Is chamomile an herbal tea? Understanding the difference

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Over one million cups of chamomile tea are reportedly consumed daily, yet many are unaware of its fundamental classification. This beloved beverage, known for its calming properties, is not a 'true tea' in the traditional sense, but rather a distinct type of drink.

Quick Summary

Chamomile is technically a herbal infusion or tisane, not a true tea, as it is made from dried flowers and does not contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Key Points

Not a True Tea: Chamomile is an herbal tea or tisane, not a true tea, because it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Made from Flowers: Chamomile tea is brewed by infusing the dried flower heads of the chamomile plant in hot water.
Naturally Caffeine-Free: Unlike true teas, chamomile is naturally free of caffeine, making it a perfect evening beverage.
Known for Calming Effects: It is most famous for its relaxing properties, which can help with sleep and anxiety.
Rich History: The use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations.
Digestive Aid: Chamomile is also widely recognized for its ability to soothe the digestive system and alleviate issues like bloating.

What Defines a True Tea?

To understand why chamomile is classified as an herbal tea, one must first recognize the definition of a true tea. The term 'true tea' refers exclusively to beverages derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This single plant species is the source of all black, green, white, and oolong teas, with the variations arising from different processing methods. These teas naturally contain caffeine and certain antioxidants known as catechins.

The Herbal Infusion Distinction

In contrast, a herbal tea, also known as a tisane or herbal infusion, is made from a wide variety of plants other than Camellia sinensis. A tisane can be created from flowers, herbs, spices, fruits, or any combination thereof, steeped in hot water. Chamomile falls squarely into this category, as it is brewed from the dried flower heads of the chamomile plant, a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). This botanical difference is the primary reason for its classification as a herbal tea rather than a true tea.

The History and Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile is far from a new discovery. It is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to humankind, with its use documented for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all utilized chamomile for various medicinal and ceremonial purposes. In ancient Egypt, it was revered as a sacred flower of the sun god, Ra. The name 'chamomile' comes from the Greek words chamai (on the ground) and melon (apple), referring to its apple-like scent.

Throughout history, chamomile has been prized for its therapeutic properties, which are still appreciated today. The dried flowers contain numerous bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like apigenin.

Health Benefits of Chamomile

Chamomile tea is associated with a variety of potential health benefits, many of which are linked to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. These include:

Promoting Relaxation and Sleep: Its mild sedative effects are one of its most well-known attributes, making it a popular bedtime drink.
Aiding Digestion: Chamomile is often used to soothe gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Relieving Menstrual Cramps: The tea's anti-spasmodic effects can help ease painful period cramps.
Immune System Support: Rich in antioxidants, chamomile may help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Skin and Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial when applied topically or consumed for skin health.

Making Your Own Chamomile Tea

Brewing a cup of chamomile tea is simple and can be done with either dried flower heads or pre-packaged tea bags.

How to Brew a Perfect Cup

Here's a simple method for a soothing infusion:

Bring water to a boil in a kettle.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers (or one tea bag) per cup to your teapot or mug.
Pour the boiling water over the flowers.
Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength. A longer steep time will yield a stronger, more intense flavor.
Strain and enjoy. Optional additions like honey or lemon can enhance the flavor.

The Verdict: Chamomile as a Herbal Tea

In conclusion, yes, chamomile is an herbal tea, but this distinction is not a matter of quality but of botanical origin. While it is commonly referred to as 'tea,' its source is the daisy-like chamomile flower, not the Camellia sinensis plant. This critical difference means it is an herbal infusion, or tisane, and is naturally caffeine-free. Understanding this allows for a deeper appreciation of both the world of true teas and the diverse, flavorful, and beneficial world of herbal infusions. For those seeking a naturally decaffeinated, calming brew, chamomile remains a classic and reliable choice.

For further reading on the extensive research into chamomile's properties, a comprehensive review of its bioactivity and potential health benefits can be found on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website at this authoritative review.


Feature	Chamomile (Herbal Tea)	True Tea (Black, Green, Oolong, etc.)
Botanical Source	Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile flowers	Camellia sinensis plant leaves
Caffeine Content	Caffeine-free	Contains caffeine
Flavor Profile	Mild, floral, slightly sweet with apple undertones	Varies widely based on processing, can be earthy, grassy, bold, or delicate
Classification	Herbal Infusion / Tisane	True Tea
Benefits	Primarily calming, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory	Antioxidant-rich, can be stimulating or relaxing depending on type

Frequently Asked Questions

No, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. Because it is a herbal infusion made from the flowers of the chamomile plant and not the Camellia sinensis plant, it does not contain any caffeine.

The main difference is the plant source. True teas (black, green, white, oolong) come from the Camellia sinensis plant and contain caffeine. Herbal teas (or tisanes), like chamomile, are infusions made from other plants, herbs, or spices and are naturally caffeine-free.

Yes, the two most common types are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is generally preferred for tea and has a slightly sweeter flavor.

Yes, chamomile is well-regarded for its mild sedative properties, primarily due to the flavonoid apigenin, which can help promote relaxation and aid in sleep.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before consuming chamomile tea. Some sources indicate that Roman chamomile may cause uterine contractions, though more research is needed.

Yes, some people with allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), such as ragweed or chrysanthemums, may experience allergic reactions to chamomile.

For optimal flavor, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers (or one tea bag) in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. A longer steeping time will result in a more robust flavor profile.