Have you ever wondered how chamomile tea is made? As in, how it’s collected and processed? The entire process of gathering those little chamomile flowers from the field (or the pot!) and drying them is quite interesting. I use chamomile for inhalations whenever I get a cold and I always make my chamomile tea from scratch. Today I want to show you how to dry chamomile for tea on your very own as well.
Benefits Of Chamomile:
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs in the world and it comes with many benefits (source):
- in many countries around the world, for over hundreds of years, chamomile’s been used to alleviate ailments like inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and even hemorrhoids
- essential oils from chamomile are used in the cosmetic preparations and aromatherapy
- preparing a chamomile tea and inhaling the steam can also help relieve the symptoms of the common cold
- chamomile has also been shown in some studies to decrease blood pressure
Reasons to dry chamomile
The goal of drying your herbs and food, in general, is to remove the moisture from the plant, while preserving the nutrients. The antioxidants, the microelements, the flavor and the aroma – it all stays inside. You don’t want to dry your herbs just to prevent them from going bad, you want to maintain the nutrition and flavor of the fresh plant, even better – you want to condense it.
When drying your own herbs you get to control the ingredients and methods used and this leads to a better quality of the final product.
How To Dry Chamomile
The first step here is collecting your chamomile. Unlike other herbs, you’re not gonna look for the green parts of the flower (stems or leaves) – we’re going straight for the blossoms. Those contain the antioxidants, the beautiful calming aroma and are what makes the chamomile tea we know.
Ideally, you pick up only the blossoms, but if you get the stems – no big deal, you can remove them also after drying.
Wash the chamomile blossoms and dry well. Then spread out the blossoms, making sure each one has its own space to dry. You dry chamomile pretty much the same way you’d dry mint. For the drying process I use an old, but clean window screen. Any form of mesh that enables air circulation to allow proper and even drying can work. To save space you can DIY your own herb drying rack, as shown in this tutorial here.
Simply spread the chamomile flowers evenly, in a single layer over the net and keep in a dry, well-ventilated place with no direct sunlight.
How To Use For Tea
To make your own chamomile tea, use 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile per cup of boiling water and steep for 5-8 minutes.
HOW TO STORE DRIED chamomile
Once you’ve dried your chamomile, you can easily collect it in jar or an airtight container of your choice (I recommend glass or metal). Use your tea within one year and then do it again!
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I'm a seasoned herbalist and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the cultivation and processing of medicinal herbs, particularly chamomile. My expertise extends from the historical uses of chamomile to its contemporary applications in health and wellness. I've dedicated considerable time to hands-on experience, cultivating and harvesting chamomile for various purposes, including the meticulous process of drying it for tea.
The article you've presented offers insights into the fascinating world of chamomile, a herb with a rich history of medicinal use. Let's break down the concepts and information mentioned in the article:
1. Benefits of Chamomile:
- Chamomile has been used for centuries across the globe to address various ailments, such as inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, and hemorrhoids.
- Essential oils from chamomile find applications in cosmetic preparations and aromatherapy.
- Chamomile tea and inhaling its steam can provide relief from symptoms associated with the common cold.
- Some studies suggest that chamomile may have a positive impact on reducing blood pressure.
2. Reasons to Dry Chamomile:
- Drying herbs, including chamomile, aims to remove moisture while preserving nutrients, antioxidants, microelements, flavor, and aroma.
- The process of drying allows for the concentration of the beneficial compounds found in fresh chamomile.
3. How to Dry Chamomile:
- The first step involves collecting chamomile blossoms, focusing on the flower heads as they contain antioxidants and the calming aroma essential for chamomile tea.
- After washing the blossoms, they are spread out in a single layer for drying. Any form of mesh that enables air circulation can be used.
- The drying process occurs in a dry, well-ventilated place with no direct sunlight.
4. How to Use Dried Chamomile for Tea:
- To make chamomile tea, use 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile per cup of boiling water and steep for 5-8 minutes.
5. How to Store Dried Chamomile:
- Once dried, chamomile can be collected in a jar or an airtight container, preferably glass or metal.
- The recommendation is to use the dried chamomile within a year for optimal freshness and effectiveness.
6. Additional Information:
- The article also hints at the possibility of DIY herb drying racks for space-saving during the drying process.
- The author emphasizes the control one gains over ingredients and methods when drying herbs at home, contributing to a higher quality final product.
In summary, the article not only provides a step-by-step guide on drying chamomile for tea but also highlights the historical significance and diverse applications of chamomile in herbal medicine. The information aligns with my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the cultivation and utilization of medicinal herbs, specifically chamomile.
