How to Make Chamomile Tea: 5 Recipes From Simple Tea to a Hot Toddy

Chamomile tea is one of the most recognizable teas on the planet. It’s renowned for its calming nature and beloved as a bedtime tea. Chamomile was used in Medieval times and by the Ancient Greeks and Romans as a cure for digestive diseases and sleeping disorders. Today, it’s a staple ingredient in natural cold remedies and used to induce feelings of calm.

Chamomile tea is easy to brew and its subtle flavor pairs exceptionally with other spices and herbs. Homemade teas brewed using fresh flowers offer superior flavor. Chamomile is easy to grow in any home garden so nothing stands in the way of making this beverage from scratch. Read on to find out more about chamomile and check out our five different recipes using fresh chamomile flowers.

Want to relax and unwind with a delicious cup of chamomile? Check out our collection of the best chamomile teas and blends right here.

About Chamomile

Chamomile tea is an herbal tea or tisane. It does not contain any leaves of the true tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. Chamomile tea is brewed using just the flower heads of the plant. Chamomile plants have strongly scented foliage and chamomile blossoms that feature white petals and yellow centers. Two types of chamomile are used for brewing tea including German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile.

Both types of chamomile plant are hardy and grown across the world. The plants are native to Europe and Asia, but are commonly found in North and South America. You can grow chamomile at home in your herb garden without a lot of fuss. The flowers pair well with many fresh herbs and can be used to sweeten spice or herb teas. Chamomile flowers are also available at local farmer's markets and health food stores.

Flavor

Chamomile tea is a sweet herbal infusion that has notes of crisp apple. The body of the tea is light and airy. Chamomile tea is sunshiny yellow in color and emits a fresh, slightly sweet aroma. Chamomile tea made with fresh chamomile flowers has fewer bitter undertones than those made with dry chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bags. Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free and thus a great choice for people with caffeine sensitivity.

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Induces Calm

Chamomile tea is acclaimed for its relaxing properties. It is warm and soothing in nature. Chamomile tea triggers the release of hormones such as serotonin and melatonin, which are known to combat stress. This tea also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can help reduce tension headaches and migraines. Chamomile tea can also help you get to sleep faster and sleep more restfully.

Soothes Digestion

Chamomile tea’s soothing properties reduce the occurrence of upset stomach and digestive problems. The tea relieves excess gas and reduces inflammation to reduce feelings of bloat and stomach pain. Chemical compounds in chamomile also work to reduce ulcers by controlling acid levels in the stomach.

Boosts Immune System

There's a reason people reach for a cup of tea whenever they start feeling sick. The immune-boosting benefits of tea have been well documented in traditional and modern medicine. The fresh scent of chamomile tea can help clear up congestion. The warming properties of chamomile soothe a sore throat while antibacterial properties eliminate the cause of the common cold or flu.

Chamomile Tea Recipes

1. Basic Fresh Flower Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of fresh chamomile flowers (increase petal amounts for stronger tea)
• 8 ounces boiling water
• 2 apple mint leaves OPTIONAL

Instructions:

1. Harvest the fresh flowers by removing the entire flower head from the stem. Rinse the chamomile flowers in warm water and pat dry. Chamomile tea is best made using freshly harvested flowers. If necessary, it is possible to store flowers in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Wrap the petals in a wet paper towel and store in an airtight container.

2. Boil water in a tea kettle or large pot on the stove. Infusion tea kettles are the best option for fresh flower teas since they have built-in devices to keep the petals separated. Alternatively, you can use another infusion device such as a tea ball or  cheesecloth as a makeshift tea bag. Always use pure or spring water and not hot tap water when brewing tea to preserve flavors.

3. Place flower petals in an infuser and let the tea steep in the kettle or pot for 5 minutes.

4. Remove the flower petals and optional mint leaves before pouring into a teacup. Enjoy!

2. Lavender and Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh chamomile flowers
• 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers
• 1/2 cup apple mint leaves
• 2 whole lemons - juiced
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions:

1. Use a kettle or large pot to boil water. Remove from heat and cool for 1 minute.

2. Add the chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, and mint leaves to a tea ball and infuse in the hot water. Steep for 5 minutes.

3. Remove the tea ball or use a fine mesh sieve to strain loose flowers and leaves.

4. Add lemon juice and honey to hot tea. Serve immediately.

3. Chamomile and Cinnamon Latte

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spring or pure water
• 8 ounces milk (dairy, coconut, almond, or rice milk)
• 1 handful fresh chamomile flowers
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat water in a medium saucepan until it comes to a rapid boil.

2. Remove from heat and add in chamomile flowers. Steep for 5 minutes.

3. Add maple syrup and cinnamon.

4. Heat and froth the milk. The easiest way to do this is to use a milk frother on an espresso machine or a hand frother. If you don’t have one, heat the milk in a separate saucepan and whisk vigorously. Keep whisking until small bubbles form and the milk becomes foamy.

5. Combine the water infusion and milk into a cup. Add a dollop of the milk foam to the top of the mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

4. Chamomile Ginger Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger
• 2 cups fresh chamomile flowers
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 freshly squeezed lemons
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Use a medium saucepan to bring water to a rapid boil. Remove from heat and cool for 1 minute.

2. Add ginger, chamomile flowers, honey, and lemons. Steep for 1 hour or until pan returns to room temperature.

3. Strain the tea into a large glass pitcher using a fine mesh strainer. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

4. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh chamomile flower if desired.

5. Chamomile Hot Toddy

Swarm up in winter months with a hot chamomile beverage. This recipe calls for alcohol so make sure to only serve to adults or swap out the alcohol with cider for a kid-friendly option.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers
• 2 tablespoons dark alcohol (whiskey, bourbon, or brandy work best)
• 1/2 lemon - juiced
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Add the liquor, lemon juice, and honey to a mug. Mix well.

2. Heat the water in a small saucepan until boiling. Turn off heat and add in chamomile flowers. Steep for 5 minutes.

3. Strain the chamomile flowers using a fine mesh strainer and pour the hot infusion into the mug with honey and alcohol.

4. Garnish with a slice of lemon or cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Sip Your Way to Relaxation With Chamomile

There's nothing quite as delicious and satisfying as homemade chamomile tea. You'll brew up the perfect batch every time with these great tips and recipes. Chamomile tea is easy to brew, making it a good option whether you're an expert tea drinker or a novice. Brew up a hot version to warm up and unwind or relax with a refreshing glass of iced chamomile tea.