How to Make Chamomile

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Chamomile, or matricaria, is a flower in the daisy family that is often used as a medicinal herb. Due to its soothing aroma, chamomile is often brewed as an herbal tea, which is consumed to combat a wide variety of ailments from sore throats to stomachaches. Though chamomile teabags can be purchased at any grocery store, making your own chamomile tea is a simple process that can be a relaxing way to spend an evening.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

2 tbsp. fresh or dried chamomile flowers Teakettle or pot Teapot Strainer Honey

Making Chamomile

Step 1

Collect chamomile flowers. You can purchase dried flowers from a vendor or pick fresh ones yourself. Wild chamomile flowers are small, white flowers with bright yellow flower heads, similar in appearance to daisies.
Step 2

Pour 2 cups of water into a pot or teakettle and bring it to a boil. If you are using fresh flowers, rinse them with cold water.
Step 3

Pour hot water into your teapot while waiting for your pot or teakettle to boil. Allow the hot water to sit, warming your teapot from within. After one or two minutes, or when your teapot has become warm to the touch, pour the hot water into the sink.
Step 4

Place the chamomile flowers into your teapot.
Step 5

Pour the boiling water into your teapot. Allow the chamomile to steep, covered, for three to five minutes.
Step 6

Strain the tea into your cup or mug. Add honey to taste.

Tips & Warnings

Add crushed apple slices to the teapot along with the chamomile for extra flavor. You can also add lavender or other herbs. If you don't have a strainer, you can pour the unstrained tea into your cup and skim the flowers off the top with a spoon instead.
If you wish to use wild flowers, make sure to bring a field guide with you in order to ensure that you correctly identify the flowers. Do not pick flowers near a road or highway, as the exhaust can be absorbed into the plant.