I’ll show you how to make chamomile tea from fresh or dried chamomile flowers ~ it’s been loved as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and better sleep for generations. Drinking tea is a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and alcohol, too!
Chamomile tea is nothing new, it’s been around for centuries, but it seems especially appropriate right now when so many of us are stressed, struggling to get enough daily hydration, and trying hard to limit sugary sodas and alcoholic drinks (dry January anyone?) I’m making good progress introducing healthier drinks into my routine, and a mug of chamomile tea at night is my newest obsession. Hot tea provides warmth, aromatherapy, and the emotional comfort of a relaxing routine.
chamomile ~ what is it?
Chamomile is a small, edible daisy-like flower from the Asteraceae family. It’s basically natureโs chill pill ~ used to make a cozy, caffeine-free herbal tea thatโs been used for centuries to help people relax, sleep better, and soothe upset stomachs and menstrual cramps.
What does chamomile taste like? To me it has a mild earthy flavor. Chamomile pairs well with honey or lemon to enhance its natural sweetness or brighten its flavor.
chamomile tea benefits
Chamomile has been used to make herbal tea for centuries, and over that time people have linked it to relaxation, sleep support, and soothing digestion. Many have used it to relieve cramps and other symptoms of PMS. For generations chamomile tea has been known for its naturally soothing, calming properties, but like with so many natural food-related health claims, modern science is only beginning to fact check. While research may be ongoing, lots of us continue to enjoy chamomile as a hydrating, caffeine-free alternative to other drinks ~ I love the mild floral flavor and the way a warm cup of tea at the end of the day gives me a sense of balance and calm before bed.
where to find chamomile
DRIED: choose organic, from trusted online herb suppliers like:
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Starwest Botanicals
- You can also find options on Amazon or Etsy, but check reviews to ensure quality.
FRESH: in season chamomile is simple to grow at home, even in small spaces (hardy in zones 4-9.)
- You can grow it from seeds or buy potted plants. I make a point to plant it with my herbs every spring so I have access to fresh flowers all summer and fall.
- Also check farmers markets, look for organic or pesticide-free.
how to make chamomile tea (fresh or dried)
Making tea is super simpleโitโs just about combining boiling water with fresh or dried flowers. Fresh flowers are best used right after you pick them, but if youโve got dried camomile stashed in your cupboard, youโre good to brew a cup any time of year.
1. place chamomile in a tea pot
The amount of chamomile you use is totally up to you, so play around to find the depth of flavor you love. I use 1-2 teaspoons dried or 2-3 teaspoons fresh chamomile per 8 ounces of water. If you’re going with dried, crush them a bit with your fingers before brewing for extra flavor. Just multiply the amounts for a pot.
2. add boiling water and let steep
The longer you let your tea steep, the stronger itโll taste ~ 5-10 minutes is the sweet spot. I like to give the flowers a quick stir to speed things up, and youโll notice the color getting richer as it brews.
3. pour or strain into your cup
Enjoy just as it is, or sweeten it up with a bit of sugar or honey ~ I like to toss in a slice of lemon for extra flavor. For iced chamomile tea just chill it in the fridge and pour over ice.
Homemade herbal tea looks so pretty when you use fresh herbs and flowers, I love to show it off in a simple glass teapot or French press coffee pot. Go a step further with borosilicate double walled mugs!
how to harvest fresh chamomile flowers
You can harvest your chamomile flowers any time during the growing season. Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun is too hot ~ this preserves the essential oils in the flowers. Pick when the flowers are fully open and pick the flowers only ~ the white petals and yellow centers contain the essential oils that give chamomile its flavor and calming properties. The stems have little flavor and aren’t usually used in tea.
Use your flowers immediately after picking for the best flavor. Pluck the flowers directly into your teapot or mug for the ultimate fresh cup of chamomile tea!
how to dry fresh chamomile for tea
Chamomile flowers are delicate and dry quickly. The flowers are ready when they feel dry and brittle to the touch, with no moisture left. Once dry they can be packed in an airtight jar and kept in a dark dry place (like your cupboard) for up to a year. After a year your dried chamomile will lose potency.
how to air dry chamomile
- Place the flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface like a mesh screen, parchment paper, or a drying rack.
- Leave them in a cool, dry place with good airflow, out of direct sunlight.
- Stir or flip the flowers daily. Theyโll dry in 5โ10 days, depending on humidity.
how to oven dry chamomile
- Spread the flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Set the oven to the lowest temperature (around 180F).
- Keep the oven door slightly open and check every 15โ20 minutes until fully dry (about 1โ2 hours).
how to dry chamomile in a dehydrator
- Spread the flowers on dehydrator trays.
- Dry at 95โ115ยฐF for 1โ4 hours, depending on the machine and humidity.
how to dry chamomile in the microwave
- Place clean dry flowers in a single layer on a piece of microwave safe parchment paper or paper towel. It will take about 30-40 seconds at high power for the chamomile to become dry and crumbly. Your microwave may require more or less time. Let cool before storing.
storing dried chamomile
- Store dried chamomile in an airtight container, like a glass jar, away from light, heat, and moisture.
- Label the jar with the date; dried chamomile keeps its flavor for about 1 year.
how hot should water be for chamomile tea?
Herbal teas like chamomile need water at a full boil to bring out the best flavor. Ideally you can bring it to a boil and then let it sit for a minute or two before adding it to your leaves.
HERBAL AND BLACK TEA: 200ยฐF ~ 212ยฐF or just boiling
WHITE OR GREEN TEA: 140ยฐF to 185ยฐF
best readymade chamomile tea
Want to skip the effort and buy it instead? Here are two commonly available organic chamomile teas I recommend:
Traditional Medicinals ~ Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea
Yogi Tea โ Comforting Chamomile
other uses for chamomile
- In Recipes: I love to use fresh chamomile blossoms as a garnish ~ see my Easy Strawberry Cake for an example. They could go in salads, or be used to decorate a spring cheese platter, or cocktail.
- In the Bath: Add 1/2 cup dried flowers to your bath for a soothing relaxing soak. (Can help hemorrhoids, cuts, eczema, perineal pain, or insect bites.)
How to Make Chamomile Tea
Ingredients
- 4-8 tsp dried chamomile flowers
- honey to taste, optional
Instructions
- Bring 1 quart purified water to a boil.
- Put fresh or dried chamomile in a tea pot.
- Pour the water over the chamomile, stir, and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Pour or strain into your tea cup or mug. Add honey to taste.
I LOVE this recipe! I have been drinking Chamomile Tea all of my life! Delicious and cures what ails you!
I’m sipping a cup right now ๐