Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world. It is easy to make. It has a gentle floral flavor. And it is naturally caffeine-free.
Many people drink a warm cup of chamomile tea to relax at night. Others enjoy it after a stressful day. It is a true comfort drink — simple and soothing.
You only need a few things to make your own chamomile tea at home. You can use fresh chamomile flowers from your garden. You can use dried chamomile flowers from your pantry. Or you can use a chamomile tea bag. No fancy tools needed.
In this guide, you will learn how to make chamomile tea step by step. You will also learn how to use fresh and dried flowers, how to improve the flavor, and how to brew the best cup every time.
What Is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion. It is made from the flower heads of the chamomile plant. This makes it a tisane, not a true tea. True tea comes from the tea plant. Chamomile does not.
The two most common types are German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile. German chamomile is used most often for herbal tea and commercial tea bags. It has a mild, floral taste with soft apple-like undertones.
Unlike black tea or green tea, chamomile tea does not contain any leaves from a tea plant. It contains no caffeine. That is why so many tea drinkers reach for it at bedtime.
Chamomile is easy to grow at home. If you enjoy gardening, growing chamomile in your yard means you will always have fresh chamomile flowers ready to harvest.
What You Will Need
Making chamomile tea at home is simple.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers or 2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers
- 1 cup (8 oz) hot water
- Honey to sweeten (optional)
- Lemon (optional)
Equipment
- Tea infuser, fine mesh strainer, or teapot
- Kettle or saucepan
- Mug or bowl
How to Make Chamomile Tea at Home
To make chamomile tea, place 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers or 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers in a cup. Pour 8 oz of hot water over the flowers, cover, and steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm.
This basic recipe works well for most people. It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Step 1: Heat the Water
Pour fresh water into your kettle. Heat the water to around 200°F (93°C). This is just below boiling. If you do not have a thermometer, boil the water. Then let it sit for one minute before using it.
Step 2: Add the Chamomile
Place your chamomile blossoms into a tea infuser. You can also add them directly to your mug or teapot. Use 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile tea or 2 tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers per cup.
No infuser? Make a makeshift tea bag. Wrap your flowers in a small piece of cheesecloth. Tie it closed. It works just as well as a teabag.
Step 3: Pour the Water
Pour 8 oz of boiling water slowly over the flowers. You will notice the sweet, floral aroma right away. This is a good sign.
Step 4: Steep the Tea
Let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor.
- Steep for 5 minutes for a mild taste
- Steep for 7 to 8 minutes for a balanced cup
- Steep for 10 minutes if you want to make tea stronger
Cover your mug while it steeps. This traps the oils from the petals and keeps more flavor in the cup.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Remove the infuser. Or pour your tea through a fine mesh strainer into your mug. Add honey or lemon if you like. Drink it warm.
How to Make Chamomile Tea With Dried Flowers
Dried chamomile tea is the easiest option for most people. You can buy dried chamomile flowers at grocery stores or health food shops. They store well in an airtight container away from heat.
Short shelf life warning: Dried herbs lose flavor after 6 to 12 months. Always smell your dried chamomile before brewing. Fresh-smelling flowers make better tea.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup (8 oz) hot water
Instructions:
- Place 3–4 tbsp dried chamomile in your infuser for a stronger brew, or use 1 tablespoon for a lighter cup.
- Boil the water, then let it cool for one minute.
- Pour over the flowers.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Serve warm.
Dried chamomile blossoms produce a stronger, more concentrated flavor than fresh ones. The drying process pulls the moisture out of each flower head. This makes the natural oils more potent.
How to Make Chamomile Tea From Fresh Chamomile Flowers
Fresh flower tea has a lighter taste. The aroma is softer and more delicate. If you are growing chamomile at home, pick flowers that are fully open.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers
- 1 cup (8 oz) hot water
Instructions:
- Rinse the fresh chamomile flowers gently under cool water.
- Place the flower heads into a teapot or cup.
- Pour hot water over the blossoms.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
Many gardeners say that a cup of chamomile tea made with fresh flowers from their own garden is one of the most rewarding things about growing chamomile. It is hard to argue with that.
How Long Should You Steep Chamomile Tea?
Steeping time changes everything about your cup.
| Strength | Steep Time |
|---|---|
| Mild | 5 minutes |
| Medium | 7 minutes |
| Strong | 10 minutes |
Steep for 5 minutes if you want something gentle. Steep for 10 minutes if you want a bolder, more concentrated cup. Do not go past 10 minutes. Over-steeping makes chamomile tea taste bitter.
Most people find that 7 to 8 minutes is the sweet spot. The flavor is full but not harsh.
How to Make Chamomile Tea for Better Sleep
Chamomile tea is brewed for relaxation all over the world. It has been used for centuries as a calming bedtime drink. Apigenin, a natural compound found in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), binds to receptors in the brain that help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
A 2017 study published in Phytomedicine found that long-term chamomile extract use was linked to reduced generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. That is real science behind this warm and soothing drink.
Learn more about the full benefits of chamomile and why it remains one of the most popular medicinal herbs.
Bedtime Chamomile Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew your chamomile tea as usual.
- Steep for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey if you like.
- Drink 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
Chamomile flowers and mint also work well together in this recipe. Add a few fresh mint leaves while steeping for a calming herbal blend that also aids digestion.
How to Make Chamomile Tea Taste Better
Some people love the plain floral taste. Others want to add something extra. Here are simple ways to improve your cup.
Add Honey
Honey is the most natural match for chamomile. It adds sweetness without covering the floral notes. Raw honey works best.
Add Lemon
A small squeeze of lemon brightens the whole cup. It adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
Add Cinnamon
A pinch of cinnamon makes chamomile feel warm and spiced. It is especially good on cold nights.
Add Lavender
A small pinch of dried lavender pairs well with chamomile blossoms. It deepens the floral quality and adds a relaxing effect.
Add Peppermint
Peppermint tea and chamomile are a classic pairing. Add a few dried peppermint leaves while you steep. The result is a cool, refreshing herbal tea that also helps with digestion.
Can You Add Milk to Chamomile Tea?
Yes. It is not traditional, but it works.
To make a creamy chamomile drink:
- Brew chamomile tea using fresh or dried flowers.
- Heat the milk separately in a small saucepan. Remove from heat before it boils.
- Add the warm milk to your brewed tea.
- Sweeten with honey if you like.
This makes a gentle herbal latte. It is warm, creamy, and especially comforting on cool evenings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Water That Is Too Hot
Boiling water can dull the delicate flavor of chamomile petals. Let it cool for one minute after boiling. Then pour your tea.
Over-Steeping
More time does not always mean better flavor. Past 10 minutes, bitterness takes over.
Using Too Few Flowers
Weak chamomile tea is almost always caused by using too little chamomile. Do not be shy with your flowers.
Poor Storage
Store dried chamomile flowers in an airtight container. Keep them away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Proper storage extends their shelf life and protects the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink Chamomile Tea Every Day?
Yes. Most healthy adults can enjoy a cup of chamomile tea daily without any issues. It is gentle, caffeine-free, and easy on the stomach.
Can I Reuse Chamomile Flowers?
You can steep the same flowers a second time. The second cup will be lighter. Think of it as a bonus mild cup rather than a full brew.
Is Fresh or Dried Chamomile Better for Tea?
Both work well. Fresh chamomile flowers give you a lighter, more delicate cup. Dried chamomile flowers give you a stronger, more concentrated flavor. It comes down to what you have available and what you prefer.
Can I Drink Chamomile Tea Cold?
Yes. Brew it hot, let it cool, then pour it over ice. It makes a refreshing herbal iced tea.
Is Chamomile Tea Safe for Children?
Chamomile tea is generally considered safe for children in small amounts. However, parents should speak with a pediatrician before giving herbal tea to infants, toddlers, or children with health conditions.
The Last Word on Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the easiest homemade chamomile tea recipes you will ever make. Two tablespoons of fresh chamomile or one tablespoon of dried chamomile, hot water, five minutes of steeping — that is it.
You do not need a fancy setup. A kettle, a fine mesh strainer, and good flowers are all it takes. Start with the basic recipe. Then try adding mint, honey, or lavender once you know what you like.
Pick up some dried chamomile flowers this week, brew your first cup tonight, and find out why this simple blossom has been soothing people for thousands of years.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.
References
- Hieu, T.H. et al. (2017). Chamomile extract and anxiety disorder outcomes. Phytomedicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.12.009
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Chamomile. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
Researches medicinal plants, herbal wellness, and sustainable gardening practices. Through Herbal Daily Care, she helps readers discover the benefits of growing and using herbs at home.
