Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a pale herbal brew with a sweet delicate taste -- and is best known for its calming properties. Today's uses of chamomile differ little from those of ancient times.

While not a true tea since it does not originate from the Camellia sinensis "tea" plant, the herbal drink is made by pouring boiling water over fresh or dried flower tops of the Chamomile plant, which is grown in many part of the world including Eastern Europe, Egypt, Germany and Argentina.

Steeping time is around five minutes and chamomile tea is commonly taken with honey, also know for its soothing properties. In addition to drinking it as a sleep aid, here are some other therapeutic uses:

• Use cooled tea bags to make a compress to treat skin irritations, burns and inflammation
• Relieve mouth and gum pain by gargling the brew
• Add several cups to bath water for relaxation
• Place cooled teabags over the eyes to reduce puffiness and eye strain
• Calm nerves by inhaling the aroma of dried or fresh chamomile flower tops
• Soothe stomach cramps and digestive issues by drinking a cup
• Blend the tea with powdered milk as an exfoliating paste for sensitive skin.
• Apply a dab of the liquor to fungal infections to reduce symptoms

Always check with your doctor before using or consuming the tea for medicinal purposes. While known to be relatively safe, those who are allergic to pollen, ragweed and related plants may have reactions from consumption.

Chamomile blends are readily available in grocery stores, specialty food shops and health food retailers. Approximately one million cups are consumed annually, indicative of the long-term popularity of the beverage for pleasure as well as therapy.

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