At a glance: Organic loose-leaf chamomile herbal infusion, whole flowers. Brew at 100°C, 13 to 18 g/L, for 5 to 10 minutes. Caffeine-free, perfect for evenings.
Some plants need no embellishment. Chamomile is one of them. In our selection, it comes as it is: whole dried flowers, gently preserved, ready to release their honeyed fragrance the moment hot water meets them.
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, chose this organic chamomile for the quality of its flower heads: golden, intact, and beautifully scented. A simple, honest plant that speaks entirely for itself.
Explore all our herbal infusions to carry this calming ritual through every season.
The aromatic profile of chamomile
As hot water meets the flowers, a gentle fragrance rises. Honeyed, lightly fruity notes that call to mind ripe apple and freshly cut hay at the end of summer. The aroma is round and enveloping, never sharp.
On the palate, the infusion reveals a floral, buttery character with a naturally sweet finish. No bitterness, as long as the steeping time is respected. The liquor takes on a beautiful clear golden-yellow hue, limpid and luminous.
What makes the difference here is the integrity of the flowers. Kept whole rather than broken, they retain their essential oils and deliver a full, expressive cup, true to everything this plant has to offer.
- Top notes: soft honey, fresh hay
- Heart notes: ripe apple, yellow flower
- Base notes: light butter, gentle herbal touch
If you enjoy this style of gentle infusion, also explore our night detox herbal blend for evenings when you need to truly unwind.
How to brew chamomile
Chamomile is wonderfully simple to prepare, though a few small details make all the difference between a good cup and a great one.
Water: bring it to a full 100°C. Soft, low-mineral water works best, letting the floral aromas come through cleanly. Hard water can dull the liquor and mask the honeyed bouquet.
Dosage: use 13 to 18 grams of flowers per litre, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a large 250 ml cup. Since the flowers are light and voluminous, don't be shy with the amount.
Steeping time: infuse for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the strength you prefer. Five minutes for a delicate cup, ten for something richer and more honeyed.
Equipment: a glass or ceramic teapot with a wide-mesh filter works best. The flowers need room to open up in the water and release their aromas fully. A fine or narrow filter restricts extraction and leaves the cup feeling thin.
Chamomile is lovely on its own, but it also welcomes a drizzle of acacia honey or a squeeze of lemon to brighten its fruity notes. For a cold brew, steep the flowers in cold water for 8 hours in the fridge: the result is a refreshing, naturally sweet drink.
For a blended infusion, try pairing chamomile with other soft botanicals such as verbena, lemon balm, or orange blossom. These floral combinations enhance the roundness of the chamomile without overpowering its honeyed character.
The benefits of chamomile
Chamomile is a plant traditionally used since antiquity for its soothing properties. It contains flavonoids and essential oils, including apigenin, which has been studied for its relaxing effects.
According to the EMA (European Medicines Agency), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is recognised as a traditional herbal medicine for supporting digestive comfort and promoting relaxation in cases of mild nervous tension.
Research indexed on PubMed has also explored its potential to support sleep quality and ease certain mild digestive discomforts, though it is not a substitute for medical advice in cases of persistent symptoms.
This infusion fits naturally into an end-of-day routine: its gentleness makes it an ideal companion after dinner, whether you're settling in with a book or winding down before bed. Caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any hour without any risk of restlessness.
Try our organic chamomile as an evening ritual, alone or alongside our guide to choosing the right herbal infusion for your mood and the time of day.
Storage
Store your chamomile in an airtight container, away from light, moisture, and strong odours. Dried flowers are particularly sensitive to ambient air, which quickly dulls their honeyed fragrance.
An opaque metal tin or a tinted glass jar kept in a dry cupboard works perfectly. Stored this way, the flowers retain their full aromatic expression for 18 to 24 months after opening.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of chamomile?
Chamomile is traditionally recognised for supporting relaxation, digestive comfort, and sleep quality. Its richness in flavonoids, including apigenin, explains its long-standing use as a soothing plant. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
How do you brew chamomile?
Bring water to 100°C, pour over 13 to 18 g of flowers per litre (roughly a heaped tablespoon for 250 ml), and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy as is, or with a little acacia honey.
Where can I buy loose-leaf chamomile?
Our organic loose-leaf chamomile is available from Thés & Traditions, selected for the quality of its whole flower heads. Always choose organic loose-leaf chamomile over tea bags to preserve the integrity of the flowers and their essential oils.
What effect does chamomile have on sleep?
Chamomile is traditionally used to encourage relaxation before bedtime. Several studies referenced on PubMed have explored its potential to improve sleep quality, without producing any marked sedative effect. A cup around 30 minutes before bed is the most common approach.
What types of chamomile are there?
The two most well-known varieties are German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), with its honeyed, fruity notes, and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), which is more bitter and robust. Our selection features German chamomile, the gentler of the two and the most approachable for everyday drinking.
Sources
The information here draws on the EMA (European Medicines Agency) monographs dedicated to Matricaria chamomilla, as well as indexed scientific research on flavonoids and apigenin. To explore further, visit our complete guide to chamomile and its recognised properties.
