How Are You Supposed to Drink Chamomile Tea?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Chamomile tea has been a beloved herbal remedy for centuries, with the ancient Egyptians first cultivating the plant for its medicinal properties. This floral brew is prized for its calming and soothing effects, making it a popular bedtime ritual, but knowing how are you supposed to drink chamomile tea correctly is key to unlocking its full potential.

Quick Summary

This guide details the proper preparation for chamomile tea, covering optimal water temperature, steeping duration, and delicious additions to enhance flavor and health benefits. Explore how to brew perfect loose-leaf or bagged tea, whether to enjoy it hot or iced, and discover serving suggestions tailored to specific wellness goals, such as promoting sleep or aiding digestion.

Key Points

Optimal Brewing: For a classic brew, use 1 tablespoon of loose flowers or one tea bag per cup, steeping in just-off-the-boil water (around 200°F) for 5-8 minutes.
Temperature and Time: Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness, but note that herbal tea is more forgiving than true tea varieties. A longer steep can produce a stronger flavor.
Serving Versatility: Chamomile can be enjoyed hot for relaxation, as a creamy latte with milk and honey, or served chilled over ice for a refreshing drink.
Enhance Flavor: Add honey, lemon, cinnamon, or ginger to complement chamomile's mild, floral notes. Mint or lavender can be blended in for additional flavor and aromatherapeutic effects.
Purpose-Driven Drinking: For sleep, drink a warm cup an hour before bed. For digestion, enjoy it after a meal. For stress relief, regular, moderate intake can be beneficial at any time.
Safety Precautions: Individuals with ragweed allergies and those on certain medications like blood thinners should exercise caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consumption.

Brewing the Perfect Cup: The Basic Method

Whether you use loose-leaf chamomile flowers or convenient tea bags, the fundamental steps for brewing a perfect cup are straightforward. Achieving the ideal balance of flavor and potency relies on the right water temperature and steeping time.

For a standard 8-ounce (250 ml) cup, follow these steps:

Boil Water: Heat fresh, filtered water just to the boiling point, or approximately 200°F (93°C). Using slightly less than boiling water is recommended by some to prevent the delicate flavor from turning bitter.
Measure Chamomile: Use about 1 tablespoon of loose dried chamomile flowers or one tea bag. Adjust the amount based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew.
Steep: Place the chamomile in a tea infuser, strainer, or directly into your cup. Pour the hot water over it. Cover the cup and let it steep for 5 to 8 minutes. Covering the cup helps trap the volatile oils that contribute to the aroma and flavor.
Strain and Serve: Remove the infuser or strain the loose flowers. Enjoy your tea while it’s warm.

Customizing Your Chamomile Experience

One of the best parts about chamomile is its versatility. You can easily adapt the basic brew to create a personalized beverage.

Serving Variations

Hot Tea: This is the classic, comforting way to enjoy chamomile. Sipping it slowly allows for a truly relaxing experience.
Iced Tea: On a hot day, a refreshing iced chamomile tea is a great option. After steeping, let the tea cool completely before pouring it over ice. You can add extra flavor with fresh mint or lemon.
Chamomile Latte: For a creamy, decadent treat, add warm, frothed milk (dairy or non-dairy) to your freshly brewed chamomile. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Flavorful Add-ins

Natural Sweeteners: A teaspoon of honey or a splash of maple syrup can enhance chamomile's mild sweetness.
Citrus: A slice of lemon or lime adds a bright, tangy note that balances the floral flavors.
Spices: A cinnamon stick, a few cardamom pods, or a slice of fresh ginger can create a spiced, warming blend.
Herbs: Combining chamomile with other herbs like mint or lavender can provide a complex flavor profile and additional benefits.

Chamomile Tea for Specific Purposes

Depending on your wellness goals, you can tailor your chamomile consumption for optimal results.

Table: Chamomile Tea for Specific Needs


Wellness Goal	Best Time to Drink	Recommended Method
Improved Sleep	Approximately 45–60 minutes before bedtime.	Drink a warm, plain cup to promote relaxation. The antioxidant apigenin can bind to brain receptors that induce drowsiness.
Digestive Health	After a meal to aid digestion.	A warm, medium-strength brew can help soothe an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and ease cramps.
Stress and Anxiety Relief	At any time during the day as needed.	A regular, moderate intake can help manage symptoms of generalized anxiety. A longer, more intense steep may offer a more pronounced calming effect.
Cold Symptoms	Sip throughout the day when feeling unwell.	Gargle with cooled chamomile tea for a sore throat, or inhale the steam to relieve congestion. Adding honey and lemon can further soothe discomfort.

How to Drink Chamomile Tea Safely

While generally safe, it's important to be aware of certain considerations when incorporating chamomile into your routine. Moderation is key for consistent, positive effects.

Potential Interactions and Allergies

Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemums. Individuals with allergies to these plants should be cautious and consult a doctor, as they may also be allergic to chamomile.

In high doses, chamomile can also potentially interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and sedatives. Always speak with a healthcare provider if you take medication or have underlying health conditions.

A Note on Pregnancy and Infancy

Research on chamomile's safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants is inconclusive. For this reason, it is generally recommended that these groups exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before consuming chamomile tea.

The Final Sip: A Toast to Your Well-being

Enjoying chamomile tea is a simple ritual that offers a range of potential health benefits, from promoting better sleep to soothing digestive issues. By understanding the proper preparation techniques—from selecting the right steeping time to experimenting with natural add-ins—you can create a perfectly personalized brew. Ultimately, the best way how are you supposed to drink chamomile tea is the way that brings you the most comfort and relaxation, savored slowly as part of a mindful wellness routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can drink chamomile tea anytime, but it is particularly effective for promoting sleep if consumed approximately 45–60 minutes before bedtime. For digestive benefits, it is best to drink it after a meal.

No, adding milk, whether dairy or non-dairy, does not ruin the benefits. You can create a soothing chamomile latte by adding warm, frothed milk, which can be particularly comforting and delicious.

For optimal flavor without bitterness, steep chamomile tea for 5 to 8 minutes. Steeping for a longer time can result in a stronger brew, but it’s important to find the balance that suits your personal taste.

Yes, for most people, drinking chamomile tea every day is safe and well-tolerated. Daily, moderate consumption can offer consistent wellness benefits, such as reduced stress and improved sleep quality.

You can enhance the flavor of chamomile tea with a variety of add-ins. Popular options include honey for sweetness, a slice of lemon for a citrusy tang, or a cinnamon stick and a piece of ginger for a warming spiced flavor.

While both are effective, loose-leaf chamomile flowers often produce a more fragrant and flavorful tea because they contain more of the whole plant material. Tea bags are a convenient alternative but may contain a finer, less potent blend.

Yes, chamomile tea can help soothe cold symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief for a sore throat, and inhaling the steam can help ease congestion. Adding honey and lemon can further help with throat comfort.