Chamomile Tea: A Complete Guide to Brewing and Benefits
Chamomile tea is one of those brews that people think they know until they actually taste a good one. The dusty tea bag from the back of the cupboard, bought years ago for a cold that never came, does not represent the flower well. A proper cup of chamomile, made from whole dried flowers and brewed with a little care, is something else entirely: golden, gently sweet, with notes of apple and fresh hay, and a softness that makes it feel like a deep breath in liquid form.
The tea in this guide: Organic Chamomile Tea from £5.45 Shop it →
At its simplest, chamomile tea is an infusion of dried chamomile flowers steeped in hot water. It contains no caffeine, tastes mild and floral, and has been drunk for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used it. Hippocrates mentioned it in 500 BCE. And it is still here, quietly getting on with being one of the most popular herbal teas in the world.
At a glance
- Made from dried chamomile flowers, not tea leaves
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Tastes mild, floral and slightly sweet with apple and hay notes
- Brew one teaspoon of loose flowers in freshly boiled water for four to five minutes
- Best without milk; honey is optional
- German chamomile is the most common variety for tea
What is chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion, which means it is made from a plant other than Camellia sinensis, the species that gives us black, green, white and oolong tea. The chamomile plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same botanical family as daisies and sunflowers, which explains those cheerful little flowers.
Two species are commonly used: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is the one you will find in most tea blends. The name 'chamomile' comes from Greek words meaning 'ground apple', a nod to its faint apple-like scent.
The flowers are small, white-petalled with bright yellow centres, and they grow on thin stems that can reach nearly three feet high. For tea, the flower heads are harvested and dried, then steeped whole or crushed into tea bags.
What does chamomile tea taste like?
Good chamomile tastes herbaceous and gently floral, with a natural sweetness that some people describe as honey-like or apple-like. There is a pleasant hay quality too, a bit like walking past a freshly cut meadow. The flavour is mild rather than punchy, warm rather than sharp, and the finish is soft and clean.
The brewed tea is a pale golden colour, sometimes with a slight greenish tint depending on the flowers. It looks like liquid sunshine, which is nice on a grey afternoon in Huddersfield.
If you have only tried chamomile from an old tea bag, you might find loose whole flowers a revelation. The flavour is fuller, rounder and more obviously floral. It is the difference between dried herbs from a jar and fresh ones from the garden.
Herbal Tea
Whole chamomile flowers brew a golden cup with soft floral and apple-like notes.
Have a lookHow to make chamomile tea
Brewing chamomile is straightforward, but a few small details make a real difference to the cup.
Loose leaf method
- Boil fresh water and let it cool for a moment if you like, though chamomile handles boiling water well.
- Add one heaped teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers per cup to a roomy infuser or teapot.
- Pour the hot water over the flowers and cover the vessel. Covering keeps the volatile oils in the cup rather than escaping as steam.
- Steep for four to five minutes. Five minutes gives a floral, soothing infusion; up to ten minutes produces a fuller-bodied cup with more of the tonic character.
- Strain and drink. Add honey if you like sweetness, but try it plain first.
Tea bag method
Use one or two tea bags per cup. Steep in freshly boiled water for five to ten minutes, covered. The same principles apply: cover the mug, give it time, and taste as you go.
| Format | Amount | Water | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose flowers | 1 heaped tsp per cup | Freshly boiled | 4–5 min (up to 10) |
| Tea bags | 1–2 bags per cup | Freshly boiled | 5–10 min |
| Cold brew | 2 tsp per cup | Cold | 4–6 hours (fridge) |
Unlike green or white tea, chamomile will not turn bitter if you leave it a bit longer. Increase steeping time in two-minute intervals to find your preferred strength.
Chamomile tea benefits: what does the research say?
Chamomile has been used as a traditional remedy for thousands of years, but what does modern research actually show? The honest answer is that evidence is mixed and more studies are needed, particularly on chamomile tea specifically rather than concentrated extracts.
Sleep and relaxation
Chamomile contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which may have a mild sedative effect by binding to certain receptors in the brain. A meta-analysis found chamomile significantly improved sleep quality, but many studies used extracts rather than tea, and the effects were modest.
Anxiety
A long-term study of 93 participants found pharmaceutical-grade chamomile extract significantly reduced moderate-to-severe generalised anxiety disorder symptoms. Another review found chamomile safe and effective for generalised anxiety after two and four weeks, though it did not relieve state anxiety during an anxious situation. Again, these studies tested extracts at concentrations higher than a cup of tea would provide.
Blood sugar
Some research suggests chamomile may affect blood sugar. One study found that drinking chamomile tea after three meals daily for eight weeks decreased serum insulin levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. A 2020 review suggested chamomile might improve glycaemic profiles, but chamomile tea should never replace diabetes medication.
Digestion
Traditional uses include settling upset stomachs. One study found chamomile extract combined with apple pectin resolved acute diarrhoea sooner in children, but this used an extract preparation rather than tea.
The bottom line
Chamomile tea is a drink, not a medicine. If you have health concerns, speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife. The research is interesting, but limited, and most studies used concentrated extracts rather than cups of tea. Porter Hill makes no health claims for chamomile or any other tea. We sell it because it tastes good and people enjoy drinking it.
Common mistakes when brewing chamomile
The most common error is not steeping long enough. Chamomile needs time to release its flavour, and three minutes with the lid off leaves you with pale, insipid water. Give it five minutes minimum, keep the lid on, and use enough flowers.
The second mistake is expecting it to taste like black tea. Chamomile is subtle and floral. If you want something bold and brisk, you want a different drink. Chamomile rewards patience and a certain frame of mind.
The third is adding milk. Don't. Milk flattens the delicate flavour and makes it taste oddly sour. Chamomile is best plain or with a touch of honey.
Does chamomile tea have caffeine?
No. Chamomile is naturally caffeine-free because it comes from a plant that does not produce caffeine. Unlike black, green or oolong tea, which all derive from Camellia sinensis and contain varying amounts of caffeine, chamomile contains none at all.
This makes it suitable for drinking any time of day or evening, including before bed. Some people drink it about 45 minutes before sleep as part of a wind-down routine, though we cannot promise it will send you off. The ritual of making and drinking something warm and gentle is probably as important as any chemical effect.
Letterbox gift
Five caffeine-free herbal teas for evenings, after dinner or all day: mint, chamomile, fruit and ginger.
Have a lookA brief history of chamomile
Chamomile has been drunk for a very long time. People in ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt used dried flowers and essential oils medicinally. The Egyptians dedicated it to their sun god, apparently impressed by its golden centre and white rays.
Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine, mentioned chamomile around 500 BCE. The Romans used it both as a beverage and as incense. By the medieval period, it was being cultivated across Europe as a strewing herb, scattered on floors to freshen rooms and repel insects.
The plant is native to Europe and Asia but now grows throughout southern and eastern Europe, northern Africa, central and western Asia, and western North America. German chamomile remains the most widely used variety for tea worldwide.
Chamomile blends and pairings
Pure chamomile is lovely, but it also works well with other ingredients. Common companions include:
- Honey and vanilla: enhance the natural sweetness
- Apple and spices: echo that apple-like note in the flowers
- Lavender: another calming floral
- Mint: adds freshness and a cool finish
- Citrus: a squeeze of lemon brightens the cup
Our Meadow Morning Walk blend combines chamomile with nettle and spearmint. The chamomile gives the opening floral note, nettle adds an earthy backbone, and spearmint finishes with a gentle cool sweetness. It is a good introduction if you find pure chamomile a bit one-note.
Is chamomile tea safe for everyone?
Chamomile is generally considered safe for most adults. However, if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (which includes ragweed, marigolds and chrysanthemums), you may want to avoid it or test cautiously.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, NHS guidance recommends checking herbal products with your midwife, GP or pharmacist before drinking them regularly. The same applies if you have a health condition or take medicines that might interact. We cannot give individual advice, so please ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
What to try next
If you want to taste chamomile on its own, our Organic Chamomile Tea uses whole flowers that brew a golden cup with soft floral and apple-like notes. It is a proper chamomile, not dusty fragments.
For a blend, Meadow Morning Walk balances chamomile with nettle and spearmint, giving you something a bit more layered. Sweet Dreams takes a different approach with apple sweetness and cooling mint.
Not sure where to start? The Caffeine-Free Teas collection has the full range, or try the Tea Finder quiz for a few quick questions and a personalised recommendation.
Teaware
Stainless Steel Basket Infuser with Lid
A deep stainless-steel basket gives loose leaves room to open. The lid keeps the heat in, then catches the drips. £6 each, or two for £10.
Have a lookYou can order any of our chamomile teas online with free UK delivery on orders over £35. Or call into the shop in Byram Arcade, Huddersfield, and we will talk you through it over the counter. The kettle is always on.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of chamomile tea?
Chamomile has been studied for effects on sleep, anxiety, blood sugar and digestion, but most research used concentrated extracts rather than tea. Results are mixed and more studies are needed. Chamomile tea is a pleasant caffeine-free drink, not a medicine. Speak to your GP about health questions.
How do you make chamomile tea taste better?
Start with whole dried flowers rather than dusty tea bags. Steep for five minutes with the lid on. Try a small spoonful of honey or a squeeze of lemon. If pure chamomile feels too mild, try a blend with mint or apple. Good quality flowers make the biggest difference.
Can you drink chamomile tea every day?
Most adults can drink chamomile tea daily without problems. Some people have one to four cups. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies to the daisy family, or take medications, check with a healthcare professional first.
Does chamomile tea help you sleep?
Some research suggests chamomile may improve sleep quality, possibly due to the flavonoid apigenin. However, studies used extracts rather than tea, and effects were modest. The ritual of a warm drink before bed probably helps too. We cannot make sleep claims for any tea.
What is the best chamomile tea?
Look for whole dried flower heads rather than crushed fragments. Loose leaf chamomile generally tastes better than most tea bags because the flowers have room to infuse properly. Store it sealed, cool and dry. Organic chamomile avoids pesticide residues on the flowers.
Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy?
NHS guidance recommends checking herbal products with your midwife, GP or pharmacist during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We cannot give individual advice. If you are unsure, ask a healthcare professional before drinking chamomile regularly.
Sources: Medical News Today · WebMD · mindbodygreen · NHS
