Benefits of chamomile tea
Aside from being a tasty tea ingredient, chamomile also has plenty of health benefits.
1. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory properties, and drinking chamomile tea has been shown to reduce symptoms of inflammation. If you suffer from a chronic inflammatory condition like arthritis, chamomile can help to soothe pain and make you more comfortable.
2. Soothes cold symptoms
A cup of chamomile tea is also a great herbal remedy for the common cold! Studies have shown that chamomile can be beneficial in reducing cold symptoms when you’re feeling under the weather.
3. Good for your heart
Chamomile contains beneficial properties that are good for your heart. While studies concerning chamomile’s heart-healthy potential are still ongoing, research suggests that consuming chamomile tea may be helpful for those who suffer from illnesses like coronary heart disease.
4. Helps with digestion
A cup of chamomile tea after a rich meal can help to aid in digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Chamomile has been shown to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, ward off bloating and gas, and contribute to overall gastrointestinal health.
5. Good for sleep
Having trouble falling asleep at night? Chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a sleep and relaxation aid. Chamomile tea has a mild sedative effect that is great for inducing sleep. After you fall asleep, chamomile can help to improve sleep quality so that you wake up rested and refreshed. Chamomile has also been shown to help sleep quality problems associated with depression and other mental health issues.
6. Reduces anxiety
A cup of chamomile tea can also help to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, and makes a soothing, aromatic cup of tea that’s perfect for any time of day. Since chamomile is also a very mild sedative, it can help you to calm down both physically and mentally.
7. Soothes sore throats
Studies have shown that chamomile tea can help to soothe sore throats and reduce hoarseness. A dollop of honey in a cup of chamomile tea is especially beneficial, since honey also contains soothing, antimicrobial properties.
8. Good for your immune system
Drinking chamomile may also be good for your immune system. While studies concerning chamomile’s many benefits are still ongoing, recent research indicates that chamomile may contain antibacterial properties that can help to ward off illness and keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
About chamomile tea
Chamomile has been used as a folk remedy and soothing herbal infusion for hundreds of years. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all revered chamomile for its medicinal properties, and today chamomile is still used around the world for its soothing, nourishing effects. The English word “chamomile” is derived from the Greek word khamaimēlon, meaning “earth apple,” which refers to chamomile’s characteristic apple-like sweetness.
While “chamomile” can refer to a number of different similar flowering plants, chamomile used for tea is typically grown from either the Roman Chamomile plant or the German Chamomile plant. Chamomile can also be used in beer and wine making or as an essential oil.
Today, chamomile used for tea is often grown in Egypt. Egyptian chamomile is of extremely high quality, and is notable for its natural sweetness. While commercial chamomile found in teabags or sachets is often made of broken dust and fannings leftover from the largest flower heads, high-quality chamomile is distinguished by its large, fragrant flower heads and exceptional flavor.
Brewing chamomile teas
To prepare chamomile herbal tea, we recommend using about one heaping teaspoon of tea leaves for every six ounces of water in your pot or cup. Full-flower chamomile teas can often be very light and fluffy, so it’s okay to add a little more tea if necessary. Heat water to a full boil, then infuse your tea for about five minutes. Enjoy chamomile tea on its own, or add a spoonful of honey for a little extra sweetness.
Our chamomile teas
At ArtfulTea we carry three teas that contain chamomile, including our single-ingredient Egyptian Chamomile as well as two other herbal blends, Lavender Lullaby and Honeybush Hot Cider.
1. Egyptian Chamomile Herbal Tea
Our Egyptian Chamomile is a single-ingredient herbal tea of exceptional quality, with large, fragrant chamomile flower heads sourced from Egypt. The tea brews up into a lovely gold-colored infusion, with a mellow natural sweetness and notes of straw, honey, and apples. Naturally caffeine-free, this tea is delicious on its own, and also goes great with a dollop of honey for a sweet, soothing treat.
2. Lavender Lullaby Herbal Tea
Blended by hand in our Santa Fe shop, our Lavender Lullaby is a custom blend specially designed to help you get to sleep at night. The tea blends high quality Egyptian Chamomile with lavender, rose petals, sweet orange peel, and calendula petals. This handcrafted organic herbal infusion helps soothe away the day to promote more peaceful rest.
3. Honeybush Hot Cider Herbal Tea
Honeybush Hot Cider is a cozy, soothing herbal tea with base of honeybush, which is a cousin to South African rooibos. Honeybush is blended with apple, cinnamon, orange peel, and licorice root for a mulled cider-inspired tea that’s full of warming, nourishing goodness. While this tea is especially popular in the fall, we think it’s great all year round!
FAQs
Does chamomile tea have caffeine?
Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. This soothing herbal tea is a great choice if you’re looking for a tea that won’t keep you up at night.
Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Chamomile contains soothing, relaxing properties that can help you to fall asleep at night. Chamomile can also help to improve the quality of your sleep so that you wake well-rested and refreshed.
What does chamomile tea taste like?
Chamomile tea has a mild, floral, slightly sweet taste. It can be enjoyed on its own, or with a dollop of honey. Chamomile is also featured as an ingredient in herbal tea blends.
Are chamomile tea and manzanilla tea the same?
Chamomile and manzanilla are two words for the same plant. Manzanilla is the Spanish word for chamomile.
