Herb of the Year 2025: Chamomile
If you’ve ever sipped a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed, you’ve already experienced one of the many gifts of this beloved herb. Chamomile, with its sweet apple-like fragrance and daisy-like blooms, has earned a lasting place in gardens and apothecaries around the world. But there’s more to this gentle flower than just bedtime tea. It’s a plant packed with healing power—and a long history of helping humans feel better, body and mind.
Meet the Plant
Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family and comes in two main types used in herbal medicine:
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): A hardy annual known for its potent oils.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): A low-growing perennial with a milder scent.
Both have delicate white petals and a cheerful yellow center, resembling tiny daisies. They grow easily in temperate climates and are often found tucked into garden corners where they can quietly work their magic.
A Bit of History
Chamomile has been cherished since ancient times. The Egyptians dedicated it to the sun god Ra and used it for fevers and skin healing. Roman soldiers used it in their baths and drinks to calm nerves and aid digestion. Even in the Middle Ages, people scattered chamomile on castle floors to sweeten the air and ward off illness.
Healing Properties
Chamomile’s true strength lies in its chemical makeup. The flower heads contain a variety of compounds—most notably apigenin, bisabolol, flavonoids, and coumarins—that give the plant its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial powers.
Here’s what chamomile can do:
• Reduce inflammation and soothe irritated tissues
• Relax muscles and ease spasms (helpful for cramps and stomachaches)
• Calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep
• Fight off bacteria and support wound healing
• Gently support digestion and ease bloating or nausea
• Provide antioxidant protection at the cellular level
• Soothe skin irritations, eczema, and minor burns
Ways to Use Chamomile
Chamomile can be used in so many ways—it’s like a Swiss Army knife of the herb world! Here are some common applications:
Tea: This is perhaps the most famous use. Just steep the dried flowers in hot water for a few minutes and sip slowly. Chamomile tea is known to help with sleep, anxiety, indigestion, and even menstrual cramps.
Skincare: Look for chamomile in creams, ointments, and lotions. It’s great for calming red or itchy skin, reducing inflammation, and even helping heal minor wounds.
Aromatherapy: Chamomile essential oil can be diffused for relaxation or added to a bath to soothe frazzled nerves.
Tinctures and Capsules: When a stronger dose is needed, tinctures or capsules offer a more concentrated form of chamomile.
Compresses: Steeped chamomile water can be applied to the skin or eyes using a cloth or cotton pad.
Healing Properties
While chamomile is one of the gentlest herbs out there, it’s still powerful—so a little care goes a long way.
Allergy alert: If you’re allergic to ragweed, daisies, or other members of the Asteraceae family, you might react to chamomile too.
Pregnancy: Large amounts aren’t recommended in pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating properties.
Medication interactions: Chamomile can enhance the effects of blood thinners and sedatives
Final Thoughts
Chamomile may look delicate, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a robust herbal ally with a long-standing tradition of healing and care. Whether you’re looking for calm, comfort, or a bit of digestive support, this little flower has you covered.
So the next time you see chamomile blooming in a field or your garden, take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength—and maybe invite it into your daily routine.
