Best Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a natural home remedy dating back centuries. Proponents rave about the beverage’s numerous health benefits, while others believe science has yet to prove that it can help with curing illnesses. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, organic chamomile tea can be an enjoyable beverage.

In this guide, we’ll cover our selections for the best organic chamomile tea brands on the market today. Also, check out our other reviews of the best coffee and tea in Seattle.

Best Organic Chamomile Tea Online

Here are three of the best chamomile tea brands worth your while and that we consider the best chamomile tea choices.

In-Depth Guide To the Best Chamomile Tea in the World

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile refers to several types of medicinal herbs in the Asteraceae family. The flowers resemble daisies and have a scent resembling an apple. The herb dates back to hieroglyphic times in Egypt, and ancient Greeks would use it for medicinal remedies.

Women were the primary users of chamomile herbal tea, as they believe it helped with PMS-related pain and discomfort. Chamomile is a natural remedy that millions of people still use today.

The Benefits of Organic Chamomile Tea

There are many health benefits that the best chamomile teas can potentially provide to you.

Reduce Menstrual Pain

Firstly, avid chamomile herbal tea drinkers claim a reduction in menstrual pain. A recent study found that steady consumption of chamomile tea led to reduced cramps and less anxiety.

Lower Blood Sugar

Chamomile is a practical supplement to use in addition to diabetes medication. It contains properties that help lower blood sugar levels in the body. Note that you should not opt to use chamomile herbal tea as a substitute for prescription medication as it alone cannot treat diabetes.

Cancer Treatment

Some doctors stand by the fact that chamomile tea can help target and destroy cancer cells. Research studies are ongoing, but the most recent ones show that it is effective in targeting tumors. However, other forms of herbal tea, such as marigold, seem more effective in fighting cancer cells.

Insomnia Treatment

Studies are showing positive results that people who drink chamomile tea fall asleep earlier than those who do not. It seems that this is the most accepted benefit by medical professionals. Scientists claim that chamomile tea has a similar function to benzodiazepine, a prescription anxiety drug that promotes better sleeping habits.

Treat Skin Conditions

Some people like to use chamomile tea to treat mild skin conditions. One of the ways they do this is by creating a scrub that consists of brewing chamomile tea bags and adding sugar and an oil. You can also place previously brewed and cooled chamomile tea bags under your eyes to lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. The polyphenols in the tea bags provide antioxidants that help protect your skin.

Though medical research studies fail to correlate the two, chamomile herbs carry anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Still, a lot of chamomile tea drinkers use flowers to create ointments and creams.

Other possible benefits include treating cold symptoms, preventing osteoporosis, and more. However, most people drink chamomile tea for relaxation before going to bed.

Quality of the Chamomile

The quality of organic chamomile depends on a few factors. For starters, the cultivation of herbal tea is vital in determining its deliciousness. Just like food or coffee beans, how you source the product lends itself to its potency. The best chamomile tea is one without additives and that is 100% pure chamomile.

Flavonoids are nutrients found in chamomile plants that give the herbal tea its medicinal powers. It is vital to note that if you are a new chamomile consumer, start with a low dosage. If you drink an herbal tea that has a high amount of chamomile, you may experience side effects. These side effects include allergic reactions, skin irritation, vomiting, and more.

If you suffer from allergies to pollen or chamomile, it is wise to avoid chamomile tea. These flowers may contain pollen that can be harmful to your body. Similarly, young children should not use chamomile, as it’s harder for them to fight off infections.

Types of Organic Chamomile

There are several different types of organic chamomile you can consume, with each having a unique flavor. These types of chamomile include field, stinking, Moroccan, yellow, and cape chamomile. However, the two most popular types and favorite chamomile teas are Roman and German chamomile .

Roman Chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile, is a chamomile flower that sprouts perennially. The calling card of the Roman Chamomile is its strong apple scent. Tea drinkers use this type of chamomile for its medicinal value, which fights fungus and provides a calming effect.

You can find Roman Chamomile in Central Europe and North America. Its stems consist of soft feathers, and there is one flower that grows on each stem. Many English homeowners use the variety of chamomile as a substitute for their lawns. Its essential oil has a bluish hue to it due to its angelic acid origin.

German Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is a plant that only sprouts seasonally. It is noticeably different from its Roman counterpart in that its stems are hairless and contain many flowers.

Most German Chamomile flowers originate in Egypt and are abundant all across Europe and in some parts of Asia. You won’t have to use a sweetener with German Chamomile teas as the flower has a grassy and sweet straw taste.

German Chamomile tea is bluer than Roman flowers due to its high chamazulene level. Chamazulene gives plants anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the German variety is ideal for those looking to relieve pain and swelling.

Additional benefits of this type of chamomile tea include maintaining skin conditions, stress relief, and alleviating PMS discomfort. German Chamomile is the most popular type of herbal tea on the market today.

Chamomile Tea Buying Guide

People have been drinking chamomile tea for millennia thanks to its wide range of health benefits and medicinal properties. In this guide, we'll go over the basics of chamomile tea and how to find the best flowers for your brew.

What is Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is what's known as a tisane or an herbal tea. Unlike true teas, it doesn't come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, the tea is brewed by steeping fresh or dried chamomile flowers in water. Like most herbal teas, chamomile tea is caffeine free. 

Chamomile flowers are related to the daisy family and boast a relatively similar appearance, with a large yellow head and thin, white petals. Flowers are small, with long stems that shoot up from the base of the plant.

Chamomile tea has a unique, slightly medicinal taste with floral undertones. Though it isn't naturally sweet, many people claim to detect honey flavors in chamomile teas. It also has soothing earthy components that make it a relaxing tea before bedtime. 

You should have no problem finding organic chamomile tea in almost any grocery store or health food shop. Many brands sell chamomile tea that includes multiple tea bags in a box or loose leaf form. You can also easily grow organic chamomile yourself either indoors or outdoors. It's a hardy perennial plant that can withstand fairly harsh weather conditions. 

Though you can use fresh flowers for your brew, dried plants impart more flavor. If you are growing organic chamomile yourself, pick, and dry flowers at full bloom. Make sure to include any loose pollen, as it can strengthen the flavor of your chamomile herbal tea. You can store chamomile tea for up to 12 months in an airtight container. 

A Brief History of Chamomile Tea

People have been using chamomile for its medicinal properties going back thousands of years. In fact, it is one of the oldest documented medicinal plants used by societies such as the ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire. The Egyptians even considered it to have sacred properties. 

Healers continued to use chamomile throughout the Middle Ages, thanks primarily to its calming effects. People frequently drank herbal tea and tinctures to reduce fevers, relax the muscles, and ease digestion. 

Nowadays, many people still drink chamomile tea to enjoy these same health benefits. It's popular in traditional and alternative medicine, helping with everything from sleep quality to reducing inflammation.

Why Drink Organic Chamomile Tea?

Many people drink herbal teas for the wide variety of health benefits they have to offer. People have long prized chamomile for its wide range of medicinal properties.

Improve Sleep Quality

Chamomile tea is perhaps most famous for its ability to put people to sleep at night. Many people swear by a hot cup of chamomile before bed to help them fall asleep and stay asleep until morning. 

Not only is chamomile tea caffeine free, but it contains active compounds that promote a state of relaxation. Antioxidants such as apigenin help promote better sleep and reduce the risk of insomnia. 

Ease Digestive Discomfort

Chamomile tea is also a popular remedy for digestive issues ranging from nausea to constipation. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce irritation in the stomach and gut lining. This effect, in turn, helps to prevent symptoms such as gas and bloating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and other common problems.  

If you suffer from a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chamomile tea may help to soothe your stomach after dinner. Even if you have a strong stomach, a cup of chamomile can help to prevent digestive discomfort following a large meal. 

Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Drinking chamomile tea doesn't just reduce inflammation in the gut but throughout the entire body. A cup of pure chamomile tea may ease pain and discomfort related to inflammation, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles. 

Chamomile tea may also reduce anxiety associated with pain. It works to soothe both the mind and the body, leaving you feeling uplifted, relaxed, and comfortable. 

Control Your Blood Sugar

The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile tea also help it protect against sudden blood sugar spikes. It may even help to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Chamomile tea can protect the pancreas against damage and ensure it can produce the insulin you need. 

Improve Heart Health

Chamomile tea contains high concentrations of flavones, which are antioxidants known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In turn, a healthier cardiovascular system puts you less at risk of health concerns such as strokes or heart attacks. 

Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Pure chamomile tea is full of healthy antioxidants that can help to protect cells against damage. It may even protect against certain types of cancer such as breast and uterine cancer, prostate cancer, and digestive tract or skin cancer.

Studies into the effectiveness of chamomile as an anti-cancer agent are promising but minimal. More research is needed before scientists can determine the exact role of chamomile tea in cancer prevention. 

The Risks of Chamomile Tea

While drinking chamomile tea boasts many therapeutic benefits, it isn't a good choice for everyone. The pollen content in high-quality chamomile tea may trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals or those with asthma. In severe cases, chamomile tea can even lead to anaphylactic shock. 

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit the amount of chamomile tea they drink or avoid it altogether. While there isn't much research on the topic, there is some concern that this herbal tea can stimulate uterine contractions. This effect may harm developing babies or even lead to a miscarriage. 

Chamomile can sometimes cause unexpected side effects after ingestion, especially if you drink it in larger quantities. You may experience irritation, skin reactions, nausea, and vomiting. Always drink chamomile tea in moderation to enjoy the health benefits while minimizing your risk of side effects. 

The Different Types of Chamomile Tea

There are a wide variety of different plants known as "chamomile" growing worldwide. Most chamomile herbal teas come from one of three different varieties of chamomile flower, each with its own distinct health benefits and flavors.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile is native to Western Europe and has long been used in teas by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The tea has a light, fruity fragrance with just a hint of astringency. This type of tea is most often used to ease digestive discomfort, bloating, and nausea. It may also help with both diarrhea and constipation.

German Chamomile

German chamomile is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, though it grows in countries around the world nowadays. The tea has a more herbal taste than Roman chamomile, with a smell that many people describe as similar to fresh hay. People prize this chamomile for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its high antioxidant content.

Egyptian Chamomile

Egyptian chamomile is considered one of the highest-grade tisanes in the world, thanks to both its unique taste and potent effects. It has more floral flavor notes and less bitterness, with a flavor somewhat similar to unsweetened honey. Egyptian chamomile is known to help relax the muscles, calm the mind, and encourage deep and restful sleep. 

What To Look For in Organic Chamomile Tea

When searching for the best chamomile teas, you'll likely run across a wide variety of options. With so many different choices available, it can be challenging to find your perfect tea. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can distinguish high-quality organic chamomile. 

Flower Size

The best chamomile teas will have whole, intact flowers boasting a visible head and petals. You'll often see higher quality flowers with loose leaf teas than tea bags. In most cases, flowers will be dried, but they should not be stale. Flowers that are too dry will lose taste and may leave powder or debris in your drink.

Flowers should be firm to the touch, and the petals should be able to withstand gentle handling. A flower that crumbles or flakes is likely too old and dry to make a good brew. However, keep in mind that there may be some powder naturally present in the form of pollen. 

While it's fine to see some stems in the mixture, the best chamomile teas should contain mostly flowers. Stems don't add much flavor to the batch and can increase the cost by adding extra weight to your tea. Tea bags tend to contain more stems than in loose leaf tea. 

Pollen Content

If you see a powdery-looking substance amongst otherwise fresh-looking chamomile flowers, don't worry. These small pellets are stamens, the part of the plant that contains pollen. While this may look like shake material, chamomile pollen can significantly increase the potency of your brew. The best chamomile teas will contain small amounts of pollen for a sweeter, bolder flavor. 

People sensitive to pollen may want to avoid loose leaf chamomile blends mixed with pollen. Drinking chamomile tea can exacerbate allergies if pollen aerosolizes and may trigger a reaction upon ingestion. Tea bags may be a better option for sensitive individuals as tea bags don't contain as much pollen, though the safest course of action is to avoid flower tisanes altogether. 

Organic Certification

Harsh chemicals found in herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers can end up wreaking havoc on our systems, especially in large quantities. These toxins can build up on tea leaves, especially when they don't go through a rinsing process. Once you infuse these leaves in your cup, they release toxic compounds into your drink.

Organic chamomile farming avoids using common agricultural chemicals that may pose a threat to your health. Harmful compounds are much less likely to make their way onto leaves, giving you a safer, healthier brew. 

You can also find pure chamomile tea that avoids GMO ingredients and embraces sustainable growing and harvesting practices. Some tea brands operating overseas offer fair labor guarantees so that you know your tea is ethically sourced. 

Packaging

Without proper packaging, chamomile herbal tea can dry out and lose its flavor. Pure chamomile teas should be stored in a vacuum-sealed, airtight container after harvesting. It's best to opt for something watertight as well to guard against moisture and humidity. Otherwise, you may risk introducing mold growth in your tea.

Many companies place herbal teas such as chamomile in foil sachets or tea bags to preserve freshness. While this protects the herbal tea from environmental damage, it's easy to crush delicate flowers and ruin your tea. 

Perhaps one of the best containers for pure chamomile tea is an opaque, airtight tin. This type of storage will protect flowers against moisture and weather as well as any accidental crushing. Glass containers also work. However, they should be stored away from sunlight to preserve the flowers against UV damage.

Tea Bags Vs. Loose Leaf Teas

You can find pure chamomile tea in both tea bags and loose leaf tea form. You'll get a higher-quality tea from a loose leaf variety in most cases than in tea bags. The flowers are likely to be fuller, fresher, and produce a richer overall taste. 

Loose leaf teas require specialty brewing equipment such as infusers and so may not be the best choice for a beginner. If you're looking for ease and convenience, you may want to try chamomile tea bags. While the flower may be of lower quality, it's likely to brew more quickly than a loose leaf tea blend. What's more, with a tea bag, the only equipment you'll need is a clean teacup or coffee mug. 

You can also purchase empty all organic tea bags to make multiple tea bags with the loose leaf tea. Just simply spoon in your desired amount of loose leaf tea into the empty tea bags.

Brewing Chamomile Tea

Chamomile teas are easy to brew either with loose leaf tea or with tea bags. If you opt for loose leaf tea, keep in mind that you'll need some sort of infuser to brew it. You can opt for a simple basket infuser, use a device such as a teapot, or use empty all organic tea bags. You can brew tea directly in your teacup or coffee mug with a tea bag. 

To brew loose leaf tea, add it to boiling water and allow it to steep for five to eight minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the floral flavor taste of your brew will be. Remember that over-steeping can lead to bitterness, however. You should use around one teaspoon of flowers per cup of herbal tea.

To brew chamomile tea from tea bags, add it to boiling water and allow the tea bags to steep for about five minutes. You can leave the chamomile tea bags in for a minute or two longer but it's best to keep it in around five minutes to get the best taste. You can brew the same tea bag again but the floral flavor will be more subtle. It's not recommended to brew the same tea bag more than that as the flavor will be diminished and there's a greater chance of bacteria growth if it was left out too long.

Wrapping Up

Chamomile tea boasts a wide variety of health benefits, from improving sleep patterns to controlling blood sugar levels. For the best results, though, it's essential that you drink chamomile tea made from high-quality flowers. Knowing what to look for in pure chamomile tea will ensure that you get a rich, delicious, and potent brew each time. 

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