A Brief History of Chamomile

Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years across ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Today it remains one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in the world — and for good reason. Its gentle, apple-scented flowers are packed with active compounds that have been studied for a range of wellness applications.

The Two Types of Chamomile

When you buy chamomile tea or grow it in your garden, you're likely dealing with one of two species:

  • German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): The most common variety used in teas and herbal medicine. It has a higher concentration of active compounds like apigenin and bisabolol.
  • Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Shorter and more sprawling; often used as a ground cover. Its flavour is slightly more bitter and it's also used medicinally, though less commonly than German chamomile.

Traditional and Wellness Uses

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use for a variety of purposes. While it's not a substitute for medical care, many people find it a useful part of their wellness routine:

Supporting Relaxation and Sleep

Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to certain receptors in the brain associated with relaxation. A cup of chamomile tea in the evening is a well-established folk remedy for unwinding before bed, and several small studies have explored this traditional use.

Digestive Comfort

Chamomile has traditionally been used to soothe an unsettled stomach, ease bloating, and support digestion. It's often recommended as a gentle after-dinner tea, particularly for those who experience discomfort from rich foods.

Soothing Topical Use

Cooled chamomile tea has long been used as a gentle wash for minor skin irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient in natural skincare. A cooled chamomile tea bag placed over tired eyes is a well-known home remedy.

Mild Anxiety Support

Some herbalists recommend chamomile as a mild nervine — a herb that soothes the nervous system. It's often blended with other calming herbs like lemon balm and passionflower for this purpose.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup

  1. Use quality flowers: Loose dried chamomile flowers produce a richer brew than most teabags. If you grow your own, harvest flowers when fully open and dry them at low heat.
  2. Measure: Use about 1 heaped teaspoon (2–3 g) of dried flowers per cup, or 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers.
  3. Water temperature: Use water that's just off the boil — around 90–95°C. Boiling water can destroy delicate aromatic compounds.
  4. Steep time: Cover your cup and steep for 5–10 minutes. A longer steep produces a more intense, slightly bitter brew.
  5. Strain and enjoy: Add honey or a slice of lemon if desired. Chamomile pairs well with a small amount of fresh ginger for a warming blend.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

Chamomile is generally considered safe for most adults when consumed as a tea in normal amounts. However:

  • People with ragweed or daisy allergies should use chamomile cautiously, as it belongs to the same plant family (Asteraceae).
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood-thinning medications, consult a healthcare professional before consuming chamomile regularly.
  • Chamomile is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have persistent health concerns, speak with a qualified practitioner.

Growing Your Own Chamomile

Chamomile is easy to grow from seed and thrives in well-drained soil with full sun. It self-seeds freely, meaning once established, it tends to return year after year. Harvest flowers in the morning when they're fully open, and dry them spread out in a single layer in a warm, airy spot away from direct sunlight.