what part of chamomile do you use

by Betty Leannon PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

chamomile blossoms

Full Answer

How do you use chamomile?

From tea and tinctures to salves and soap, chamomile’s versatility and aroma have long-been welcomed into our lives. To read about chamomile’s use throughout the ages, read this article or stop by The Herbarium for an in-depth plant monograph. Check out the links below for 23 ways to use chamomile in many different applications – not just tea!

What kind of plant is chamomile?

Chamomile plants are a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. There are two common types of chamomile used medicinally today: German chamomile (chamomillarecutita) and Roman chamomile (chamaemelumnobile).

Does chamomile have any health benefits?

When used as a food product, chamomile is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, chamomile may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Can you eat chamomile leaves?

Is Chamomile Edible? Yes, chamomile leaves and flowers are both perfectly safe to eat, with a couple of caveats. Be sure the herb hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Use chamomile with care if you’re allergic to ragweed, as chamomile may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Eating Chamomile Plants

What part of chamomile is edible?

Yes, chamomile leaves and flowers are both perfectly safe to eat, with a couple of caveats. Be sure the herb hasn't been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Use chamomile with care if you're allergic to ragweed, as chamomile may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

How do you use chamomile leaves?

Store them wrapped in a paper towel, zipped into a Ziploc in the fridge for a few days. As well as a soothing tea, chamomile leaves can be used as an add-in to salads. Try mixing them into chopped butter lettuce dressed with olive oil, salt, and just a quick spritz of lemon.

How do you cut chamomile tea?

0:000:32How to harvest chamomile for tea! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is my favorite plant chamomile chamomile and Greek and you higher-risk camera mile by simplyMoreThis is my favorite plant chamomile chamomile and Greek and you higher-risk camera mile by simply raking your hands fingers through the plant and popping off the buds.

How do you use fresh chamomile tea?

Place the chamomile blossoms in a tea infuser, pour boiling water over the chamomile flowers, and then steep for 5 minutes. When it is hot outside, I add ice cubes after steeping for a fresh flavored iced tea. Freshly harvested chamomile can be used for tea as well, but you will need twice as much.

Can I use the whole chamomile plant?

Chamomile flowers should be picked at the beginning of flowering, when the flower heads are not yet too open and not too white. If you want to distill it to make essential oils, harvest the whole plant (leaves, stem and flowers) and use it fresh (or just barely withered).

What does chamomile do to the brain?

Chamomile Benefits Chamomile is widely recognized as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. It is thought that chamomile may increase brain neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline) and thereby have positive effects on mood and anxiety.

When should I cut and dry chamomile?

Good thing, it's easy to do.Chamomile flowers are ready to harvest when they are at full bloom. Ideally, the blossoms are open to their fullest, just before the tiny white petals begin to droop down. ... Once the flowers are thoroughly dried and cooled, store in a well sealed glass jar until next year's chamomile harvest.

Why is my chamomile tea bitter?

What is this? The scented flavor of chamomile tea is a bit flowery and earthy. The texture of chamomile tea is rather silky, clean, and pretty soothing. However, this soothing and mildly sweet tea can taste bitter if you add too many dried chamomile flowers or tea bags to the water and brew them for too long.

Do you wash chamomile before drying?

Wash the chamomile blossoms and dry well. Then spread out the blossoms, making sure each one has its own space to dry. You dry chamomile pretty much the same way you'd dry mint. For the drying process I use an old, but clean window screen.

Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?

Chamomile tea Chamomile tea is a type of herbal tea with a delicate floral flavor and possible health benefits. It's made from chamomile, a plant that's often used to promote sleep thanks to its sedative effects ( 10 ).

How long should chamomile tea steep?

five minutesWe recommend steeping chamomile tea for five or more minutes. Chamomile won't become bitter even when infused for more than five minutes.

Can I use fresh chamomile flowers for tea?

Place 3-4 Tbsp (4 for a stronger tea) of chamomile and your mint sprig into your teapot or makeshift teabag of choice. Pour 8 oz of boiling water over the chamomile flowers and mint and then steep for 5 minutes. To serve, pour into a teacup, using a fine mesh strainer as needed.

How do you make chamomile tea from fresh leaves?

What is chamomile used to treat?

Animal studies have found that low doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses help sleep. Chamomile has been used traditionally to treat stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic.

Do you have to dry chamomile to make tea?

Chamomile: You'll need food-grade dried chamomile flowers (or a teabag) for this chamomile tea recipe. Water: To make up the base of the tea. Sweetener: (optional) Subtly sweeten the herbal tea with honey for a beautiful flavor pairing.

What are the benefits of chamomile?

The potential benefits of chamomile tea, for which there is the most evidence, include:Reducing menstrual pain. ... Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar. ... Slowing or preventing osteoporosis. ... Reducing inflammation. ... Cancer treatment and prevention. ... Helping with sleep and relaxation. ... Treating cold symptoms.More items...

Is Chamomile Edible?

Yes, chamomile leaves and flowers are both perfectly safe to eat, with a couple of caveats.

Eating Chamomile Plants

Now that the warnings are out of the way, here are some suggestions for using edible chamomile:

This daisy-like herb may help ease anxiety and promote sleep

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.

What Is Chamomile Used For?

Chamomile may be best known as a sleep aid, but the strongest evidence for the herb suggests it might be helpful for anxiety. Here's a look at current evidence.

Selection and Preparation

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

Possible Side Effects

Chamomile is part of the same plant family as ragweed and chrysanthemum, so people with allergies to these plants may react—sometimes severely—when they use chamomile either internally or topically.

Contraindications

Chamomile contains coumarin, a naturally-occurring compound with anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. It should not be combined with Coumadin (warfarin) or other medications or supplements that have the same effect or be used by people with bleeding disorders without a healthcare provider's supervision.

Why do people take chamomile?

Chamomile is considered a safe plant and has been used in many cultures for stomach ailments and as a mild sedative. Some studies, primarily using combinations of chamomile with other plants, show it may have health benefits. However, as with any combination product, it is hard to say that a benefit comes from any one plant.

How much chamomile should you take?

There is no standard dose of chamomile. Studies have used between 900 milligrams to 1200. milligrams daily in capsule form. The most common form is a tea, and some people drink one to four cups daily. To make chamomile tea, steep a chamomile tea bag or chamomile flowers in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes in a mug covered with a saucer.

Can you get chamomile naturally from foods?

Chamomile flowers are a common ingredient in teas. They're also used as a flavoring in other foods and drinks.

Background

There are two types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. This fact sheet focuses on German chamomile.

How Much Do We Know?

Not much is known about the health effects of chamomile because there are few studies on chamomile in people for individual conditions. Also, some studies look at products made of chamomile plus other herbs, so it is difficult to know chamomile’s role from those studies.

What Have We Learned?

Some preliminary studies suggest that a chamomile dietary supplement might be helpful for generalized anxiety disorder.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Chamomile is likely safe when used in amounts commonly found in teas. It might be safe when used orally for medicinal purposes over the short term. The long-term safety of using chamomile on the skin for medicinal purposes is unknown.

Keep in Mind

Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

Key References

Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, et al. Herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2017;139 (6):e20170062.

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile Benefits

The main antioxidant components extracted from chamomile flowers are the terpenoid group of antioxidants, including chamazulene and acetylene derivatives. Because these delicate compounds are unstable, they’re thought to be best preserved in an alcoholic tincture or “essential oil” form.

How to Buy and Use

Today, chamomile is widely available and used in various forms, usually as a tea, essential oil, dry powder or tincture. Which type you want to buy depends on how you plan to use it.

Recipes

Aside from drinking chamomile tea, here some simple ways to use chamomile essential oil around your home:

Risks and Side Effects

Chamomile is recognized as “likely safe” when it’s taken in amounts found in food and “possibly safe” when it’s taken by mouth or applied to the skin for short periods of time.

Chamomile for Kids

Kids love this summer drink. It tastes like fruit punch, but unlike its sugary counterpart, it is full of nutrient-rich herbs, including chamomile. Get the recipe here: http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/flowerchild-refreshment-tea-healthy-homemade-herbal-kool-aid-alternative/

Chamomile in the Kitchen

Smoothies are a great way to get more fruit into your diet. A new twist on an old standby, this smoothie–made with chamomile–will delight your taste buds. Here’s the recipe for this summer-inspired treat. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2013/07/chamomile-herbs-we-love-for-summer/

Chamomile for Healing, Relieving Stress, and Easing Pain

Looking for something natural to use for pink eye? Chamomile is the traditional go-to herb we reach for when dealing with this troublesome infection. Learn how to use chamomile to help the eyes and get other practical advice here. http://gwens-nest.com/home-remedy-for-pink-eye/

Chamomile for Your Hair and Skin

Making your own herbal hair rinses can help you avoid the questionable hair ingredients found in many commercial products. No matter your hair type or color, you’ll find a recipe here that works for you. The recipes are simple and are made with easy-to-find ingredients. http://simplelifemom.com/…/10-herbal-organic-hair-rinses/