How Long To Steep Chamomile Tea? (Steeping Guide)

Steeping chamomile tea the proper way is vital to getting the most flavor.

Like many teas, chamomile is an herbal tea that should be steeped at a specific temperature for a particular time.

So, how long should you steep chamomile tea to produce a delicious cuppa?

Generally, chamomile tea should be steeped for at least 5 minutes to bloom the flowers in the boiling water. Unlike traditional teas, chamomile doesn’t contain tannins that produce bitterness. So. you can steep the tea for up to 30 minutes without having a strong bitter flavor.

Curious to learn more about steeping chamomile tea? Let’s dive in! This blog will cover how to prepare chamomile tea, steeping time, and general tips for producing a flavorful cup of tea.

How Is Chamomile Tea Prepared?

Chamomile tea is simple to prepare and requires little time or ingredients. Here are the instructions on how to steep the perfect cup of chamomile tea:

• Boil 8 ounces of water in a tea kettle to a temperature between 195℉ – 205℉.
• Put a chamomile tea bag or a tablespoon of blossoms in a mug.
• Pour the boiling water over it and stir it for 2-3 seconds.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes.
• Take out the tea bag or strain the flowers. 
• Optional: Add honey, lemon, or whatever you like to enhance the flavor.

Following the instructions above, you can steep a soothing cup of chamomile tea.

How Long Do You Steep Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is prepared by steeping dried chamomile blossoms in boiling water. The duration of steeping the tea depends on personal preference and whether loose flowers or tea bags are used.

Generally, chamomile tea should be steeped for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flowers to bloom in boiling water. Steeping chamomile tea for less than 5 minutes will produce a lighter flavor, while longer than 10 minutes will have a stronger infusion.

Traditional teas like black or green tea will have a bitter flavor the longer it steeps. Fortunately, chamomile tea is quite forgiving and can be steeped for up to 30 minutes without ruining the taste. 

Can You Over-Steep Chamomile Tea For Too Long?

Chamomile tea should be steeped for 5 minutes to extract the most flavor. If the tea is steeped shorter, the flavor will be weaker. You won’t get the light flavor and aroma of a properly steeped cup of chamomile tea.

Traditional teas from the Camellia sinesis plant, such as green and black tea, have compounds called tannins. Once hot water is added, these teas release tannins, which produce a bitter taste.

Since chamomile is an herbal tea, it won’t release tannins. Chamomile tea is very forgiving when it’s over-steeped. There won’t be an overly bitter or strong taste. However, it’s better not to over-steep chamomile beyond 10 minutes because it may taste overcooked.

Preparation: Loose Leaf Vs. Tea Bags

Let’s spill the tea on the debate between teabags and loose leaf tea. Did you know that teabags usually contain tea “dust”? These tiny, low-quality tea particles are cheaper pieces of chamomile and filler.

Loose leaf tea contains whole tea leaves and blossoms. They are of higher quality and produce a much more flavorful tea. You can find high-quality tea bags that come in pyramid-shaped bags and sachets. But if you have the option to choose, then always go with loose leaf tea. 

Here’s the big difference when preparing both.

Loose Leaf: Add one tablespoon to a tea infuser for loose leaves and put it in a teapot. Boil water, cool for 1-2 minutes, then pour over the leaves. Steep for 5 minutes.

Tea Bags: When using a tea bag, boil water, cool for 1-2 minutes, then pour over the bag in a teacup. Steep for 5 minutes.

General Tips for Steeping Chamomile Tea

You must pay attention to the steeping time to steep the perfect cup. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose A Quality Chamomile Tea

Choosing a loose leaf instead of a tea bag is the best way to improve your cup of tea. Tea bags contain tea dust particles that are of lower quality. Loose leaf tea allows the blossoms to bloom and produce a more nuanced flavor.

Follow The Proper Brewing Method

Brewing chamomile tea takes time and space for the flowers to bloom. So, follow the instructions on how to steep chamomile properly. When the flowers blossom in boiling water, they will grow in size and infuse the water with flavor. 

Use The Right Amount of Tea

The amount of chamomile tea used can alter your tea’s strength, aroma and flavor. A good rule of thumb is to use either 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers, 2-3 teaspoons of fresh chamomile flowers or 1 tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 mL) of water. But if you want it stronger or weaker, you can add more or less to suit your taste buds.

Use An Electric Kettle

Chamomile requires water that meets 212 degrees to extract the most flavor. An electric kettle will allow you to boil your water at the perfect temperature. At the same time, a stove-top kettle doesn’t give you the temperature.

Don’t Overdo It

There are numerous flavor enhancers that you can add, such as milk, green apple, lavender, and honey–just to name a few. Pick one or two enhancers; don’t overdo it when steeping chamomile tea. Allow the subtle and light flavor of chamomile tea to shine.

Use Filtered Water

Use filtered water because the acidity or hardness of tap water can cause faster extraction and bitterness. To improve water quality, consider using a filter, such as a refrigerator, faucet attachment, or pitcher.

Enhance The Flavor: What To Add To Chamomile Tea?

Herbal teas such as chamomile are subtle and mild in taste. Adding different ingredients such as citrus, sweeteners, or herbs can enhance the flavor and aroma. Not to mention that some flavor enhancements can also provide a handful of health benefits.

Below is a list of what you can add to chamomile tea. I recommend you be creative and try each suggestion to see which you prefer most. You may find the perfect combination that works with your taste buds.

• Citrus: Add a splash of citrus juice to your tea. Choose your favorite citruses, such as lemon, orange, or lime, to add a zesty and tart flavor.
• Honey: A dollop of honey will add a subtle sweet flavor to your cup of tea. Plus, the combination of honey and chamomile tea is excellent for soothing a sore throat.
• Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for a little spice. Ginger has many health benefits, such as anti-inflammation and fighting colds.
• Lavender: Chamomile and lavender are two common pairings found together. Add dried lavender to add a light and flowery aroma.
• Cinnamon: Add a cinnamon stick for a hint of warm spice flavor and aroma. Not to mention that chamomile and cinnamon have many health benefits, such as muscle relaxation.
• Milk, Dairy Alternatives, or Creamer: Adding a splash of milk or creamer goes a long way. Adding milk, creamer, or dairy-alternative products will make your chamomile tea taste richer and creamier. 
• Hibiscus: Add hibiscus for a soothing yet slightly sweet flavor.
• Berries: Add dried or fresh berries for a fruity flavor that compliments the subtle taste of chamomile tea.
• Green Apple: Naturally, chamomile has subtle notes of green apple. By adding slices of green apple, you’ll further enhance the mellow and honey-like sweetness.

7 Chamomile Tea Health Benefits

As you may have known, chamomile tea can induce better sleep quality and relaxation. But did you know this herbal tea has many more health benefits? Here are the top benefits of chamomile tea.

1. Helps With Sleep and Relaxation

Chamomile is well-known for its calming and sedative properties, making it an ideal choice for improving sleep quality and reducing stress.

I drink chamomile tea two hours before bedtime to help me wind down and ensure a good night’s rest!

2. Aids Digestion

Chamomile tea can help soothe an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and relieve indigestion. Plus, it’s a good remedy for a hangover.

3. Supports Immune System

Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

4. Reduces Inflammation

Chamomile contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation, which may benefit conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and sore throat.

5. Alleviates Menstrual Pain

Drinking chamomile tea has been found to provide relief from menstrual cramps, PMS and discomfort. According to research, chamomile naturally contains antispasmodic elements which ease menstrual-related pain.

6. Reduces Anxiety And Depression

Some studies suggest that chamomile may have mild anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, which can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

7. Helps Manage Blood Sugar

Some research indicates that chamomile may help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This is extremely important for folks who are dealing with type 2 diabetes.

How Long Do Chamomile Tea Effects Last?

Chamomile tea is an herbal drink with great health benefits. One of the most common reasons people drink chamomile tea is to relax and sleep better. 

Chamomile tea typically takes 30-45 minutes for the effects to start. The effects of chamomile tea will last up to several hours.

The effects vary depending on the person and how much they drink. Everyone is different, so it depends on your metabolism, sensitivity, and the strength of the brew to determine how long chamomile tea takes to work.

Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine?

Is there any caffeine content in chamomile tea? The answer is a soothing “no.” 

Chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it the perfect choice for late-night sipping sessions. Not only does it help you unwind after a long day, but it helps you drift into a good night’s rest without the buzz of caffeine. 

FAQ About Chamomile Tea

How long should chamomile tea steep?

Chamomile tea should be steeped for 5-10 minutes for the best flavor. The steeping time does depend on how strong you like your tea. If you prefer a milder taste, you can steep it for a shorter period, but if you want a stronger flavor, you can let it steep for a bit longer.

What is the ideal chamomile tea water temperature?

Steeping chamomile tea will extract the most flavor and health benefits. Chamomile tea requires a water temperature that has reached a boiling point of 195℉ – 205℉.  

However, chamomile tea doesn’t require boiling water. One popular method is to cold brew chamomile tea which produces a refreshing taste. This will take cold steeping chamomile for 12-24 hours to extract the most flavor and aroma.

How long does it take for chamomile tea to make you sleepy?

Chamomile tea is a natural sedative that can help you relax and fall asleep. It’ll usually take 30-45 minutes for the effects of chamomile tea to start. Everyone will react differently because of metabolism, brewing methods, and chamomile sensitivity. So, pay attention to how your body responds and adjust your tea intake to help with sleep.

Is it OK to drink chamomile tea every night?

Yes, it’s completely fine to drink chamomile tea every night. If you have trouble sleeping and need to relax your body and mind before bed, chamomile tea will work wonders. Chamomile tea is a natural sedative that can relax the body and improve sleep quality.

How much chamomile should I drink to fall asleep?

The sedative effects of drinking chamomile tea will be different for each person. If you’re steeping loose leaves, 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers for 8 ounces of boiling water will be enough. One tea bag, which generally has ½ to 1 gram of chamomile, will be enough for the same serving size.

Final Thoughts

Chamomile is a forgiving tea that will allow you to steep it up to 30 minutes without ruining the flavor. When it is properly brewed, you get a light, mild taste that’s soothing for your throat and body. Not only does a cup of chamomile taste good, but it’s also packed with numerous health benefits.