Chamomile is a flowering plant whose dried yellow and white flowers have been used in folklore to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, indigestion and skin irritation. Limited research, however, hasn't confirmed chamomile's health benefits. In the United States, chamomile is most commonly used to help soothe stress and help promote sleep and relaxation. Though you can find chamomile in pill, extract or tincture versions, it's most often taken as a tea.
Step 1
Heat water in saucepan to a boil.
Step 2
Add chamomile leaves to the boiling water by sprinkling them over the water's surface.
Step 3
Cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the water continue to boil for about one minute.
Step 4
Remove the pan from the heat, keeping the lid on, and let the liquid steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5
Pour the tea through a strainer into a cup and enjoy. If you like, add a spoonful of honey or a squeeze of lemon for flavor.
Step 6
Drink 3 to 4 cups of chamomile tea each day between meals to soothe nerves and stress, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 7
Inhale the steam from chamomile tea to help soothe a cough; stand over the boiling saucepan, and breathe in the vapors.
Step 8
Use the cooled tea as a mouth rinse to treat gingivitis and mouth sores. Gargle with a mouthful of chamomile tea, then spit it out as you would any mouthwash. Use this mixture to gargle once a day or as often as you like.
Tips and Warnings
- You can often find chamomile tea in bags at supermarkets and health food stores. Substitute 1/4 cup fresh chamomile flowers for dried chamomile in this recipe if you like.
- If you are allergic to ragweed, you might have allergies to chamomile as well. Chamomile allergies are fairly common, according to MedLine Plus, and in some cases can be life-threatening. People who have asthma should also avoid chamomile because of possible side effects. Chamomile may increase miscarriage risk, so pregnant women shouldn't use it.
Things You'll Need
- Saucepan with lid
- 2 to 3 tbsp. dried chamomile flowers
- Tea strainer
- Cup
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