Chamomile Tea

What Is Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is an herbal tea (tisane) made by drying the small, white-petaled flowers with yellow centers of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile). The flowers are picked when fully open and dried in the shade.

It has a mildly sweet, apple-like, herbaceous aroma. Because it does not come from Camellia sinensis (the true tea plant), it is naturally caffeine-free.

Nutritional Values of Chamomile Tea

When brewed, chamomile tea is nearly calorie-free; 100 ml of unsweetened tea provides about 1 kcal of energy. It is known for being caffeine-free and for containing volatile oils (such as bisabolol) and flavonoids such as apigenin.

What Are the Benefits of Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is traditionally consumed in the evening to help with relaxation. Research on compounds such as apigenin is ongoing; these studies have not yet led to definitive health recommendations.

This is general information; chamomile tea is a beverage, not a medical treatment. People with allergies to the daisy family (Asteraceae), people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who take medication regularly should consult a qualified professional before drinking it.

How to Choose Chamomile Tea

Good-quality dried chamomile flowers look bright yellow and white, and are whole or in large pieces; products that are excessively crumbled into powder lose their aroma quickly.

• The flowers should be as whole as possible; crushed, powdered flowers lose their aroma quickly.
• The color should be bright yellow and white; browned flowers are stale.
• The aroma should be mildly sweet and herbaceous; a musty smell is a sign of spoilage.

How to Store Chamomile Tea

Dried chamomile flowers stay fresh for up to 1 year in a sealed jar, away from light, in a cool place. Moisture can quickly cause the flowers to mold, so close the container tightly after each use.

Using Chamomile Tea in the Kitchen

Chamomile is most often brewed on its own and sweetened with honey if desired; it is also used with linden or sage in some herbal tea blends.

How to Brew Chamomile Tea

Pour boiling water over a pinch of dried chamomile flowers, cover, and let steep for 5–8 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and serve hot.

What Recipes Use Chamomile Tea?

In addition to classic chamomile tea, it is used in herbal blends such as linden and chamomile tea and in some relaxing tea recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chamomile tea good for?

Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea traditionally chosen for relaxation in the evening. It is a beverage and is not claimed to cure any disease.

Does chamomile tea contain caffeine?

No. Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free because it is made from chamomile flowers, not Camellia sinensis.

When should you drink chamomile tea?

Because it is caffeine-free, it can be consumed at any time of day, especially in the evening for relaxation.

Can you drink chamomile tea every day?

It can be consumed daily in moderation; however, people with allergies to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should be cautious.

How long should chamomile tea steep?

5–8 minutes is enough; steeping it longer can make the flavor noticeably bitter.