Chamomile Tea: Everything You Need to Know (Including Health Benefits & How to Make it Properly)
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What is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or tisane, made by infusing daisy-like chamomile flowers in hot water.
Used for centuries as a natural remedy for several conditions, chamomile tea is a soothing brew that can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
How do you pronounce Chamomile?
Chamomile is correctly pronounced two different ways:
“Kam-muh-mile” or “kam-muh-meel”.
What are the different types of Chamomile?
There are two main types of chamomile (these are the only varieties used to make tea):
- Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile)
- Matricaria Chamomilla (German/Wild Chamomile)
What do you need to make Chamomile tea?
Tea Scoop
This is the perfect tool to help you get the perfectly measured scoop of tea leaves every single time. You won’t regret adding this to your tea arsenal!
Electric Tea Kettle
An electric tea kettle with a temperature setting is a must-have brew gadget for tea drinkers! You can set the temperature to the degree for the perfect brew every time. This kettle is a favorite of ours. Or you can check out our full post on the best electric tea kettles.
Spring Water or Filtered Water
To get the best flavors from your tea, use high-quality water. Don’t use tap water or distilled water!
Tea Pot with Strainer
A teapot with a built-in strainer makes brewing tea so much easier when you’re using loose tea leaves. If you’re an avid tea drinker, you won’t regret buying this tea tool!
Loose Chamomile Tea Leaves
Using loose tea really will give you the best tea-drinking experience. If you can’t use loose leaves, a tea sachet is the next best thing, since they have more room than a traditional tea bag. These Chamomile tea sachets are a great option.
Tea Cup
This one is up to you! Use whatever cup makes you happy! If you need some inspiration, check out some of our favorite drinkware.
How do you make Chamomile tea properly?
To make the perfect cup of Chamomile tea, you will want to use 1 tablespoon of Chamomile for each 8-ounce cup. If you don’t have loose-leaf tea, use 1 tea sachet or 1 tea bag.
Step 1: Pour your water into the tea kettle.
Use cold bottled spring water or cold filtered water. (Tea Tip: Do not use distilled water – this will negatively impact the taste). Make sure to pour some extra water to warm up your teapot or steeping vessel.
Step 2: Boil your water.
For an optimal flavor experience, bring the water to about 200°F. If you do not have an electric tea kettle with a temperature setting, just bring your kettle to a simmer, then remove it from the heat and let the water sit for a moment before steeping the tea.
Step 3: Warm up your teapot.
First, pour a bit of your boiled water into your teapot or steeping vessel and swirl it around for a few seconds to allow it to warm the vessel. Then you can discard this water in the sink.
Step 4: Put your Chamomile into the teapot and add the rest of your hot water and then cover the pot.
Step 5: Steep the chamomile for 3 to 5 minutes.
Chamomile tea will not become bitter if you steep it longer, however, it will begin to take on a stronger, more medicinal taste if it is steeped for longer periods upwards of 30 minutes.
Step 6: Strain your tea leaves.
This is easiest if you have a teapot with a strainer.
Step 7: Decant your infused tea into your teacup, add sweeteners to taste, and enjoy!
Can you cold brew Chamomile tea?
Yes, you can definitely cold brew Chamomile tea for a delicious and refreshing herbal drink!
Keep reading for the steps to make Chamomile Cold Brew at home.
Did you know cold brewing is the best way to make iced tea? To learn all about it, check out our post on everything you need to know about cold brew.
How do you make cold brew Chamomile tea properly?
To make chamomile cold brew, use 1 tablespoon of chamomile for every 8-ounce cup of water.
STEP 1: Add your Chamomile to a pitcher with an infuser.
STEP 2: Pour room-temperature filtered water or spring water over the top and stir gently.
STEP 3: Put your pitcher in the refrigerator to steep for 8 to 12 hours.
STEP 4: Strain the leaves and enjoy!
Tea Tip:
You can serve your Chamomile cold brew with a squeeze of lemon, or sweeten it with simple syrup! You can follow our guide to make your own simple syrup at home for the perfect sweetener that will beautifully dissolve in your cold brew.
What does Chamomile tea taste like?
Chamomile tea is a mellow herbal tea with a floral sweetness and notes of apple.
How much caffeine is in Chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it the perfect, relaxing bedtime beverage.
What are some health benefits of drinking Chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea has many benefits from sleep to PMS relief. Keep reading to learn about some of the benefits of chamomile tea.
1. May promote sleep and relaxation
Chamomile is known to help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety among many people. It has been widely regarded for its relaxing effects, which many of us can use after the hustle and bustle of daily life.
2. May soothe the stomach
Chamomile has been used to aid many gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach, gas, cramping, and ulcers. It is particularly helpful in relieving gas, and relaxing the muscles in the stomach.
3. May soothe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-anxiety properties that can help manage and calm many symptoms of PMS, including cramps.
What are some possible side effects of drinking Chamomile tea?
1. Allergic reaction
While it is uncommon, some people are in fact allergic to chamomile. You may have a higher likelihood of being allergic to chamomile if you are already allergic to related plants like ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums.
2. Drug Interaction
Chamomile can interact with certain drugs, particularly blood
thinners, and drugs used for organ transplants. If you are unsure about what type of medication you are on, speak to your doctor before consuming chamomile tea to make sure it is safe for your unique situation.
3. Best to avoid during pregnancy
There is not a lot of hard data on whether chamomile, in any quantity, is totally safe to consume while pregnant. Since chamomile is known to relax muscles in the abdominal area, it is inconclusive if it can also cause uterine contractions, bleeding, miscarriage, or preterm birth. Always speak to your doctor before trying anything herbal during pregnancy.
Where can you find good quality Chamomile tea?
There are several good quality Chamomile options you can try. Here are just a few options to get you started:
What is the best way to store Chamomile tea?
When it comes to storing Chamomile tea, there are a few important things you will want to avoid. These are air exposure, light exposure, moisture, heat, and strong odors.
In order to keep your Chamomile tea in its best and freshest condition, you will want to store it in a container that helps avoid the above-mentioned threats.
The best containers are made of opaque materials with a tight seal. Some good options include non-reactive metals, glazed ceramics, and non-leaching plastics. Beware that while you may see wood tea storage options, they are not best for storing loose-leaf tea, as they can have their own odors that can alter the taste of your tea.
Once you have your tea in its storage container, keep it in a cool, dark place.
Here are some good options for storing your Chamomile tea:
Looking for ways to organize your tea bags? Try these:
You want to ensure your tea stays fresh as long as possible. To make sure you’re not making any common mistakes, be sure to check out our post on the best practices in tea storage!