Camomile or chamomile, caffeinated or non-caffeinated? That is the question…
We’ve got everything you need to know about this fragrant herbal infusion.

Looking for the perfect drink for a quiet moment or in need of something to help you wind down after a busy day? Then the beautiful and fragrant qualities of camomile tea are here to help you relax and restore.  

What’s in the Name?

A source of much confusion, there are actually two ways to spell it: Camomile or chamomile. The name “Camomile” can also be spelt “chamomile” because it derives from the Greek name for this beautiful herb “Khamaimelon”, which literally translates to Kamai (earth) and melon (apple), thanks to its delicious apple-like aroma.

Camomile (without the h) is the more traditional middle English spelling – which is around the time it became popular as a remedy for sleep, fevers, and skin conditions.

Camomile is a herb that’s part of the Asteraceae family, a relative from which daisies and sunflowers come. It has been used to make camomile tea as a herbal infusion for centuries. We call it a herbal infusion because it doesn’t come from the Camellia Sinensis plant, where most teas come from. Instead, the fragrant ‘tea’ is made from the flower heads of the camomile plants.

Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for centuries for its soothing, therapeutic properties. Whether you need help falling asleep at night, boosting your immune system, or reducing stress, a cup of chamomile tea can help. This herbal tea ingredient has a light, floral flavor with a hint of natural sweetness, and it’s super easy to whip up a cup!

Caffeinated or Not-caffeinated? 

Much like most of our herbal teas, camomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, as well as being sugar-free and with only four calories a cup!

And, though we absolutely love pure organic camomile tea on its own, our amazing blenders have created a huge variety of flavours to complement this heavenly herbal infusion!

Combining it with a drop of honey only adds to its wonderfully soothing comfort. Plus, it mixes perfectly with other fruits and herbs such as apple, vanilla, and even orange blossom. 

Benefits of Camomile tea

Aside from being a tasty tea ingredient, camomile also has plenty of health benefits. Recent studies have helped shore up that historic knowledge, showing that chamomile has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties useful in the treatment of menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract issues. Chamomile has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties and to be effective in wound healing, and it contains high levels of Apigenin, a plant compound known to have cancer-fighting properties. Most famously, of course, chamomile is widely used to help treat stress and anxiety, which is why we recommend a warm cup just before you hit the hay!

1. Contains anti-inflammatory properties

Camomile tea contains anti-inflammatory properties, and drinking chamomile tea has been shown to reduce symptoms of inflammation. If you suffer from a chronic inflammatory condition like arthritis, camomile can help to soothe pain and make you more comfortable.

2. Soothes cold symptoms

A cup of camomile tea is also a great herbal remedy for the common cold! Studies have shown that camomile can be beneficial in reducing cold symptoms when you’re feeling under the weather.

3. Good for your heart

Camomile contains beneficial properties that are good for your heart. While studies concerning camomile’s heart-healthy potential are still ongoing, research suggests that consuming camomile tea may be helpful for those who suffer from illnesses like coronary heart disease.

4. Helps with digestion

A cup of camomile tea after a rich meal can help to aid in digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Camomile has been shown to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, ward off bloating and gas, and contribute to overall gastrointestinal health.

5. Good for sleep

Having trouble falling asleep at night? Camomile tea has been used for centuries as a sleep and relaxation aid. Camomile tea has a mild sedative effect that is great for inducing sleep. After you fall asleep, camomile can help to improve sleep quality so that you wake up rested and refreshed. Camomile has also been shown to help sleep quality problems associated with depression and other mental health issues.

6. Reduces anxiety

A cup of camomile tea can also help to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. Camomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, and makes a soothing, aromatic cup of tea that’s perfect for any time of day. Since camomile is also a very mild sedative, it can help you to calm down both physically and mentally.

7. Soothes sore throats

Studies have shown that camomile tea can help to soothe sore throats and reduce hoarseness. A dollop of honey in a cup of camomile tea is especially beneficial, since honey also contains soothing, antimicrobial properties.

8. Good for your immune system

Drinking camomile may also be good for your immune system. While studies concerning camomile’s many benefits are still ongoing, recent research indicates that camomile may contain antibacterial properties that can help to ward off illness and keep your immune system in tip-top shape.

About camomile tea

While “chamomile” can refer to a number of different similar flowering plants, chamomile used for tea is typically grown from either the Roman Camomile plant or the German Camomile plant. Camomile can also be used in beer and wine making or as an essential oil.

Today, camomile used for tea is often grown in Egypt. Egyptian camomile is of extremely high quality, and is notable for its natural sweetness. While commercial camomile found in teabags or sachets is often made of broken dust and fannings leftover from the largest flower heads, high-quality camomile is distinguished by its large, fragrant flower heads and exceptional flavor.

Brewing camomile teas

To prepare camomile herbal tea, we recommend using about one heaping teaspoon of tea leaves for every six ounces of water in your pot or cup. Full-flower camomile teas can often be very light and fluffy, so it’s okay to add a little more tea if necessary. Heat water to a full boil, then infuse your tea for about five minutes. Enjoy camomile tea on its own, or add a spoonful of honey for a little extra sweetness.

Our camomile teas

At Natteas we carry 4 teas that contain chamomile, including our single-ingredient Egyptian Camomile as well as three other our blends, Lullaby, Many Thanks and one blended by hand in our shop Sweet Orange dreams is a custom blend specially designed to help you get to sleep at night.

1. Egyptian Camomile Herbal Tea

Our Egyptian Chamomile is a single-ingredient herbal tea of exceptional quality, with large, fragrant chamomile flower heads sourced from Egypt. The tea brews up into a lovely gold-colored infusion, with a mellow natural sweetness and notes of straw, honey, and apples. Naturally caffeine-free, this tea is delicious on its own, and also goes great with a dollop of honey for a sweet, soothing treat.

2. Lullaby Herbal Tea

3. Many Thanks

We thought we’d build on what science has proven by keeping this tea in our collection for you – to say “thanks!” What better way to do that than by presenting a blend that incorporates a stunning black tea with exquisite notes of sweet caramel, custard and Swiss chocolate? (Who doesn’t love Swiss chocolate?)

Speaking of thanks, you’ll thank yourself the next time you boil some water and brew a cup of this exceptional tea. Amazing with a splash of milk and sugar, or for a special treat, poured over a tall glass of ice and garnished with a chocolate sliver…you simply can’t go wrong. Let us know what you think. And… Many Thanks!

4. Sweet Orange Dreams

Blended by hand in our shop, our Sweet Orange Dreams is a custom blend specially designed to help you get to sleep at night. The tea blends high quality Egyptian Chamomile with lavender, rose petals, sweet orange peel, rosehip and orange and sunflower petals. This handcrafted herbal infusion helps soothe away the day to promote more peaceful rest.

FAQs

Does camomile or chamomile tea have caffeine?

Camomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. This soothing herbal tea is a great choice if you’re looking for a tea that won’t keep you up at night.

Does camomile or chamomile tea make you sleepy?

Camomile contains soothing, relaxing properties that can help you to fall asleep at night. Camomile can also help to improve the quality of your sleep so that you wake well-rested and refreshed.

What does camomile or chamomile tea taste like?

Camomile tea has a mild, floral, slightly sweet taste. It can be enjoyed on its own, or with a dollop of honey. Camomile is also featured as an ingredient in herbal tea blends.

Are camomile or chamomile tea and manzanilla tea the same?

Camomile and manzanilla are two words for the same plant. Manzanilla is the Spanish word for camomile.