Chamomile Tea: Benefits, Uses & How to Make It

Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been used to calm anxiety and settle stomachs for thousands of years, long before anyone called it a “wellness trend.” That’s what makes it different from most viral health drinks. Chamomile tea has actual staying power, actual research behind it, and actual side effects worth knowing about too. Whether you’re drinking it for sleep, sipping it after a heavy meal, or just enjoy the mild, apple-like flavor, this guide covers everything real about chamomile tea, not just the marketing version.

In this guide you’ll learn:

  • The real, research-backed benefits of chamomile tea for sleep and digestion
  • The most common uses for chamomile tea beyond just drinking it
  • How to make chamomile tea at home and how long to steep it
  • The honest side effects and who should avoid chamomile tea
  • How chamomile compares to other herbal teas, and when to reach for something else

This guide is part of our full herbal tea series. If you’re still deciding which tea fits your needs, start with How to Choose Herbal Tea: Types, Benefits & Best Uses.


Key Takeaways

  • Chamomile tea benefits are best documented for sleep, where a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found measurable improvement in sleep quality.
  • Chamomile is generally considered safe, but it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.
  • Chamomile has mild blood-thinning properties and may interact with blood thinners, sedatives, and certain hormone-related medications.
  • The standard way to make chamomile tea at home uses 1 teaspoon of dried flowers per 8 ounces of just-boiled water, steeped 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid chamomile due to limited safety data and a theoretical risk around uterine contractions.

What Is Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is defined as an herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, most commonly German chamomile, steeped in hot water. It’s naturally caffeine-free and has been used as a traditional remedy to calm anxiety and settle stomachs for centuries.

There are two main types used in wellness products. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the type most commonly used in tea and supplements, while Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is used more often as a mild flavoring in other foods and drinks. The active compounds behind chamomile’s effects include flavonoids like apigenin, along with essential oils such as bisabolol and chamazulene.

chamomile tea benefits for sleep and digestion]


Chamomile Tea Benefits for Sleep

Is chamomile tea good for sleep? Yes, chamomile is the most researched herbal tea for sleep, and a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found it measurably improved sleep quality in participants, though individual studies show mixed results in how strong that effect actually is.

What the Research Shows

A 2016 randomized controlled trial followed 80 postpartum women and found that those who drank chamomile tea daily for two weeks slept significantly better and reported fewer depressive symptoms than the control group. A separate trial in elderly adults found that drinking chamomile tea twice a day for four weeks reduced how long it took participants to fall asleep and cut down on nighttime awakenings.

Not every study agrees on the size of the effect. The Merck Manual notes that chamomile may help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality, but the effects are likely to be small. Chamomile’s calming action is generally attributed to apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to certain brain receptors and promotes relaxation, though according to Evinature it does this without causing heavy sedation the way a true sleep medication would.

Pro Tip / Expert Insight: If you’re using chamomile tea for sleep, drink it 30 to 60 minutes before bed rather than right before lying down. Give the apigenin time to take effect, and give yourself time to use the bathroom before settling in.


Chamomile Tea Benefits for Digestion

Does chamomile tea help digestion? Chamomile has traditionally been used to settle upset stomachs, and its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties are thought to help ease mild digestive discomfort, though it can occasionally cause the opposite effect in some people.

Chamomile contains flavonoids and terpenoids with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties, which is the traditional basis for using it to calm the digestive tract. One laboratory study even found that polysaccharides from chamomile tea increased the effectiveness of a standard antiparasitic medication against the parasite Giardia intestinalis, though this was a lab-based finding and not a reason to self-treat a parasitic infection with tea.

Here’s the honest caveat: chamomile doesn’t always sit well with everyone. According to Evinature, chamomile can paradoxically cause mild gastrointestinal tension, nausea, or dizziness in some individuals, and this is significantly more likely if it’s taken on an empty stomach. If chamomile tea has ever made your stomach feel worse instead of better, drinking it with a small snack rather than alone may help.


Other Chamomile Tea Uses

Beyond sleep and digestion, chamomile shows up in a surprising number of forms:

  1. Culinary use — Dried chamomile flowers are used to flavor soups, baked goods, jams, candies, and even ice cream and cocktails.
  2. Topical use — Chamomile is a common ingredient in skincare products and lotions, valued for its soothing properties.
  3. Aromatherapy — Inhaled chamomile essential oil is believed by some to help relieve anxiety and mild depression.
  4. Children’s use — Some parents use diluted chamomile products to help ease minor discomfort in infants and young children, though this should always be discussed with a pediatrician first.
  5. Garnish and decoration — Whole chamomile flowers are sometimes used as an edible garnish on desserts and drinks.

How to Make Chamomile Tea at Home

How do you make chamomile tea at home? Making chamomile tea at home is simple: steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers, or 3 to 4 fresh flower heads, in 8 ounces of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

Step-by-Step: Chamomile Tea Method

  1. Measure your chamomile — Use 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers per 8-ounce cup.
  2. Bring water just off the boil — Around 195 to 205°F works well for chamomile’s delicate flowers.
  3. Pour water over the chamomile in a mug, teapot, or directly over a tea infuser or fine mesh strainer.
  4. Cover the cup to trap the aromatic oils that would otherwise escape as steam.
  5. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, tasting around the 5-minute mark if you prefer a milder cup.
  6. Strain and serve, adding honey or a small amount of lemon if desired.

For the full breakdown of ratios, fresh versus dried herb amounts, and blending chamomile with other herbs, see our complete guide, How to Make Herbal Tea.


How Long to Steep Chamomile Tea

How long should you steep chamomile tea? Chamomile tea should steep for 5 to 10 minutes, longer than most people expect, since chamomile flowers release their calming compounds slowly and contain no tannins, meaning it won’t turn bitter the way green or black tea does when over-steeped.

This is actually good news for beginners. Unlike green tea, where an extra minute can ruin the cup, chamomile is forgiving. If you like a stronger, more sedative cup before bed, steeping closer to 10 minutes, or even using a slightly heaped teaspoon, is a safe way to intensify the effect without any bitterness risk.


Chamomile Tea Side Effects

What are the side effects of chamomile tea? Chamomile is generally considered safe, but it can cause allergic reactions, mild blood-thinning effects, and drug interactions in certain people, according to WebMD, NCCIH, and the Merck Manual.

Who Should Be Cautious With Chamomile Tea

  • People with ragweed or daisy family allergies — According to NCCIH, people are more likely to have an allergic reaction to chamomile if they’re allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
  • People taking blood thinners — Chamomile contains natural coumarins, which have mild blood-thinning properties, and the Merck Manual notes it may increase the effects of anticoagulant medications.
  • People taking sedatives — Chamomile may add to the effects of sedative medications, including alcohol and certain anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
  • People on hormone-related medications — The Merck Manual states chamomile could interfere with tamoxifen, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen-containing birth control.
  • People scheduled for surgery — Several sources recommend stopping chamomile at least two weeks before a scheduled procedure due to its effect on bleeding.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women — Most sources advise avoiding chamomile during pregnancy due to limited safety data and a theoretical risk of uterine contractions.

Common, milder side effects include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, particularly at higher doses. According to NCCIH, chamomile is likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in teas and other foods, which means a normal daily cup carries a much lower risk profile than concentrated extracts or supplements.

Pro Tip: If you’ve never had chamomile before and you’re allergic to ragweed, start with a small amount, like half a cup, and watch for any itching, sneezing, or skin irritation before drinking a full cup.


Chamomile vs Other Herbal Teas

Herbal Tea Best Known For Steep Time Bitterness Risk Caution
Chamomile Sleep, relaxation 5–10 minutes None Ragweed allergy, blood thinners
Peppermint Digestion 5–8 minutes Low Generally well tolerated
Ginger Nausea relief 8–10 minutes Low High doses may cause heartburn
Hibiscus Heart health support 5–8 minutes Low May lower blood pressure further in those on medication
Passionflower Anxiety, sleep 5–8 minutes None Limited data in pregnancy

Winner: Chamomile remains the most well-rounded choice for anyone starting with herbal tea for sleep, thanks to its long history of use and the strongest body of research among calming herbal teas, but it’s not automatically the right choice for someone with a ragweed allergy or someone on blood thinners, which is why matching the tea to your own health profile matters more than picking the most popular option.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of chamomile tea?

Chamomile tea’s best-documented benefit is improved sleep quality, supported by a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials. It’s also traditionally used to ease mild digestive discomfort and support relaxation, thanks to compounds like apigenin.

Is chamomile tea good for sleep?

Yes, chamomile is considered one of the best-studied herbal teas for sleep, with research showing it can improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime awakenings. The effect is generally described as mild rather than a strong sedative.

How do you make chamomile tea at home?

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in 8 ounces of hot water, just off the boil, for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Covering the cup while it steeps helps trap the aromatic oils for a stronger flavor.

How long should you steep chamomile tea?

Chamomile tea should steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Unlike green or black tea, chamomile has no tannins, so it won’t turn bitter even if you steep it on the longer end.

What are the side effects of chamomile tea?

The most common side effect is an allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. Chamomile can also have mild blood-thinning effects and may interact with sedatives, blood thinners, and certain hormone medications.

Can pregnant women drink chamomile tea?

Most health sources recommend pregnant women avoid chamomile tea due to limited safety data and a theoretical risk of uterine contractions. Always check with a doctor before using chamomile during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does chamomile tea interact with medications?

Yes, chamomile may interact with blood thinners, sedatives, and hormone-related medications like tamoxifen or birth control. If you take any prescription medication regularly, it’s worth checking with a doctor before drinking chamomile tea daily.

Can chamomile tea help with digestion?

Chamomile has traditionally been used to calm the digestive tract thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, though it can occasionally cause mild nausea in some people, especially on an empty stomach. If chamomile tea upsets your stomach, try drinking it with a small snack.


Conclusion

Chamomile tea earns its reputation, but not without some real fine print. The sleep benefits are genuinely backed by research, its digestive use is well supported by tradition and its anti-inflammatory compounds, and it’s simple to make at home with just dried flowers and hot water. At the same time, chamomile tea isn’t risk-free for everyone. Anyone with a ragweed allergy, anyone on blood thinners or sedatives, and pregnant women should approach it carefully.

Next Steps:

  • Try a cup of chamomile tea 30 to 60 minutes before bed and give it at least two to three weeks to judge the sleep effect.
  • If you have known plant allergies, start with a small amount and watch for reactions before drinking a full cup.
  • Explore other options in our guide, How to Choose Herbal Tea: Types, Benefits & Best Uses, if chamomile isn’t the right fit for you.

Author Bio

Written by a certified herbalist and wellness writer with over 10 years of experience formulating and testing herbal tea blends for small-batch tea brands. She has taught herbal tea workshops at community wellness centers and contributed brewing guides to regional health and lifestyle publications. This article is based on a review of peer-reviewed clinical research and licensed health publications including WebMD, NCCIH, and the Merck Manual.


Sources & References

  1. WebMD, “Chamomile: Benefits and Side Effects.”
  2. NCCIH (National Institutes of Health), “Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety.”
  3. Merck Manual Consumer Version, “Chamomile – Special Subjects.“
  4. Sleep Foundation, “Does Chamomile Tea Help You Sleep?”
  5. PubMed, “Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial,” 2016.
  6. Healthline, “5 Benefits of Chamomile Tea.”
  7. Harvard Health, “The health benefits of 3 herbal teas.”

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