Herbal Tea Series: Chamomile Tea Benefits: A Brew for Calm and Sleep

Astrid van Essen
Jun 2
3 min read

Updated: Jun 8

I didn’t always appreciate chamomile. For the longest time, I considered it the bland option in a box of mixed teas. But once I started drying my herbs and brewing loose teas, everything changed.

It’s the cup I reach for when I need to slow down, especially in the evening.

Chamomile tea is one of the most familiar herbal teas, and for good reason: It has so many benefits. It’s gentle, floral, and incredibly soothing. Whether you drink it to wind down before bed or to settle your stomach, it’s a quiet little ritual worth revisiting.

What Is Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile plant, both commonly referred to as chamomile. The flavour is delicate: slightly sweet with apple-like notes, so chamomile is sometimes nicknamed “ground apple.”

dried chamomile flowers in a cup and fresh chamomile flowers next to a teapot, light bright modern kitchen — Herbal Tea Series: Chamomile Tea Benefits: A Brew for Calm and Sleep

It’s been used in herbal traditions for centuries, particularly across Europe, as a calming remedy for everything from digestive upsets to sleep problems.

Chamomile Tea Benefits

a hand holding several small camomile flowers with green grass in the background — Chamomile Tea Benefits

Chamomile’s popularity isn’t just about taste. This little daisy-like flower has an impressive range of benefits:

Promotes Relaxation and Sleep
- Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that binds to receptors in the brain and may help reduce anxiety and encourage sleepiness.
Eases Digestive Discomfort
- It’s often used to soothe bloating, nausea, and mild cramping. A warm cup after dinner works wonders.
Soothes Skin and Inflammation
- Chamomile tea (drunk or cooled and applied topically) has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help calm skin flare-ups and irritation.
Gentle Support for Anxiety
- While not a substitute for treatment, many people find that chamomile helps take the edge off a stressful day.

How to Make Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers (or a teabag)
250 ml freshly boiled water
Optional: a drizzle of honey or a dash of cinnamon

Method:

Add the chamomile to your teapot or mug.
Pour over hot water (just off the boil).
Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes.
Strain if using loose flowers. Sip slowly.

Tip: Covering your tea while it steeps helps trap the essential oils—more flavour and more benefits.

Precautions & Notes

Chamomile is considered very safe for most people, but a few things are worth mentioning:

If you have a ragweed allergy, you might also react to chamomile.
Best avoided during pregnancy unless advised by a professional.
Use only food-grade dried chamomile—garden varieties may not be suitable.

A Little Evening Ritual

I usually make chamomile tea before bed, especially if my brain won’t switch off. I’ll brew a cup, dim the lights, and sit under a blanket with a book. It’s nothing fancy, but it works every time.

For an extra calming touch, I sometimes add lavender or lemon balm. And if there’s any tea left over, I save it to use as a facial rinse in the morning. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties are lovely for the skin.