I study landscape ecology and through my studies have discovered a love for plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but also have countless fascinating survival strategies. To bring a bit of nature into my home as well, I nurture my houseplants and herbs on every possible windowsill. Favourite fruit: rhubarb and all kinds of berries Favourite vegetables: onions and garlic
The healing properties of chamomile have been known for centuries. But what makes chamomile so good for our health, and what can you use it for?
Chamomile (Matricaria) is widely cultivated by people as a medicinal plant. Healers have known and utilised the benefits of chamomile for thousands of years. Anglo-Saxons believed it to be one of just nine sacred herbs given to humans from God. Germanic tribes and Egyptians revered the flower as a sacred plant of their sun deities. Still today, many people swear by its beneficial powers. Chamomile can be used to help treat many different ailments, such as inflammations, stomach aches and colds.
Chamomile is a flowering herb that has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. With its pleasing apple-like fragrance and pretty daisy-like blooms, chamomile makes a lovely addition to any herb garden. But can you safely eat chamomile leaves and flowers or use them in recipes? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits, safety considerations, and best ways to enjoy edible chamomile.
An Overview of Chamomile
There are two main varieties of chamomile used for health purposes – German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They belong to the Asteraceae plant family along with other herbs like arnica, sunflowers, and daisies.
Chamomile has been revered since Ancient Egyptian and Greek times for its curative powers. Tea made from chamomile flowers has long been taken to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and treat indigestion. Modern research suggests chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild sedative effects. It may also help lower blood sugar levels.
The majority of chamomile’s beneficial compounds are found in the small, daisy-like flowers. The most notable are the terpenoids chamazulene and bisabolol which give chamomile anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils in the flowers provide antioxidant and relaxant effects.
Are Chamomile Leaves and Flowers Edible?
The good news is that both the fresh and dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the chamomile plant are safe for most people to consume in small amounts. So feel free to get creative and add some chamomile into recipes or enjoy as a relaxing tea Just be sure your chamomile has not been treated with any pesticides or chemicals
When using fresh chamomile, the leaves and flowers are most flavorful – the woody stems are often discarded. In terms of dried chamomile, the dried flowers are most commonly used to make teas, tinctures, and extracts.
Potential Benefits of Eating Chamomile
Beyond simply enjoying chamomile’s mild fruity-herbal taste, eating a bit may also come with some nice health perks. Some of the potential benefits linked to consuming chamomile include:
- Relieving anxiety and promoting sleep due to chamomile’s apigenin content and sedative effects
- Easing indigestion, gas, stomach cramps, and colic thanks to chamomile’s anti-spasmodic properties
- Providing immune system support through its antimicrobial properties
- Speeding up healing of minor wounds and skin irritations when used topically
- Alleviating inflammation both internally and externally as a result of chamazulene
- Lowering blood sugar levels, which may benefit diabetes management
So experiment with getting some of your chamomile intake through the diet or topical use rather than only drinking it as a tea. Every little bit adds up!
Delicious Ways to Eat Chamomile
When harvesting chamomile for eating, pick the flowers just as they reach full bloom for the best flavor. The small, yellow centers are the tastiest part. Here are some ideas for enjoying edible chamomile:
- Add whole flowers to oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal for a pop of color and subtle flavor.
- Infuse chamomile into honey or maple syrup.
- Make chamomile ice cubes to add to water or iced tea.
- Mix dried chamomile into cookie dough, sugar cookie icing, or cake batter.
- Create chamomile simple syrup to use in lemonades, cocktails, or desserts.
- Blend chamomile leaves into smoothies, nice creams, or milkshakes.
- Mix crushed flowers into a salt or sugar body scrub.
- Use dried flowers in homemade potpourris or bath bombs.
- Add leaves and small flowers to fresh green salads for texture.
Chamomile’s mild flavor pairs well with fruits, cream, lemon, honey, and ginger. Get creative with using this soothing herb in the kitchen or bath products.
Is Chamomile Tea Made from the Leaves?
Chamomile tea is made solely from the dried flowers, not the leaves. The tiny dried flowers are packed with the highest concentration of beneficial volatile oils that provide chamomile tea’s relaxation and anti-inflammatory effects.
To make your own soothing cup of chamomile tea at home, steep 2-3 teaspoons of dried flowers in 8 ounces of hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the flowers out, then enjoy the herbal infusion on its own or with a bit of honey or lemon to taste. Be sure to purchase food-grade dried chamomile flowers to make tea rather than using flowers from your garden that may have pesticides.
Safety Precautions for Eating Chamomile
While chamomile is safe for most people, there are some potential side effects and safety considerations to be aware of:
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Allergic reactions – If you have hayfever or are allergic to plants like ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, chamomile may trigger reactions like contact dermatitis. Discontinue use if you experience any irritation after ingesting chamomile.
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Blood thinning effects – High doses of chamomile may increase bleeding risk, especially for those on blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Consume chamomile in moderation.
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Drowsiness – Chamomile has mild sedative effects, so use caution when driving or operating machinery after ingesting it.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Check with your doctor before consuming chamomile tea or extracts if pregnant or nursing since safety has not been established.
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Eye infections – Do not apply chamomile near eyes as this may increase risk of infection. Stick to ingesting chamomile.
Starting slowly with chamomile is wise if you have never consumed it before. Monitor for any bothersome symptoms and discontinue use if they develop.
The Takeaway on Eating Chamomile Leaves and Flowers
With its soothing scent and mellow flavor profile, chamomile makes a pleasant culinary and medicinal herb for most people. Feel free to experiment with adding a pinch of chamomile flowers or leaves to your recipes. Just be sure to source chemical-free chamomile and enjoy it in moderation. A little bit goes a long way in reaping its anti-inflammatory and relaxant benefits.
So brew up a hot cup of chamomile tea, add a few fresh flowers to your salad, and unwind with this soothing herb that’s been treasured for centuries. Chamomile is sure to delight both your palette and your wellbeing.
What makes chamomile so healthy?
The oil in chamomile is what makes it an effective remedy and medicine. Most of the oil is contained in the flowers, at 0.3 – 2.5%. This oil is called chamomile oil or blue chamomile oil. The main active ingredients of chamomile oil are bisabolol and matricine, which give chamomile its anti-inflammatory effects. When chamomile oil is extracted by steam distillation, chamazulene is formed. This too provides an anti-inflammatory effect and gives the chamomile oil a deep blue colour.
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) contains the most active medicinal substances, but Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) can also be used as a medicinal plant. However, bear in mind that mayweed (Anthemis), which closely resembles chamomile, is considered slightly poisonous and should not be used in medicine or cooking. Other chamomile species are not poisonous, but also do not have any significant levels of active substances. They are therefore rarely used for anything other than as an ornamental flower.
The ingredients of chamomile also have an antibacterial effect, can help prevent the effects of inflammatory substances and can relax cramped muscles. Because of these properties, chamomile is used to treat a wide range of illnesses from colds to skin problems.
Is chamomile anti-inflammatory? Yes, chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect − both externally and internally. Applied as an ointment to skin, chamomile proves its effectiveness by helping against inflammation and neurodermatitis. Enjoyed as a tea, chamomile is also anti-inflammatory, for example against mouth and throat ailments.
Can you eat chamomile?
The flowers, buds and leaves of chamomile are all edible and can be used in the kitchen. The roots and stems, on the other hand, are not typically used. Animals too can eat and enjoy the chamomile’s health benefits. Chamomile tea can be calming for dogs and help against gastrointestinal issues. Roman chamomile is also suitable for human consumption. It smells and tastes subtly of apples. Keep in mind, some species closely related to and closely resembling chamomile such as mayweed (Anthemis), on the other hand, are considered slightly poisonous and should not be eaten. You should also keep pets, such as dogs and cats away from mayweed, but occasional nibbling is harmless. Horses and rabbits too can tolerate small amounts of mayweed.
Is chamomile poisonous to cats? Chamomile is not poisonous to cats, but some mayweed species can cause mild symptoms of poisoning if consumed in large quantities.
Fortunately, chamomile is one of the few medicinal plants that can be used by the average person with virtually no side effects. It hardly ever causes any negative effects even when prepared or dosed incorrectly. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when using German chamomile as a remedy. People allergic to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should refrain from using chamomile as a home remedy. These people can suffer severe allergic reactions if there are contaminants from other daisy species such as mayweed. Confusion between German chamomile and mayweed is not uncommon. To find out more, read our article on the differences between varieties and the risk of confusion with chamomile. In addition, you should refrain from using homemade chamomile remedies in or around the eyes − they may have contaminants and cause eye infections.
What you DIDN’T know about Chamomile! Growing | Harvesting | Uses
FAQ
Is it okay to eat chamomile tea leaves?
The flowers, buds and leaves of chamomile are all edible and can be used in the kitchen. The roots and stems, on the other hand, are not typically used. Animals too can eat and enjoy the chamomile’s health benefits. Chamomile tea can be calming for dogs and help against gastrointestinal issues.
Can you eat fresh chamomile leaves?
Chamomile flowers have a mild, subtly sweet, herbaceous, and earthy flavor. The leaves are also edible and may contain a slightly bitter and grassy taste.
Are chamomile leaves safe?
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.
What can I do with fresh chamomile leaves?
A herbal tea, an infused drink, food, a tincture or topical oils and balms. It is used in so many products and in so many ways.