People enjoy camomile tea all around the world. It’s a comforting and refreshing natural tea that comes with many health benefits.
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family the most well-known health benefits of camomile tea are its soothing and calming properties.
There are two popular varieties, German chamomile and Roman chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for ground cover or as a creeping plant to soften the edges of a stone wall or path.
It is the German chamomile plant that people use for making camomile tea. It’s a surprisingly tough little plant. Its flowers are fragrant and look very much like daisies. White petals surround a yellow disk and because the stems are thin the plant often flops over when it grows taller.
How to Grow German Camomile
We make camomile tea using the German variety of the plant. It’s an annual which is very easy to grow from seed. Around six weeks before the last expected frost you can start growing the seeds indoors. You need not cover the seeds with soil. Instead, just scatter them on the surface and press them in. You can also sow German camomile tea seeds directly outdoors. However, you’ll be more successful if you scatter them in the autumn and wait for the seeds to sprout in the spring.
Light Conditions
Chamomile tea plants will grow in partial shade or full sun. They flower best in full sun but if the temperature is very hot, partial shade will be better. The adult plant will grow only eight to 24 inches . Flowers appear towards the end of spring. However, if you prune or harvest the leaves, the blooms will be much later appearing.
Soil Requirements
German chamomile prefers soil that’s not too rich. It can survive very well in poorer soil, but the stems will be weaker and the plant more prone to flopping. The plant is not too bothered about the pH level of the soil but it prefers a more neutral range between 5.6 and 7.5.
Watering Needs
You need not worry too much abo7ut watering as the plant doesn’t require a lot. Allow your plants to dry out a little between watering and it’ll be healthier.
How to Prepare Chamomile Tea
German chamomile generally flowers in mid-summer. It can continue producing flowers right into the autumn. If you plan to make chamomile tea with the flowers, it’s best to pinch off the blossoms the day they first open. Young flowers have the best flavor and by removing them you’re encouraging the plant to produce more. It’s a good idea to check the plant every day and harvest any young blooms that are ready.
As soon as you’ve harvested the blooms, you must bring them indoors. Spread them out on a craft paper in a single layer. Leave the blossoms to dry in a place that’s warm, but out of direct sunlight. The flowers will be properly dry when you can crumble them easily between your fingers. When they’re dry, you can store them in a clean, dry, glass jar with a lid. Alternatively, use a brown paper bag. You can store dried flowers for up to one year as long as they are in a cool, dry spot.
To make a cup of healing chamomile tea you take 3 tablespoons of the dried blossoms and pour over 8 oz of boiling water. Leave the blossoms to steep for 5 minutes and then strain the tea into your cup. Some people add honey and a slice of lemon, but it’s more than all right on its own.
The Health Benefits of Camomile Tea
Its use has been documented throughout Roman, Greek, and Egyptian history. In 2009, they confirmed its reputation for relieving anxiety. Nowadays, however, people drink it to relieve several other conditions including:
- Menstrual disorders
- Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar levels
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
- Rheumatic pain
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Eczema
Chamomile contains chemicals known as flavonoids and these play a significant role in camomile tea benefits. It is also loaded with antioxidants. Chamomile extract has been found to assist the healing of wounds. Chamomile ointment may also help with eczema skincare and natural moisturize the skin. Mild inflammatory skin conditions can also be treated with skincare products that contain chamomile.
Chamomile tea has been used for thousands of years and it’s still used today to treat a range of different conditions. People also drink the tea because it makes them feel relaxed and calm. And also as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea.