How to Make Chamomile Tea: The Method, the Apple Aroma, and What to Pair It With

By Suhail Rivera, JD, founder of Alkaline Herb Shop

To make chamomile tea, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of whole dried chamomile flowers to 8 ounces of boiling water, cover, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then strain. Whole flowers give a softer, fuller cup than a tea bag, and covering keeps the delicate aroma in the water. That is the whole method. The rest of this guide covers what it tastes like, what to pair it with, and who should not drink it.

How to make chamomile tea, step by step

1. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of whole dried chamomile flowers to an 8 ounce cup.
2. Pour boiling water over them.
3. Cover and steep 3 to 5 minutes. A longer steep deepens the flavour but can turn it slightly bitter, so start short.
4. Strain and drink.

What does chamomile tea taste like?

Soft, sweet and floral, with an aroma many people compare to apple. In fact the Spanish name, manzanilla, means little apple, a nod to that scent. It is one of the gentlest teas there is, golden in the cup and mild enough to drink plain.

What to pair with chamomile

Chamomile takes beautifully to other soft flavours. A pinch of lavender makes a floral evening cup, a little spearmint brightens it, and a drop of vanilla rounds it out. If you like it sweet, a little maple syrup or agave suits it. It also blends well into homemade tea mixes.

Does chamomile tea have caffeine?

No. Chamomile is naturally caffeine free, which is why it is such a popular evening cup.

What is chamomile, or manzanilla?

Chamomile is the small daisy-like flower of Matricaria chamomilla, in the daisy family. Ours are whole organic or wildcrafted flowers from Egypt, dried and loose, with nothing added. Because they are whole flowers rather than a tea bag, you control the strength and can use them in blends and infusions too. We make no health claims for it. Drink it because it is a gentle, caffeine free, softly floral cup.

Who should not drink chamomile tea

• Chamomile is in the daisy family, Asteraceae, alongside ragweed, marigold and echinacea. If you are allergic to any of those, you may react to it.
• Do not use it during pregnancy or while nursing.
• It is not recommended for anyone under 18.
• If you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine, speak to your doctor first.

How to store dried chamomile

Keep it sealed and away from heat and light to protect the delicate aroma. Kept dry and closed, the flowers stay good for a couple of years.

Where to get it

Our whole chamomile flowers are organic or wildcrafted from Egypt, just the dried flowers with nothing added, ready to steep or blend.

Suhail Rivera is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop, which sources and sells the chamomile flowers described in this article.

Suhail Rivera is not a medical professional. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.