Chamomile tea is a tea made from daisy-like Chamomile flowers. These flowers are dried and steeped in warm water. The chamomile flowers have a sweet fragrance and appear small with a yellow central disc surrounded by white petals. The sweet, gentle smell of chamomile gives chamomile tea an apple-like fragrance. No wonder chamomile tea is widely used as a herbal tea and even for aromatherapy.
Chamomile is derived from the Greek word “chamaimelon,” referring to ‘ground apple.’ Hence, the apple-like aroma. Over the centuries, it has been used extensively as a medicinal tonic and even for topical remedy.
Ancient Egyptians mainly consumed chamomile tea, and later on, it shifted to Romans too. However, in modern times, Chamomile tea is one of China’s most popular beverages and East Asian cultures apart from hibiscus tea.
Chamomile is available in two types: Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile) and Matricaria Chamomile (German or wild chamomile). The Roman Chamomile has a sweet taste, while German chamomile has a strong taste with a pungent smell.
A lot of people in India prefer chamomile tea over chai tea because of its soothing aroma. Chamomile plants are widely grown across Egypt and Eastern Europe. However, German chamomile is wild in nature. The flowers are dried for long hours to ensure long shelf life.