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Get one-shot insight into ways to make chamomile tea and reap the benefits of good sleep and stress relief. It is caffeine-free and has a very subtle soothing aroma that promotes relaxation.
The above image shows three ways to make this tea: plain tea, milk tea, and iced tea.
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I came across chamomile tea while researching herbal teas, and these cute dry flowers always intrigued me. I finally got my hands on these in Egypt at a local store while buying dried hibiscus tea.
I wanted to know everything about it and try everything I could do with this new ingredient.
Benefits
Chamomile tea is most popular for sleep problems. Other benefits include relief from menstrual cramps, reduced inflammation, and relief from cold symptoms.
It's a fun flavor that can replace caffeine tea at night, and give something warm to sip that also helps wind down and sleep better.
Caution: Chamomile leaves are used for medicinal purposes. While moderate use is safe, avoid chamomile during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Also, if you are taking medicines for blood thinning or any sedatives or other mental health-related medications like anti-depressants or anti-convulsants, then avoid this tea as it can interact.
Ingredients
I'll be exploring three ways to make this homemade chamomile tea.
- Chamomile tea made with water is the most popular way to take it.
- However, adding milk is a natural choice for those who enjoy having milk before sleeping. Adding milk to make a chamomile milk tea also enhances the tea's sleep-promoting properties.
- In the warm season, an iced chamomile tea is far more enjoyed than warm tea.
In this post, I’d discuss the basic use of chamomile. Do check the variations section, as so much is possible to do with this tea.
- Dried Chamomile: These are the stars of the show, typically found as small, light-colored dried flower heads. They are responsible for the tea's subtle aroma and calming properties.
- Honey: I used honey to complement the chamomile's mild flavor. Other sweeteners like sugar, maple syrup or jaggery could also be used.
- Water: This is the essential base for brewing any tea.
- Milk (if making milk tea): To make the latte, I used full-fat cream milk. You can alternatively use non-dairy milk, like nut milk or oat milk.
- Ice cubes (if making iced tea)
Where to buy it?
You can get chamomile as loose dried flowers or chamomile tea bags. It is native to North Africa and Europe. I bought mine from Cairo, Egypt, which is popular for producing high-quality chamomile tea harvested from the Nile River delta.
Other places that produce good chamomile tea leaves include Germany. German chamomile and Roman chamomile both have similar culinary uses but slightly different medical uses. For teabags, I have heard good reviews about Adagio and Stash teabags.
How to make tea?
You can enjoy the chamomile tea recipe in three simple ways: plain, with milk, or as a soothing iced tea.
For Plain Tea
Boil water and remove it from the heat. Add dried chamomile flowers and steep for 5 minutes.
Strain into a mug and stir in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.
For milk tea
Heat milk or a mix of milk and water until bubbling hot in a tea kettle. Remove from heat. Add dried chamomile leaves and cover the pot with a lid.
Brew the tea for 5 minutes. Add sweetener to taste, strain through a fine mesh strainer. Pour into a mug and serve. Adjust the water-to-milk ratio if you prefer a lighter drink and find milk too heavy.
For iced tea
This versatile beverage can also be enjoyed chilled. To make iced tea, brew the chamomile in very little hot water for 5 minutes. Add the sweetener to the warm tea.
Strain and add cold milk and ice cubes, and serve chilled with a dash of ground cinnamon.
Since adding ice will water it down significantly, if you richer and creamier result, consider blending the brewed tea with ice and a handful of cashews or adding some cream.
How to store?
If storing dried flowers, simply place them in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. Make sure it is not a humid place. If you want them to take less space, you can grind dried chamomile into powder as well.
Variations
If making this chamomile tea recipe for cold relief or a sore throat, consider adding other ingredients like ginger or lemon juice.
If making this tea on warm summer nights, consider adding cold milk and ice to make a chilled chamomile iced tea.
Use chamomile in desserts like ice cream and frappes, along with caramel or honey. Just avoid mixing stronger flavors with it.
If you love the soft aroma of this flower, you'll have to try Chamomile Lemonade. Just brew the tea and use the water to make lemonade. Add tons of ice.
Other popular flavor combos are with lavender tea, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks.
FAQS
Chamomile tea is renowned for its calming and sleep-promoting effects, thanks to the antioxidant apigenin. It also aids digestion, reduces stress, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits for issues like menstrual discomfort and cold symptoms.
While generally safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions (especially if allergic to related plants). In rare cases, large amounts might cause nausea or drowsiness. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on certain medications, should consult a doctor before consuming chamomile tea.
It has a mild, floral, and slightly sweet taste with subtle apple or hay-like notes. The longer you steep it, the more intense the flavor will become.
No, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. It's made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, which does not contain caffeine, making it an ideal beverage before bedtime.
Thirsty for soothing tea? Check these!
- Ginger Green Tea Recipe
- Lavender Tea
- Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea
- Hibiscus tea
If you try this recipe, I'd LOVE to hear your feedback in the comments. Your 5-ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube.
📖 Recipe
Chamomile Tea Recipe
Ingredients
For Plain Chamomile tea
- 1 cup water, Use ¼ of water if making milk tea or iced tea.
- 2 teaspoons dried chamomile flower or a teabag
- 2 teaspoons honey, or other sweetener of choice, adjust to taste.
Add-in for Chamomile Milk Tea
- ¾ cup full fat milk, or any nondairy milk
- A dash of cinnamon powder, to serve
Add-in for Chamomile Iced Tea
- ½ cup ice cubes
Instructions
For Chamomile Tea
- Boil water in a vessel until it is bubbling. Remove from the heat and add chamomile tea. Cover the vessel with a lid.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey. Serve hot.
For Chamomile Milk Tea
- Combine water and milk in a vessel and bring it to a boil. Protip: Adjust milk and water ratio as per preference.
- Remove the vessel from the heat and add chamomile tea. Brew the tea for 5 minutes.
- Then, strain the tea into a cup. Add honey and serve with a dash of cinnamon powder.
For Chamomile Iced Tea
- Boil a little water in a vessel until it bubbles. Remove from the heat and add chamomile tea. Cover the vessel with a lid and brew tea for 5 minutes.
- Add honey to warm tea and stir until dissolved. Now add cold milk to the vessel. Protip: Ice tea might need extra sweetener, adjust to taste.
- Fill half of a glass with ice cubes and strain the tea into the glass. Stir and serve. Protip: If you like creamier ice tea, consider adding cream or blend of cashew.
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