Chamomile Tea: Flavor, Brewing, Benefits Evidence and Safety
Chamomile is one of the world’s most recognizable herbal infusions: a small daisy-like flower with a soft aroma often compared with apple, honey, hay, and meadow herbs. Its familiar name, however, can refer to more than one plant.
What is chamomile?
The two names you will encounter most often are German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, also called Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They are related but distinct species. German chamomile is especially common in commercial tea and is the focus of the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s consumer fact sheet.
Both produce small white flowers with golden centers. In the cup, origin, harvest, drying, age, and the proportion of whole flower heads to broken material may matter as much as the species name.
What does chamomile taste like?
Well-kept chamomile is gently floral and herbaceous. Depending on the lot, you may notice apple peel, honey, dried grass, pollen, or a faint pleasant bitterness. It should smell lively rather than dusty or flat.
A very long steep can intensify bitterness. If your cup becomes rough, try more flowers and a shorter infusion instead of using the same small amount for a very long time.
How to brew chamomile
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to an 8-ounce (240-milliliter) cup.
- Pour over water around 195°F / 90°C, or allow freshly boiled water to rest briefly.
- Cover the cup and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain carefully; the small flower fragments can pass through a coarse strainer.
- Taste plain before deciding whether to add honey or another ingredient.
For a fuller cup, increase the amount of chamomile before extending the steep beyond ten minutes. A fine basket infuser gives the lightweight flowers space to circulate while keeping small pieces out of the cup.
How to choose good dried chamomile
- Look: visible flower heads and petals, with golden-yellow centers and limited powder at the bottom of the package
- Smell: distinctly floral, sweet, and fresh—not musty
- Source: clearly labeled for food or beverage use, with supplier and origin information when possible
- Package: protected from moisture, excessive light, and strong surrounding aromas
How to store it
Keep dried chamomile in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. A cupboard away from the stove is usually better than a bright countertop. Buy an amount you can use while the aroma remains vivid; delicate flowers lose fragrance faster than many dense roots and spices.
Simple chamomile pairings
Chamomile and peppermint
Peppermint gives the soft flower a cooling, clean finish. Start with more chamomile than mint so the flower remains the center of the blend.
Chamomile and ginger
A small amount of fresh or dried ginger adds warmth and contrast. Ginger can quickly dominate, so begin lightly.
Chamomile and rooibos
Rooibos adds body, gentle woodiness, and natural sweetness without introducing true tea leaves.
Chamomile and citrus peel
A little orange or lemon peel brightens the aroma. Use food-grade peel and avoid overwhelming the delicate floral character.
What the research does—and does not—say
Chamomile has a long history of traditional use, but traditional reputation is not the same as established clinical evidence. The NCCIH states that research has not produced sufficient reliable evidence to rate chamomile’s usefulness for many specific conditions. It also notes that evidence concerning insomnia is very limited.
For an editorial tea guide, the responsible approach is to describe chamomile’s flavor, preparation, history, and established safety cautions without promising that a cup will diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a condition.
Chamomile safety
According to the NCCIH, chamomile is likely safe in amounts commonly found in teas and foods, but allergic reactions can occur. Risk may be higher for people allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
Reported or suspected interactions include warfarin and some other medicines. Little is known about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak with a qualified health professional before regular use if you take medication, have plant allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing for surgery.
A flower worth tasting carefully
Chamomile’s appeal is not complexity for its own sake. It is a quiet, recognizable flavor that rewards fresh material and attentive brewing. Start with a short covered infusion, notice the aroma before adding anything, and adjust the next cup from what you actually taste.
Source: Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety, U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, updated November 2024. This article is educational and is not medical advice.