Chamomile might just be the most widely used herb when it comes to herbal remedies. And because of its ubiquity, it might also be the most underrated. Chamomile is incredibly easy to find in tea bags at the grocery store and it’s most often touted as a calming, sleep-supporting herb. Which it absolutely is. But the benefits of chamomile go so much deeper than that.
Chamomile tea was one of the first herbal teas I used. I used to have a cup of chamomile tea brewed from a tea bag as part of my evening routine. And I definitely noticed a difference in how quickly I was able to fall asleep. But then I got my hands on some loose chamomile—the kind that still looks like pretty little flowers—and started learning about and experiencing the true depth of this incredibly gentle herb’s power.
With the stress and (sometimes) chaos of the upcoming holiday season, I thought it was a great time to get to know chamomile a bit better. Below, I’ve included my own personal monograph* that outlines the properties and benefits of chamomile, plus a few super practical uses to hopefully inspire you to get to know this sweet herb in your own life.
NOTE: While all the herbs listed below are generally considered safe, the information below is intended for educational purposes only. It is best to consult with an experienced practitioner and/or your doctor before incorporating any new herbs into your diet.
Benefits & Ways To Use Chamomile
Chamomile Monograph
- Botanical name: Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita
- Properties: Antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive tonic, nervine, anti-allergenic, vulnerary, mild sedative
- Energetics: Cooling, relaxing, slightly warming, drying
- Taste: Bitter, pungent
- My tasting notes: While chamomile is classified as a bitter taste, you’ll only really experience its bitter properties if you make it pretty strong and steep it for a longer time (15+ minutes). To me, it has an aromatic, almost-sweet taste reminiscent of honey and apples. Which makes sense given its name is derived from the Greek khamaimēlon meaning “ground apple”. I often add chamomile to other tea blends when I need to mask less-than-pleasant flavors.
- Parts Used: Flowering tops
Habitat/Growing/Harvesting
Hardy in zones 2- 9. Self-seeding annual/perennial. Full sun to part shade. Sow seeds in spring or autumn. Very attractive to pollinators and ladybugs. Harvest just as flowers open for the highest volatile oil content.
Benefits & Common Uses of Chamomile
Chamomile is a mild sedative, able to soothe distress, anxiety, and nervousness. Small doses of chamomile have been shown to be more effective than placebo for depression and anxiety. It is a classic herb to support deep, restful sleep—especially if muscle tension or anxiety are making it difficult to sleep.
As a bitter and carminative, it helps ease digestive complaints like gas, bloating, and cramping. It is a particularly effective remedy for heartburn. Its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful with inflammatory digestive issues like Crohn’s, diarrhea, and ulcers. Consider it a go-to herb when anxiety or worry are causing digestive distress. It’s a go-to herb for babies who are fussy, colicky, and teething.
Its antispasmodic properties help with muscle tension and cramping, like menstrual or digestive cramps. It can be particularly effective at reducing PMS symptoms.
It modulates inflammation and is slightly antimicrobial, making it a good gentle herb to use on wounds, burns, and rashes. It’s also an effective and well-known treatment for conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
For colds and flu, it is often combined with elderflower, peppermint, and yarrow for a soothing tea to help reduce fevers, support the immune system, and help you get some rest.
Chamomile Folklore & Magical Properties
Chamomile is associated with the sun and the element of water. It was used in Medieval times as a strewing herb because it releases its lovely scent when walked on. It was also believed that planting chamomile next to a sickly plant would help it recover.
The essential properties of chamomile include peace, abundance, love, self-love, and healing.
Chamomile Preparations & Dosages
All doses outlined below are for an average-sized adult.
- As a standard infusion (tea): 9-15 grams per day
- As a tincture: 3-6 mL 3x/day (1:5 dried flowers, 40% alcohol)
- Other preparations: Compress, bath additive, mouthwash, salve
Chamomile Cautions/Contraindications
Chamomile is generally considered safe and gentle, even for children. However, it can cause an allergic reaction in individuals with a sensitivity to the Asteraceae family. It may also hinder the absorption of iron, so individuals with iron-deficient anemia are best to avoid it.
Easy Ways To Experience The Benefits Of Chamomile
Chamomile & Ginger Tea
This has quickly become one of my favorite tea combinations. It’s incredibly simple but so comforting, especially this time of year. The chamomile soothes my frequently low-level anxious feeling and the ginger warms me up. Plus, both herbs help support digestion, which is always in the back of my mind.
Combine 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile with about ½ teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger. Cover with freshly boiled water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain herbs and sweeten, as desired.
Chamomile Bath
One of the most soothing and indulgent ways to enjoy chamomile’s gifts is to add it to a bath. Steep ¼ – ½ cup of dried chamomile in 4 cups of freshly boiled water for 20 minutes. Add it to a bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. Be sure to check the temperature of the water before getting into the bath as adding even just 4 cups of boiled water can increase the temperature a surprising amount.
Chamomile Eye Wash
Make a strong cup of chamomile tea using about 2-3 tablespoons in 8 ounces of water. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain and allow to cool completely. Dip a washcloth or cotton round into the tea and place it on the eyes. You can also simply splash it into your eyes or use a dropper for a more precise application.
Decorate With Fresh Flowers
Use fresh chamomile flowers to decorate baked goods and treats. They also make a pretty addition to a fresh green salad or fruit salad.
Simple Syrup
Chamomile is delicious added to simple syrups. Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Once sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat and stir in a tablespoon or two of dried chamomile flowers. Cover and let the mixture cool before straining out the chamomile.
You could also get a little extra fancy and make my Chamomile Peach Lemonade.
References
- The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
- The Herbarium – Chamomile Monograph
- Plant Witchery by Juliet Diaz
- The Spruce – How to Grow and Care For Chamomile
- Herb Mentor – Chamomile Monograph
- Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Foret
*Monograph: A detailed written study of a single specialized subject or an aspect of it.
