea is an infusion made by steeping dried chamomile flowers in freshly boiled water. The tisane is well known as a relaxing bedtime tea to help manage stress. Chamomile is a very delicate, flowery, fragrant tea with slight honey tones. It can also be described as having an apple blossom and straw-like taste and aroma. To enjoy a sweeter tasting tea, add honey to balance out the flavours perfectly.
Is it ok to Drink Chamomile Tea Everyday?
Many people enjoy daily chamomile tea and while it is considered safe it’s always best to enjoy everything in moderation. And always consult your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, remedies or discussing any concerns.
How to Make a Cup of Chamomile Tea
There are different methods that you can use to get a delicious cup of tea from this wonderful flower. Here are the most common ways:
How to make hot chamomile tea*: Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2-3 tablespoons of fresh flowers) to one cup of freshly boiled water and allow your tea to steep for 5-10 minutes before straining out the flowers. Add a drizzle of honey/agave or sugar to sweeten your tea. Make it a hot tea toddy by adding slices of lemon and a shot of whisky. For a soothing mix of herbs try using 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers plus 1 teaspoon of dried spearmint, steep in one cup of freshly boiled water for 5-10 minutes, strain and sweeten to taste.
How to make iced chamomile tea*: You can make either hot brewed iced tea or cold brewed iced tea. To make a speedier iced version, use 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile to 1/2 a cup of freshly boiled water. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes before straining out the flowers. Sweeten with honey, sugar or agave to taste and then pour over a large glass of ice. Add slices of fruit such as lemons, limes or apples. To make cold brewed chamomile tea, simply add 1-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile per 1 cup of cold water and allow to steep in the fridge for at least 4 hours to overnight. Use simple syrup to sweeten your iced tea. Simple syrup mixes better in cold liquids compared to regular sugar or honey.
*Herbal teas, including chamomile will only last up to 2 days stored in the fridge and therefore it is always best to freshly make the tea when needed.
Do you like chamomile tea? Let me know in the comments below!
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This blog is for information purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any medical conditions. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider.
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