Like linden, verbena or orange blossom, chamomile herbal infusion, and Roman chamomile in particular, is traditionally enjoyed at the end of the day. This organic herbal infusion blend is part of a soothing, comforting ritual. The infused flowers also accompany quiet moments of pause.

To enjoy these flowers, all you need is a teapot, a little hot water and a teaspoon of dried flowers. Tea bags, available from herbalists, let you brew the plant directly in your cup.

Herbal infusions are widely enjoyed as an infusion. Honey and Roman chamomile essential oil are also part of long-standing traditional uses.

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What are the health benefits of chamomile herbal infusion?

Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family. Phytotherapy draws mainly on the dried flowers to create herbal infusions with a surprising range of properties.

How is chamomile used in phytotherapy?

From a botanical standpoint, two varieties are traditionally enjoyed:

• Roman chamomile, also known as common chamomile,
• German chamomile, also known as matricaria chamomile.

Both varieties provide the ingredients for chamomile oil, essential oil and dried flower infusions. The leaves have no medicinal use, though they are sometimes used as a herb in cooking.
Bees are particularly drawn to these plants, producing a honey with gentle soothing properties. It can be applied to the skin or used as a hair mask to relieve a dry scalp.

What virtues are attributed to these plants?

The virtues attributed to chamomile are wide-ranging:

• supports restful sleep,
• accompanies moments of relaxation,
• fits into a comforting pause,
• accompanies wellbeing rituals through the seasons,
• offers a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Organic Roman chamomile infusion is used to brighten blonde hair highlights. The infusion should be made strong to achieve a noticeable lightening effect. Combined with honey, the result is even more pronounced.

Gentler in nature, Roman chamomile also makes a delicate organic hydrosol, traditionally appreciated for how easy and pleasant it is to use.

German chamomile is also enjoyed in essential oil form.

How to make the most of chamomile infusion

Prized for its great gentleness, the chamomile flower is one of the most beloved herbs among infusion lovers. Here is how to brew a quality cup in just a few minutes.

How to brew your chamomile herbal infusion

An organic tea bag is the simplest way to enjoy a cup of chamomile. Add hot water, allow a few minutes to steep, and your drink is ready.

Those who prefer a more traditional approach steep whole flowers in a teapot. This takes a little longer but yields a fuller-bodied infusion.

Which plants pair well with chamomile?

For a good night's sleep, Roman chamomile infusion works in harmony with verbena, orange blossom or linden. Phytotherapists also recommend cutting back on coffee and spices during the second half of the day.

Chamomile pairs beautifully with common verbena leaves and yarrow as part of a feminine wellbeing ritual. Steep everything together in the teapot for greater synergy.

For gentler digestion, try adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to your chamomile teapot. The infusion takes on a warm anise-like fragrance. Artichoke and oat make a wonderful complement to this pairing.

The active compounds in chamomile

Behind the gentle warmth of a chamomile infusion lies a remarkable concentration of active molecules. The dried flowers contain, in particular:

• Apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to GABA receptors in the nervous system and contributes to the relaxing effect felt after a cup.
• Bisabolol and chamazulene, two compounds derived from the essential oil, recognised for their soothing properties on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Other antioxidant flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin) that help neutralise free radicals.
• Sesquiterpenes and coumarins that round out the plant's aromatic profile.

This biochemical signature explains why chamomile, whether matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) or chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile), has been enjoyed in herbalist traditions since antiquity. The Asteraceae family, to which this herbaceous plant belongs, also includes several of the most emblematic herbs found in any kitchen garden.

The virtues attributed to chamomile

A number of studies published in peer-reviewed journals have examined the benefits of chamomile. Here is an overview of the most well-documented effects, to be enjoyed as part of a regular routine.

Chamomile and sleep

Chamomile is one of the most beloved plants to accompany bedtime. Studies are exploring the link between regular consumption of the infusion and perceived sleep quality. Its gentleness, linked to the apigenin it contains, makes it a comforting evening drink. A warm cup before bed, as part of a regular wind-down routine, accompanies a moment of relaxation conducive to rest. For many, matricaria is among the gentlest of evening rituals.

Chamomile and relaxation

Chamomile is traditionally enjoyed to accompany everyday moments of relaxation. People love the soothing pause it offers, particularly when savoured as a generous infusion as part of a regular ritual. It supports relaxation gently, without daytime drowsiness.

Chamomile, skin and mucous membranes

Chamomile is traditionally enjoyed both through external application and as an infusion. Bisabolol and chamazulene, present in its flowers, are among its most characteristic compounds, valued for their great gentleness.

Chamomile and the digestive system

Chamomile is a plant of tradition, gladly savoured after a meal. Prized for its great gentleness, as an infusion it accompanies the moments that follow a meal, in a spirit of comfort.

It traditionally accompanies the following moments:

• the end of slightly heavy meals,
• indulgent pauses you like to extend gently,
• moments when you enjoy a warm, comforting drink,
• winter evenings made for cocooning,
• moments of relaxation after dinner,
• wellbeing pauses, alongside good hydration.

Chamomile is also appreciated for the antioxidant flavonoids naturally present in its flowers.

For a digestive infusion, one teaspoon of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes, is enough to release the key active compounds. Drinking it after a meal, without added sugar, enhances the effect.

Chamomile and skin: cosmetic uses

Chamomile does far more than soothe the nervous system. Used externally, it offers a wealth of cosmetic applications for the skin, hair and sensitive mucous membranes.

Chamomile hydrosol, obtained by distilling the flowers, is highly valued for calming skin irritations, redness and reactive skin. It can be used as a compress, a refreshing spray or a morning toner. For lighter hair, a strong infusion used as a final rinse brightens blonde highlights and soothes a sensitive scalp.

Perhaps less expected, a chamomile sitz bath is among the traditional uses valued for their great gentleness. Cool compresses soaked in chamomile infusion are also gladly used to refresh tired eyes at the end of the day.

Roman chamomile, feverfew, wild chamomile: knowing your varieties

The word "chamomile" actually refers to several related plants, sometimes confused but with quite distinct uses.

• German chamomile (matricaria recutita or matricaria): the mildest variety, ideal for everyday drinking. This is the matricaria we offer loose-leaf.
• Roman chamomile or noble chamomile (chamaemelum nobile): more bitter, traditionally used in herbalism for its pronounced digestive properties.
• Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium), also called bachelor's buttons: primarily used in standardised extract form as a food supplement.
• Wild chamomile: a hardy roadside variety occasionally used in local infusions.

For gentle, everyday use, matricaria chamomile infusion remains the benchmark. For a targeted digestive effect, noble chamomile is the one to reach for. Feverfew is better suited to supplement capsule form. And a word on chamomile extract: it appears in various cosmetic preparations valued for their gentleness.

Inhalation and other everyday uses

Beyond the evening cup, matricaria fits naturally into several everyday rituals. Used as an inhalation, its fragrant vapours are enjoyed for a moment of wellbeing. A few dried flowers in a bowl of boiling water, a towel draped over the head, and you can breathe in the soothing steam for five to ten minutes.

Diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond, Roman chamomile essential oil is valued for its gentleness on the skin. Mixed with a few drops of peppermint essential oil, it is gladly used for a soothing massage on the temples at the end of the day. A concentrated infusion, cooled and applied as a compress, can also bring relief to tired eyes at the end of the day. In short, this plant has far more to offer than a bedtime tea bag, and every method of use stays true to its naturally gentle character.

Precautions and contraindications

Although chamomile is a very well-tolerated plant, a few precautions are worth keeping in mind before making chamomile infusion a daily habit.

• Asteraceae allergies: people sensitive to ragweed, daisies or chrysanthemums may react to chamomile.
• Pregnancy: it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before drinking it regularly, especially during the first trimester.
• Drug interactions: chamomile may enhance the effect of certain anticoagulants. If you are on medication, check with your doctor first.
• Young children: seek paediatric advice before giving chamomile infusion regularly to infants.

These precautions should not cause concern. For the vast majority of healthy adults, one to three cups of organic chamomile per day is a safe, soothing and wonderfully comforting gesture.

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Go further

To deepen your soothing ritual, explore our linden guide, our verbena guide, our anti-stress herbal infusion guide or our sleep herbal infusion guide. Ready to brew? Browse our organic range.