Chamomile is one of my favourite herbs, but I am only now writing a post about it because in the past Ive had little success with growing it. I have been buying and using dried chamomile, but I currently have a lovely healthy plant out in the food forest, so Im going to tell you all about it (and maybe learn some tips for myself to keep it alive this time).
Chamomile is a delicate yet powerful medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. With its sweet, apple-like fragrance and pretty white petals, chamomile is easy to grow and has a multitude of uses around the home.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 brilliant ways to use chamomile so you can reap the many benefits of this calming herb.
1. Make Chamomile Tea
The most well-known use of chamomile is to make a soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea. Chamomile has been shown to help relieve anxiety, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and ease menstrual cramps.
To make chamomile tea, simply steep 2-3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers or 2-3 tea bags in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Sip a cup of chamomile tea to promote relaxation before bedtime or to calm nerves.
2. Prepare Chamomile Tincture
A chamomile tincture takes advantage of this herb’s medicinal qualities. To make it, fill a jar with dried chamomile flowers and pour in vodka or another high-proof spirit until the jar is full. Let this mixture steep for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After steeping, strain out the flowers through cheesecloth. The liquid remaining is the chamomile tincture, which can be taken in small doses to reduce anxiety or improve sleep.
3. Make Chamomile Sugar
Give baked goods a dose of chamomile’s comforting flavor and color by making chamomile sugar. Simply add dried chamomile flowers to a jar of sugar, allowing 1 tablespoon flowers per 1 cup of sugar. After 1-2 weeks, the sugar will take on a light green hue and delicate floral flavor. Use chamomile sugar to sweeten tea, sprinkle on top of scones or muffins, or stir into oatmeal.
4. Craft Chamomile Salt
For a soothing bath, create chamomile salt by combining sea salt or Epsom salt with dried chamomile flowers in a 1:2 ratio. For example, mix 1 cup salt with 2 tablespoons dried flowers. Mix the ingredients well and store in an airtight container away from moisture. A sprinkle of chamomile salt can turn an ordinary bath into a relaxing, aromatic soak. It also makes a great exfoliant.
5. Bake with Dried Chamomile Flowers
Add a few pinches of dried chamomile flowers to muffin, biscuit, or quick bread batters. The flowers add flecks of color and herbal flavor to baked goods. Or use chamomile sugar (above) in baking recipes. Chamomile pairs well with flavors like lemon, apples, honey, and vanilla.
6. Blend into Butter
Whip dried chamomile flowers into softened butter for a pretty herbal spread. Use a ratio of 2 teaspoons dried flowers per 1 cup of butter. Let the flavored butter chill in the fridge before spreading onto biscuits, scones, or toast. Floral chamomile butter is wonderful with honey.
7. Create Chamomile Vinegar
Chamomile-infused vinegar makes a nice addition to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. To craft your own, lightly bruise 1/4 cup of fresh chamomile flowers and place in a pint-sized jar. Heat 1 cup of apple cider or white wine vinegar just until steaming, then pour over the chamomile flowers. Cap the jar tightly and steep for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain out the flowers.
8. Concoct Chamomile Liqueur
For a soothing after-dinner drink, try making a chamomile liqueur. Place a handful of fresh chamomile blossoms in a mason jar and add 2 cups of vodka or brandy. Let infuse for 1 month, shaking every few days, then strain out the flowers. Combine the infused alcohol with 1 cup of simple syrup in a bottle. Enjoy this floral liqueur on its own or mixed into cocktails.
9. Craft Chamomile Soap
Harness the calming properties of chamomile by making chamomile soap. Prepare a simple soap using chamomile tea as your liquid and add dried chamomile flowers for exfoliation. Or incorporate chamomile-infused oil into cold process or hot process soap recipes. A touch of chamomile essential oil will provide aroma. Chamomile soap cleanses gently and leaves skin feeling soothed.
10. Produce Chamomile Lotion
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory qualities make it ideal for soothing lotions and creams. Prepare chamomile-infused oil by steeping dried flowers in sunflower, olive, or sweet almond oil. Strain and add to your favorite lotion or cream recipe. A simple whipped body butter of chamomile oil, shea butter, and beeswax makes skin feel nurtured. Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil for scent.
11. Make Chamomile Lip Balm
Whip up a batch of chamomile lip balm to moisturize, condition, and protect dry, chapped lips. Use chamomile-infused oil as one of your base ingredients, along with beeswax, shea or cocoa butter, and vitamin E oil. A touch of honey and chamomile essential oil adds extra healing powers. The balm will have a pretty green hue from the chamomile. Package in small tins or tubes.
12. Blend Chamomile Skin Toner
Tone and soothe sensitive complexions with a custom chamomile flower toner. Boil 1 cup of water and pour over 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers. Let steep for 20 minutes then strain. Add 2 teaspoons of witch hazel. Pour into a bottle and store in the fridge. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad and gently sweep over the face and neck after cleansing.
13. Create Chamomile Eye Pillows
Drift off to sleep with chamomile-filled eye pillows. These are easy to sew using calming fabrics like linen or silk. Fill them with a blend of dried flowers like chamomile, rose, and lavender along with rice or flaxseed. Microwave briefly to warm or chill in the fridge for a cooling effect. The aromatherapy benefits promote relaxation.
14. Craft Chamomile Sachets
Small sachets filled with dried chamomile can impart benefits wherever they are placed – in drawers, closets, tucked under pillows, or added to baths. To make, fill muslin or organza drawstring bags with dried flowers. Add other calming herbs like lavender or lemon balm if desired. Stitch or tie shut and place in lingerie drawers, under seat cushions, or inside shoes to gently scent.
15. Produce Chamomile Hydrosol
Hydrosol, or flower water, captures the aromatic essence and healing benefits of chamomile in a light sprayable form. To make your own, add several handfuls of fresh chamomile blossoms to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 45 minutes. Strain and transfer to a spritzer bottle. Mist skin and hair or add to bath water.
16. Make Chamomile Tea Rinse
Brew a pot of strong chilled chamomile tea, then use as a final hair rinse after shampooing. The tea’s antioxidants will boost shine and highlights. Chamomile also adds softness and helps minimize split ends. For blonde hair, chamomile brightens and enhances color. Its anti-inflammatory qualities soothe the scalp.
17. Create Chamomile Steam Facial
Treat your skin to a moisturizing chamomile steam facial. In a large bowl, boil water and add several tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers. Remove from heat and carefully place your face over the bowl with a towel draped over your head. Steam for 5-10 minutes, keeping eyes closed. Rinse face with cool water and apply moisturizer. Your complexion will feel clean and refreshed.
18. Prepare Chamomile Compress
Compresses soaked in chilled chamomile tea can help soothe tired, irritated eyes. Brew a strong pot of chamomile tea, refrigerate until completely cold, and soak clean cotton pads or a soft cloth in the tea. Apply over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness, redness, and fatigue. Repeat daily for an easy way to give your eyes some TLC.
With its calming fragrance and natural soothing qualities, chamomile is a multipurpose herb that’s easy to grow and use. Experiment with different ways to incorporate this delicate medicinal flower into your wellness routine and home. Your body and spirit will thank you.
Firstly, what do I mean by chamomile?
When I started reading looking for chamomile in my herb books, I realised that its a bit complicated as there are several species and varieties with similar names and different names for the same species! Even the botanical names have changed over time, which makes it a bit tricky to know which plant I have in the garden. This is why it helps to have multiple herbs books to check, as they will all have slightly different information on the same herb.
Chamaemelum nobile (syn. Anthemis nobilis) – Garden Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Lawn Chamomile, Mayweed
Perennial, growing to 50 cm, feathery aromatic leaves (and daisy-like flowers on some varieties). A non-flowering variety is also used for lawns. This species is more hardy and tolerant of different weather conditions.
Matricaria recutita (syn. Chamomilla recutita) – German Chamomile, Manzanilla
Annual, also growing to 50cm with feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. Note that the leaves are not aromatic.
Both the Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile are related and have similar properties. Generally the German Chamomile is grown for flowers and that is what you can buy as dried chamomile. The Roman Chamomile is used to extract essential oil.
I actually have both in my food forest at the moment (I now make sense of a confusing conversation with the lady with the herb stall at the market! I bought German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile and Tansy from her that day. The German Chamomile is now flowering – in winter! – and the Roman Chamomile is creeping along the ground, I have confirmed by smelling the leaves and flowers).
How to grow chamomile
German Chamomile prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil (I think in the past I had too much shade and damp soil). The plants can be propagated from seed only.
Roman Chamomile is perennial and can be propagated from either seeds or cuttings/root-division. It seems to be more hardy to different conditions and is not frost sensitive.
How to Grow Chamomile From Seed (And Make Your Own Tea)
FAQ
What do I do with fresh chamomile?
Fresh chamomile flowers can be used in a variety of ways, from culinary applications to skincare and relaxation.
What do you use chamomile for?
Chamomile is a versatile herb used for a variety of purposes, most notably for its calming and soothing properties. It’s commonly used in teas, baths, and as an ingredient in skincare products.
Can you eat raw chamomile?
Yes, chamomile flowers are generally safe to eat raw. Both the petals and the yellow centers are edible and can be used in various culinary applications, such as in salads or as a garnish.
Can you drink chamomile flowers?
Chamomile is likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in teas and other foods. It is possibly safe when used by adults and children orally for medicinal purposes over the short term.